A Legacy of Kind Hearts, Determined Spirits, Contented Purrs, & Wagging Tails
The Humane Society of Sedona is officially celebrating their 60th Diamond Anniversary in 2026 and excited to recognize the many 2-legged and 4-legged friends who have helped to make it a vibrant, amazing organization. The incorporation of the Humane Society of Sedona (HSS) transcends the City of Sedona’s incorporation by 22 years, but its legacy started even sooner, back in 1954, with an abandoned dog that became known as Mr. Brown. The story goes something like this…
Two local women, Margaret Mudgett and Dorothy Purnell, who were camping above Oak Creek Canyon highway witnessed a horrific sight while constructing their business ‘ Peddler’s Wagon’—a dog thrown from a car. If that was not bad enough, another car struck the dog. He was left alone, laying by the side of the road. Though others looked on and then passed on, Margaret and Dorothy rushed down to rescue the injured animal. Together, they managed to hoist the big boy up, carried him to safety where they could tend to his injuries, and then on to veterinarian care.
In the Beginning There was Mr. Brown
This handsome survivor impressed Margaret and Dorothy so much with his dignified and endearing ways they named him ‘Mr. Brown.’ Mr. Brown took his dog role seriously and would growl and bark, protecting the Peddlers property until he could properly identify who was approaching him. Through his trials and winning ways, Mr. Brown won over many hearts and, as dogs do, he learned to shake hands.
Being an artist, Dorothy was inspired by his welcoming forefoot, created the first ‘Paw Print’ logo in Mr. Brown’s honor, and influenced the name of the first fledging shelter in Sedona. Today, Mr. Brown’s legacy and ‘paw print’ lives on in the passion of HSS’s mission and even in the name of the HSS Village of Oak Creek Thrift Store—Paw Prints.
There are so many heart-warming and heroic stories that weave through the decades of the Shelter’s history that it is impossible to give due credit to them all. Another one about Jimmie ‘The Nose’ stands out. Jimmie started his life born to a stray mother cat who found sanctuary in resident Eleanor Dodd’s family. He had a happy childhood (or is that kittenhood?) until his mother was killed, leaving Jimmie with his 3-week-old sister. From there, Jimmie found his vocation! He went on to raise his sister and then to ‘foster’ abandoned kittens, providing nurturing acceptance and a warm embrace.
Both Mr. Brown and Jimmie, and their compassionate pet parents, exemplify the spirit and dedication that has thrived, blossomed, and set the pace for all of us in the local community of animal enthusiasts and advocates.
No Shortage of Abandoned Animals – or Compassion
Two individuals that also stand out are Ellen and Leon Verwilst who are credited with starting the fledging Paw Prints, Sedona’s Humane Society, in April 1958. Records show that during the year 1960, the Verwilsts housed 11 dogs and 55 cats, utilizing three cages on their premises. After rescuing and providing care in the Sedona area, they would seek local adoption for the animals or transfer them to the County Shelter in Flagstaff.
Just as happens now at the Shelter, the Verwilsts would sometimes find themselves the caretakers of some pretty unusual, lost companion pets. A June 7, 1963 Arizona Republic article reports the loss, and happy reunion, of a pet coati. Fortunately, the tame coati was wearing a red collar when found by a caring Sedona resident, Mr. John Molloy, who suspected the little guy was a pet and brought him to Paw Prints for care. It was not long before his pet parent, Mrs. Smith, came looking for him and lovingly scooped him up in her arms. It turns out, ‘Snoopy’ was aptly named and we hope he resisted leaving his family to snoop around town after that. 
Help From Down South
In June 1958, Larry Andrews, executive secretary of the Arizona Humane Society (AHS) at Phoenix, spoke to a group of 22 Sedona residents to encourage their plans for opening a brick-and-mortar shelter. At that time, AHS existed as the sole animal shelter in the entire State of Arizona. Andrews stressed that “kindness is not only for abandoned and neglected animals but also for people, pet owners and their neighbors.”
Around the same time, a news article reported that residents, inspired by Andrews guidance and support, met at the Sedona Chamber of Commerce to make a structured plan for a local shelter and chose the name ‘Paw Prints, Red Rock Animal Shelter.’ Organizing members on a 1958 document include—President Elmer Purtyman, Vice President Helen Varner Fry, Secretary Louise Covington, Treasurer Cecil Lockhart-Smith, and Correspondence Secretary Mrs. Moore. The membership drive indicated members would pay ‘one dollar per year’ and the first money-raising project—a play called ‘The Stowaway’—would help to provide funding for building and maintenance.
Though just in its non-profit infancy, the small but passionate team at the Shelter jumped right into the business of providing crucial community animal welfare activities—a free dog rabies vaccine clinic in 1964 and many lost/found efforts that successfully got lost, scared animals back to their owners.
