Week of 5/11/08 Humane Happenings

Desert Haven Placita

Life at Desert Haven Animal Refuge continues at its normal pace: hectic. Not only are the workcampers busy with animal care, but this week we have been dealing with leaky waterlines, watering and pruning the vegetation, and creating new walkways through the grounds. John and Katherine are the head honchos on doing the walkways. Our new workers from Virginia, Terry and Sharon, have quickly adapted to life on the desert even though they make comments about how dry it is. Both are tireless workers at the refuge and at Paws and Claws. Teresa and Floyd were with us for a week, because they were bored at the RV park where they were staying and wanted something to do. The work BORING quickly left their vocabulary after a few days with us.

Moving to our new Paws and Claws location continues to be a work in progress. We are continuing our bag sales at the old location in an effort not to have so much to move. Last Saturday, we had a sneak preview sale at the new store. A lot of great customers came out and left with some treasures they couldn’t live without. A big “thank you” goes out to all those who worked in the store and the customers who support us.

The generosity of our supporters continues to amaze us. The Clelland’s are continually sending us checks and donations of cat and dog food. Muriel Clark from Canon City, Colorado recently made a donation in memory of Dorothy Plaatje. A gentleman came by the shop last Thursday and gave Freddie a check from the Homeowners Association out at Unit 8 in Elephant Butte. What an unexpected delight that was! A lot of people don’t even care about recognition: they just leave things on our doorstep. Thank you one and all.

For more information or to volunteer a couple hours a week, contact Freddie at 575-894-2778 or checkout our website at DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.com.

by Dolly Loftus: DH Administrative Assistant

Week of 5/4/08 Humane Happenings

Jo Wishnie & Karmalita

This week, we wish to thank Jo and Fred Wishnie of Milwaukee Wisconsin, for stopping by Desert Haven Animal Refuge for a couple of weeks as they are traveling across the US. “The Wandering Wishnies” (as they call themselves) stated in Jo's blog that they “decided to shed the trappings of 'normal life'; home, family, jobs, possessions ....... and go off to see the world”. Jo & Fred assimilated very quickly to the daily routine of caring for the non-human residents at the sanctuary, while also making many new friends. Before they left DHAR, they made a point to donate their almost new bicycles to be sold at Paws & Claws thrift shop – a thoughtful gesture that was very much appreciated. Desert Haven was also the subject of Jo’s journal posted on her exceptionally well done blog.


Camille Pronovost - DH Webmaster & Blogger


Camille Pronovost, who, since the winter of 2007, has sponsored and maintained the Desert Haven web site www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.com from her out-of-state home, also posts the Sierra County Humane Society’s article “HUMANE HAPPENINGS” on this blog. Camille not only created the blog, but she also updates it weekly. She also includes in the blog digital photos depicting the life at DHAR for the human as well as the non-human residents of the small sanctuary. Animal loving folks from all over the US who are interested in DHAR and in what it stands for can keep up with Camille’s blog. Scroll down to the previous post for another link to Jo and Fred’s Wishnie’s journal along with the dates for their visit to Desert Haven. Well worth reading!

Desert Haven is small and certainly can’t compare, of course, to larger sanctuaries such as Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah or those operated by large and well-funded Humane Societies throughout the US. Regardless, what we do here at Desert Haven is just as important and just as worthwhile. We realize that we cannot save all the animals that need saving, but we know that we make a difference in the lives of those that we can save. That in itself is very heartwarming for all of us who love animals and who want to leave this Earth a little kinder than when we found it.

This week, several small kittens - 3 females and 1 male -are available for adoption through The Sierra County Humane Society Adopt-a-Pet Referral program, handled by Stan Brodsky of Hillsboro. Stan also maintains a current list of other dogs and cats in need of adoption through that specific program. He can be contacted at 575-895-5551.

For more information on The Sierra County Humane Society, Inc., Desert Haven or Paws & Claws Thrift Shop in T or C, or to volunteer to help the cause of domestic animals in Sierra County, contact us at 575-894-2778.

The "Wandering Wishnies" visit Desert Haven

All of us at Desert Haven extend special thanks to Jo & Fred Wishnie, volunteer work campers here for the last two weeks in April. Jo is pictured above, good-naturedly taking on the task of cleaning the guinea pigs' pens.

Fred is seen below bonding with Karmalita and Emmy.



In addition to all the physical help, the Wishnies also gave us some much appreciated PR on their web site at www.mytripjournal.com, chronicling their RVing adventures. Check the three posts dated April 15, April 20 and April 28, 2008 for a candid description of the "workamping" experience and many wonderful photographs.

Thanks again, Jo & Fred!

