Throughout Foothills Animal Rescue’s Scottsdale campus, “831” appears repeatedly.

For Brynne Smith and her family, 831 was a special way to say “I love you” — eight letters in “I love you,” three for the number of words and one for the overarching meaning of the phrase. 

Foothills Animal Rescue will recall that message its annual 831 Adoption Special, offering $0 adoptions Saturday, Aug 29, to Monday, Aug. 31, at the Brynne Smith Memorial Campus, 10197 E. Bell Rd., Scottsdale. 

The campus will have extended hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.  

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“The meaning behind 831 is woven into everything we do at Foothills Animal Rescue,” said Lana Shapiro, chief advancement officer for Foothills Animal Rescue. 

“It represents love, but it also represents action. Every time an animal leaves our campus with a family of their own, Brynne’s legacy continues in the most meaningful way.”

Smith died in a helicopter crash at the age of 25 in 2013; the Brynne Smith Memorial Campus was built in her memory. Each year on Aug. 31, the rescue honors her compassion, and thanks the Smith family for helping make the campus possible and continues her legacy.

During the three days, prospective adopters can meet available pets, learn about their personalities and needs and speak with the rescue’s adoption team before deciding whether the connection is the right fit.

What to know about the 831 adoption special:

  • $0 adoptions. Adoption fees are waived throughout the weekend for available dogs and cats.
  • Extended weekend hours. The Brynne Smith Memorial Campus will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug 29, to Monday, Aug. 31.
  • More second chances. Every adoption creates space for Foothills Animal Rescue to help another animal in need.
  • Ways to help. Those who are not ready to adopt can still support the event by sharing available pets and encouraging others to visit.

“Waiving adoption fees gives more people a chance to come in, meet the animals and see if there’s a connection,” Shapiro said. 

“The fee may be $0 for the weekend, but bringing a pet home is still a big commitment, and it can be the start of something really special for both the animal and the family.”