On August 18, 1966, Mrs. Verwilst proudly reported the incorporation of Paw Prints Humane Society of Sedona, Inc. A goal to procure funds for a Shelter building was immediately put into place. The goal, along with their current savings account finances, was to raise $10,000. Ellen mentioned that was enough to “build and equip the Shelter in a simple but adequate style.”
Ready Set Go – Growing Pains, New Buildings, A Parade, and Miss Piggy
Jumping considerable hurdles and obstacles, the undaunted Paw Prints people pressed on for their cause with fund-raisers and perseverance.
Through the 70s, 80s, and 90s many fund-raisers and efforts were made to establish a solid, physical location for the growing demand resulting from abandoned dogs and cats. On June 10, 1974, they opened a brick-and-mortar facility on Soldier Pass Road and proudly held an Open House featuring 10 cat cages and 10 dog runs.
Their dedication to the animals was paying off and helped to establish a growing recognition of the benefit and worth of companion pets. In a February 6, 1975 article reporter Gladys Thornton stated, “The mark of a civilization, in the broadest and finest connotation of that word, is the care it takes of its helpless citizens. In Sedona today, the Humane Society stands as an operating part of that which we term civilization.”
In 1979, a small but newer building was established on the property at 2115 Shelby Drive—securing the current location of the Humane Society of Sedona. Residents report that 89A was shut down while Paw Prints staff and volunteers formed a unique parade of all of the shelter animals from the Soldier Pass shelter to the new location. While no photographic evidence has been found, reliable sources have mentioned the grand walk to Shelby Drive was led by a dedicated team member in a Miss Piggy costume!
Community Momentum Keeps the Good Vibes Flowing
Just as today, community support was, and is, the fuel that keeps the Humane Society’s ‘engines’ humming. With nearly 90% of revenue coming from private donations and thrift store sales, HSS’s success is grounded in the compassionate support of local residents.
With this in mind, Paw Prints was able to purchase property in the Village of Oak Creek for their Thrift Store in 1998. Paw Prints Thrift Store continues to be in the same location near Bell Rock supported through and serving the community. The VOC Thrift Store and Paws West Thrift Store in West Sedona are significant sources of income to support the homeless animals sheltered at HSS.
As mentioned, there are far too many wonderful animal advocates that lived and breathed the Paw Prints vision to name them all. But it would be remiss to not mention Jackie Randall, as she aptly epitomizes the spirit and drive of the Humane Society of Sedona mission. Jackie has worn many hats during her 30+ years of support including serving as Board President and Executive Director. You may recognize her as the author for the Red Rock News article ‘Paw Prints’ – where Jackie’s weekly insights into all-things animal are both educational and entertaining.
A State-of-the-Art, Thriving Humane Society is a Dream Come True
In 2009, an amazing state-of-the-art animal shelter structure began to grow out of the beautiful red dirt at the top of Shelby Drive. Especially designed for housing animals, care was taken to create living spaces that respect the need for separation of dogs and cats. Ample space is provided for prospective adopted pet parents to visit the fur babies. A private dog park on the premises allows for needed outdoor time, romping, playing, or generous petting by HSS volunteers.
A 1975 article outlines HSS’s then-President, Cecil Lockhart-Smith’s description of the Society’s purpose as being—
- The Shelter is a refuge for stray, lost or abandoned small domestic animals.
- The Shelter aids in restoring lost animals to their owners.
- The third and last but surely not the least of the purposes of the Humane Society is to find good adoptive homes for the many loving and lovable four-footed friends who, through no fault of their own, have no one to care for them.
Amidst all the change, growth, and remarkable people and animals that have forged the Humane Society of Sedona’s legacy, those three founding principles remain constant—to be a sanctuary for scared, abandoned, lost, and hurting animals, restore lost pets back to their owners, and find loving new homes and adventures for the shelter animals.
60 Years of Saving Lives
Today, HSS helps over a thousand companion pets and pet owners annually through a number of community services—pet adoption events, low cost spay and neuter, lost and found services, rehoming support, city dog licensing, vaccine and microchip clinics, no cost pet food bank, Kids & Kritters Camps, and the Emergency Medical Fund. An onsite clinic with part-time veterinarian and vet tech ensures that shelter animals receive timely spay/neuter and medical services. The accessibility of the professional veterinary team has also opened the door for grant-funded animal care for pet owners with financial constraints.
In celebration of the Humane Society of Sedona’s Diamonds are Fur-Ever 60th Anniversary, new naming and endowment opportunities are available now for friends of the animals who would like to join this enduring legacy. Together, the caring community will continue to help homeless and hurting companion pets find hope, healing, and best of all—new homes. Mr. Brown would be pleased.