Week of 4/25/08 Humane Happenings

Future new home of Paws & Claws Thrift Shoppe

Happy belated Birthday to Judy Ray and Kathryn Sphar, who, for several months now, have been residing as work campers at Desert Haven Animal Refuge, the small, no-kill domestic animal Sanctuary owned and operated by The Sierra County Humane Society.

Kudos to Mary Roden of T or C, Jodi Vandermark of Williamsburg, Vicki & Fritz Sorg of ALCO, in T or C, Fae Olson of Elephant Butte and also Fred & Carol Volguardson of Ruidoso for their donations of pet food or large items for DHAR. We also wish to thank all the animal loving folks who drop-off their contributions of pet food anonymously at Paws & Claws thrift shop, and also those we may forget from time to time in our public recognition.

A huge thank-you goes to all the nice folks who donate their used furniture pieces to Paws & Claws thrift shop. Now that the shop will soon be relocating into a more spacious building across the alley from Family Dollar, we are more than ever asking our animal loving supporters to choose The Sierra County Humane Society - who operates Paws & claws thrift shop - to donate their used furniture and large re-sellable items. As always, we are also very grateful to all our wonderful contributors of gently used items as well as of their old, their vintage, their one-of-a-kind treasures. For more information, call us at 575-894-2778.

Do you have aluminum cans to donate? The SCHS has a Cans Corral on the outside corner of Paws & Claws thrift shop. We redeem them for cash to help fund the SCHS spay-neuter program. Spay-neuter applications can be picked up at the T or C Police Station.

We also redeem your Bullocks receipts. Please bring them to Paws & Claws, the T or C Library or the Williamsburg Post Office.

This week's wish list: Pet food, Dog walkers and Kitty cuddlers. Volunteer helpers at Paws & Claws thrift shop. From Wednesdays through Saturdays, we sort through, tag and display boxes of donated items, also sort and hang clothing. We always need more helpers and soon, with more spacious quarters to display items for sale, and also a very nice working area, we certainly hope that local folks who want something worthwhile to do with some of their free time will strongly consider Paws & Claws thrift shop to volunteer at.

Stan Brodsky of Hillsboro has kindly taken over the posting and updating on the Petfinder.com web site of the animals ready for adoption at DHAR. The easiest way to check out the list is to click on www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.com, then click on the petfinder.com link. The DHAR web site was made possible by Camille Pronovost of Florida, along with this blog that animal loving folks won't want to miss. For more information on the SCHS and DHAR, contact us at 575-894-2778.

Week of 4/20/08 Humane Happenings

Kathryn

For some time now, Kudos has been due to Ray Hodges of Hodge’s Corner Restaurant in Elephant Butte. A well-known and well-liked community minded business owner and operator, Ray has been very supportive of The Sierra County Humane Society over the years. This year, he donated certificates (buy one meal, get one free) to be distributed to all the new work campers who choose Desert Haven to volunteer their time until they move on to new RV’ing adventures. The folks never fail to take advantage of his generous offer, and while they often return to the restaurant throughout their stay at Desert Haven Animal Refuge, they also share with their friends from all over the US their warm feelings about the area and also about Hodge’s Corner Restaurant and its generous and kind-hearted owner.

Welcome to DHAR, Rick and Erin. This friendly and energetic couple has taken the position of Animal Care Provider at the sanctuary and is now residing in the fifth wheel donated three summers ago by Don Whitehouse of Florida and recently renovated by John & Kathryn SPHAR. While John was installing new floor tiles throughout, Kathryn lovingly added her special touch by hand-sewing brand new curtains for all the windows. Rick and Erin’s long-term contract will allow them to become well-acquainted with all the humans and non-humans who reside at DHAR, as well as with the surrounding communities.

Desert Haven Animal Refuge is enjoying spring in a big way this year, thanks to some very special folks. John and Kathryn SPHAR set up their rig at The Homestead RV site at DHAR some months ago. Everyone at the sanctuary applauded when they decided not long ago to stay at the small sanctuary for at least a couple of years. Soon after they arrived, they very tastefully decorated their own RV site with many of the amenities of a permanent home site. Their beautification project did not stop there. Thanks to John and Kathryn, pathways, bordered by a variety of rocks hand-picked from throughout the entire area, are spreading out to the entire DHAR grounds. Jerry Andrus, the CAT-MAN of DHAR, shares in the beautification efforts by adding some special touches of his own while he tends to the watering of all the newly planted native and semi-native bushes and small trees. Many thanks to The Sierra Water & Conservation District which, very generously, donates them to Desert Haven each spring.


Jerry Andrus

Robbin Brodsky, a certified Master Gardener from Texas, drives once a week (all the way from her home several miles beyond Hillsboro) to take care of the grounds at the sanctuary. Every Thursday morning, one need not look very far to find her with gloves and pruning shears in hand, or a shovel and a container, giving the extra touch here and there on a property that grows more and more attractive each year.

