Moving to the Prescott forest, rescuing animals, and enjoying the small-town atmosphere all make for a fulfilling life
Prescott Woman Magazine chatted with Joellyn Nusbaum, a vacation rental owner and President of United Animal Friends, to find out what makes her enjoy Prescott and everything it has to offer.
PWM: How long have you lived in Prescott?
Joellyn: I’ve been coming to the Prescott area since 1982 when my folks bought a cabin but have lived in Prescott full time since 2002
PWM: Why did you choose Prescott as your home?
Joellyn: My husband and I bought a cabin in 1998 and decided in 2002 to make it our full-time residence. We love the mountains and the forest and the laidback lifestyle.
PWM: What’s your occupation?
Joellyn: I own and operate a vacation rental, and I spend much of my time volunteering with United Animal Friends.
PWM: Do you have any kids?
Joellyn: No kids, but we do have a house full of rescue dogs.
PWM: What is your favorite thing about living in the Prescott area?
Joellyn: I love hiking and being outdoors, the change of seasons, and the small-town feel of Prescott. I usually run into someone I know anytime I’m in town and I love that about Prescott.
PWM: How do you think Prescott enhances your occupation and hobbies?
Joellyn: Moving to Prescott full time made a dream come true for me. I always wanted to rescue dogs and cats and help animals in need. I started volunteering with United Animal Friends in 2005. The rescue began in 2003 so it was the “new” rescue in town. It fulfilled my dream of rescuing animals, but it was much more than that. I was giving back to the community and making people happy by placing a pet in need into a loving home. That is indescribable feeling … it’s almost addicting!
PWM: Are you working on anything new or exciting for the upcoming year?
Joellyn: We have big plans for United Animal Friends. We are opening a thrift store in the Prescott area! Because of the generous support from our community over the years for our annual rummage sale, we thought a thrift store would be an amazing addition to our fundraising.
PWM: If you could contribute to anything in the Prescott area, what would it be and why?
Joellyn: My goal for United Animal Friends is to someday have a mobile spay/neuter clinic not only for our rescue animals but for the local community to have access to low-cost medical care for their pets. My personal goal is to recruit more people to be involved in charitable work. It not only helps the charity, but volunteering helps the person so much more. Volunteering satisfies something deep in your soul that a “paying job” just can’t satisfy.
For more information, visit UnitedAnimalFriends.org or Airbnb.com/h/walkergetaway.