CITY OF CASA GRANDE | STRONGER UNITED 
510 E. Florence Blvd., Casa Grande, Arizona 85122 
www.CasaGrandeAZ.Gov

Contact:
Heather C. Kennedy
Public Information Office
(520) 421-8600 ext. 2530
PIO@CasaGrandeAZ.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
March 12, 2026 

Casa Grande Animal Care & Adoption Center Celebrates Completion of Mural and Facility Improvements with Ribbon Cutting 

Casa Grande, AZ — The Casa Grande Animal Care & Adoption Center invites the community to attend a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the completion of a new wall mural and several facility improvements designed to enhance the experience for animals, visitors, and staff. The event will take place Thursday, March 19 at 10 a.m. at the Animal Care & Adoption Center, located at 202 E. First Avenue in Casa Grande. 

The event will recognize the collaborative effort that brought both the mural and recent improvements to life. Like many creative projects, the mural’s journey included a few unexpected turns. When the original artist, Anisa Burke, stepped away from the project, local artist Israel Lopez stepped in to complete the work and bring the vision to fruition. 

The mural was designed to highlight the deep bond between humans and animals while celebrating the beauty of Arizona’s desert landscapes. The artwork embraces people of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities and enhances the exterior of the building while reflecting the life-saving mission of the Animal Care & Adoption Center. 

“This project is about making the shelter a welcoming and visible part of our community,” said Cerise Shanafelt, Animal Control Supervisor. “We want the shelter to stand out, not blend in. A vibrant mural can help raise awareness about the work we do and hopefully increase adoptions by drawing more people in. Every animal deserves a second chance, and we want the community to know where to find them.” 

The mural began as a community-focused initiative inviting artists from Pinal County to submit proposals to design and paint the west-facing wall of the facility. In partnership with the Casa Grande Arts & Culture Commission and the Casa Grande Police Department, the project is part of a broader effort to beautify civic spaces while showcasing local talent. 

In addition to the mural, several improvements have been completed to enhance the outdoor dog run areas and improve the comfort of animals awaiting adoption. The Arizona Rock Product Association connected member Gila River Sand & Gravel to the project who generously donated and delivered 60 tons of 3/8-inch crushed rock, fulfilling the adoption center’s entire request for new gravel. 

“Supporting projects like this is part of our commitment to the communities we serve,” said Mike Morago, CEO of Gila River Sand & Gravel. “We were proud to donate the materials needed to improve the dog runs and help create a more comfortable environment for the animals while they wait for their forever homes.” 

Hensel Phelps also contributed to the improvements by donating time and materials to install five new concrete pads in the dog runs and providing shade sails to help keep the dogs cool and comfortable. 

“Supporting the Animal Care & Adoption Center is a natural extension of our commitment to investing in the communities where we live and build,” said a representative from Hensel Phelps. “By donating our team’s time, materials, and expertise, we’re helping create a safer and more comfortable environment for the animals in their care.” 

The Animal Care & Adoption Center provides essential services to the community by caring for abandoned and homeless animals. The new mural and facility improvements reflect those values while bringing renewed attention to the shelter and the animals waiting for their forever homes. 

Community members are encouraged to attend the ribbon cutting to see the improvements firsthand and learn more about how they can support the center’s mission through adoption, volunteering, and responsible pet ownership. 

Event Details 

• What: Animal Care & Adoption Center Mural Ribbon Cutting 
• When: Thursday, March 19, 10 a.m. 
• Where: Casa Grande Animal Care & Adoption Center, 202 E. First Avenue, Casa Grande, AZ 

For more information about the Casa Grande Animal Care & Adoption Center, including adoptable pets and volunteer opportunities, visit the City of Casa Grande website. 

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