Here at the sanctuary, we take this quote to heart “Let no man hang his head in shame and say: it was better here before you came”. Thanks to folks who care, Desert Haven is becoming a true haven in the heart of Desert country, for humans and rescued animals alike. Contact us at 575- 894-2778 or visit us at www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.com.

Moose Lodge Donates to DHAR

MOOSE DONATION TO DESERT HAVEN ANIMAL REFUGE

Eliana Aubin, President of the Sierra County Humane Society and CEO at Desert Haven, Sierra County’s No-Kill domestic animal sanctuary, receives a check of $2500 from Ken Johnson, Governor of Moose Lodge 2050. The very generous donation is to go towards repairs and upgrades at the sanctuary. In handing the check to Eliana, Governor Johnson said: “In a way, it’s in memory of Jerry Aubin. Jerry loved the Refuge and he always talked about the work that was being done there. He was very proud of Desert Haven“.


IN MEMORIAM
Jerry Aubin
Charter Member
Treasurer & Financial Advisor - SCHS
"LOVED BY MANY - RESPECTED BY ALL"


Jerry Aubin was an integral part of Moose Lodge 2050 since 1996, first as Treasurer, then as Lodge Governor and also Trustee. Jerry also served as Treasurer of The Sierra County Humane Society & Desert Haven from 1990 to 2005, until he passed away on April 9th 2005 - three years ago.

Also on top photo: Ron Alleman, Administrator of MOOSE Lodge 2050, and Linda Estavillo, Facilities Manager at Desert Haven Animal Refuge.

Week of 4/13/08 Humane Happenings

Walt & Carl work on the cement floor

This week, The Sierra County Humane Society wishes to acknowledge the members of MOOSE LODGE 2050, for their very generous donation towards upkeep and repairs at Desert Haven Animal Refuge, Sierra County’s no-kill domestic animal sanctuary. Year after year, Moose Lodge 2050 continues to be very generous to the community and The Sierra County Humane Society is most grateful to be a recipient of the generosity of its members.

A sincere thank-you is also in order to the Rotary Club of T or C for their recent donation. Special thanks to T or C Rotarians Sandra and James Cliborne, who made it a point to add their own personal contribution as well.

Gretchen Tatsch of Las Cruces is very special to everyone involved with DHAR. A Humanitarian in the genuine sense of the word, Gretchen never fails to support DHAR in a number of ways, in-between the routine trips that she makes to India to help enhance the quality of life in that part of the world.

Molly Williams deserves a huge amount of recognition for her personal contribution to help make DHAR the success story that it is. Several years ago, Trish, a little girl-dog patiently waiting at Dog Town for her forever-home, melted Molly’s heart one day and soon went home with her to become part of Molly’s family. From that time on, Molly has been a strong member of the DHAR crew of volunteers and supporters. Thanks to Molly’s generosity, there is now a very attractive park bench at Rainbow Bridge Pet Cemetery, dedicated to the memory of her mother who spent her own life to help others. When the need arose some time ago, Molly, a school teacher, accepted to handle the weekly loads of laundry generated by the residents of Dog Town and The Cool Cat Neighborhood. When Lucky, DHAR first canine resident, became very ill earlier this year and started to lose his appetite and a lot of weight in the process, Molly started to drop-off at the sanctuary daily portions of home-cooked Chicken & Rice that Lucky seemed to prefer above any other food. Thank-you, Molly, there is a tender spot for you in the hearts of the animal-loving folks who know you.

This past Tuesday was the last volunteer work day at DHAR for Carlton Morse, a Sierra County winter resident from Back East. Because of Carl who, together with his helpers, worked very hard for the past several months, DHAR now owns a very spacious workshop, complete with cement floor, workbench and many other amenities. Also thanks to Carl, we now have a well built wooden clothes rack at the new Paws & Claws thrift shop to be opened soon. Thank-you, Carl, you will be remembered fondly.

This week’s wish list: large brown paper bags for Paws & Claws bag sale currently going on at the store’s current location - volunteers to help at the thrift shop and Desert Haven. We can be contacted at 894-2778 or visit us at www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.com

Humane Happenings

Dolly Loftus - DH Administrative Assistant

Spring has sprung here at Desert Haven Animal Refuge. The scenery is as beautiful as ever and the desert plant life along the river is turning green. To complement nature’s handiwork, Tuesday’s work group has been planting seedlings and transplanting more mature bushes and trees to the pet cemetery. Doors and windows have completely enclosed the new workshop, thanks to Carl and Ron. Two new kitty condos were built; one is named Ted’s Cathouse in honor of its builder who recently left for home in Colorado. Those cats have some really plush quarters and plenty of love and attention from Judith and Jerry.

We have two happy dogs ready for adoption. One is Emmy, a cocker-spaniel mix, who is being foster-cared by one of our work campers, Judy. Emmy is house-trained, playful and an excellent companion. She has a cocker face and body, but a long swishy tail. However, Judy’s CAT says that Emmy is taking too much of Judy’s affection and is getting a little jealous. Our other dog is Zip, a one year old male Chihuahua. Here’s a great intelligent pet for all you small dog lovers.

Rebecca Porter from over Deming way sent Freddie a wonderful “thank you” note for her tour of the facility. She hopes to someday do something similar in her area. Carol Tavis has been volunteering in the office for the past few weeks and is an outstanding computer whiz. Thanks, Carol. We look forward to more of your help.

Our wish list for this week: canned and dry cat food, sunflower seeds, wild bird seed, volunteers at Paws and Claws thrift shop, Dog Walkers and Kitty Cuddlers at Desert Haven Animal Refuge. For more information or to volunteer a couple hours a week, contact Freddie at 575-894-2778 and check out our web site at DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.com

by Dolly Loftus

Humane Happenings

Stan - a DH volunteer

Things have been exciting for the past month or so with the set-up of our new store and the half-price sale continuing at the old Paws and Claws. Our customers are eagerly asking questions about the new store as they take advantage of our bargain prices.

We really couldn’t do any of this without our volunteers, both local and work campers. What a spirited and happy group, who pitch in and do whatever is necessary! Milt and Judith Papas got creative and insisted on painting the wall close to the “Book Nook.” Needless to say, it has given that portion of the store a whole new Southwestern flavor. Unfortunately, we are going to lose these two tireless volunteers on April the second. Ted and Fay, repeat work campers from Colorado, will be leaving us the end of the week. These people are typical, “What do you need us to do?” Please come back next year.

We are extremely excited by the donations from the Moose (picture and details in two weeks) and the Elephant Butte American Legion whose picture and details will probably be published in this week’s newspaper. It continually amazes us to see the generosity of our local businesses and civic organizations. You know we couldn’t do it without you.

On a sad but positive note, there is a tribute to our Refuge dog Lucky, who recently died of lymphoma. The segment was compiled by Camille, our webmaster and Stan. It’s extremely moving: check it out at deserthavenanimalrefuge.com.

Unfortunately, our wish list always seems to be the same: canned and dry cat food, canned dog food, sunflower seeds, volunteers at Paws & Claws thrift shop, Dog Walkers and Kitty Cuddlers at Desert Haven Animal Refuge. For more information or to volunteer a couple hours a week, contact Freddie at 575-894-2778. Check out our web site at DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.com.

by Dolly Loftus

Tribute to Lucky

Lucky's Story

The Beginning by Teddi Bynum

Lucky didn’t figure into anybody's plans. Not the plans of the people who found him wandering along the highway one day and certainly not the plans of Desert Haven Animal Refuge. Desert Haven wasn't open to dogs yet. No kennels, no dog facilities at all.

The staff that day could easily have said no, and that would have been that. And who knows, maybe they would have if they had foreseen how Lucky would test Desert Haven's commitment to its guiding principle: no animal, once granted asylum, will ever be asked to leave.


He wasn't exactly a puppy when he turned up, but still a kid, a little boy. And for a long time he remained the only dog, an only child with the place to himself. We who cared for him, fed him, cleaned up after him and chatted with him, belonged to him alone. He didn't have to share so he didn't learn to.
But little by little the kennels were built and other dogs moved in. To us, they were refugees just like Lucky. To Lucky, they were trespassers.

It would be one thing if Lucky was, say, a Chihuahua, but he wasn’t. He was a Staffordshire Terrier, with the stature and gait of a pro linebacker and who-knows-how-many psi of jaw strength. His resentment towards most other dogs posed not just a nuisance, but a menace, a danger. And the measures necessary to prevent contact between him and every other dog on Desert Haven's five acres amounted to more than just an inconvenience; it amounts to…well, see for yourself.


Dogtown in bloom

He became the sole occupant of a respectable hunk of real estate, a wood fenced compound complete with a two-story condo. If the inward-sloping chicken wire trim atop the six-foot perimeter gives it that prison look, it's clearly a country club prison, earmarked for high-rolling white collar criminals.

Fort Lucky didn't go up right away. Some thought was given to alternatives. Like carting him off to a breed-specific refuge for Staffordshires in particular or "pitbulls" (often a misnomer) in general. They certainly exist, and there was every reason to believe that one could be found that would welcome Lucky. But the idea was considered just long enough to remind us how wrong it would be. To the other dogs who have come and gone, those who are here now and those who have yet to come, