STVVC NEWS AND SOCIAL MEDIA

Official Statement from the San Tan Valley Veterans Center

The San Tan Valley Veterans Center (STVVC) exists to serve our local veterans with integrity, compassion, and transparency. We are deeply sorry for the loss of the veteran’s dog, and we understand how painful this has been. Because of recent public claims about a property donation and the events surrounding the dog’s death, we want to share the documented facts.

Property Donation and Continued Residency

The veteran donated the property to the STVVC. Witnesses with no legal or financial interest in the donation have given statements that the veteran was aware he was donating the property to the STVVC. The recorded deed conveys title solely to the organization, not to any individual, and it prohibits any transfer to an individual. Neither the Director nor any officer of the STVVC holds title to the property. The deed also reserves a life estate for the veteran. He may live at the property for the rest of his life, or until he chooses to leave. The STVVC is honoring that arrangement and will continue to do so.

The Loss of the Veteran’s Dog

Our sympathies are with the veteran. The following is what the records show:

- Authorities found no trespassing by the STVVC. Following a formal inquiry, authorities found no trespassing on the part of the STVVC.

-Our volunteers acted quickly. STVVC volunteers were at the property doing routine cleanup, clearing weeds from the public-facing front area to keep the property maintained. While they were there, they found the dog under a tree, barely moving, in acute medical distress. They immediately took her to an emergency veterinary hospital. The volunteers had no knowledge of how the dog was injured or became ill.

-Medical decisions belonged to the owner. The STVVC, its volunteers, or staff members did not own the dog and had no legal authority to direct or consent to treatment. Our role was to get the dog to qualified professionals as quickly as possible.

-The veterinary findings are documented. The Pinal County Animal Care and Control report states that the veterinary clinic documented a possible rattlesnake bite with tissue necrosis around the wound in the mouth. The veterinarian recommended euthanasia, the owner consented, and the dog was euthanized on May 16, 2026. It was a difficult decision, made with the dog’s suffering in mind.

We rely on official records from county authorities, Animal Control, and veterinary professionals, and we encourage anyone with questions to review them.

The STVVC remains committed to the veterans in San Tan Valley and surrounding communities who depend on us.

San Tan Valley Veterans Center
Board of Directors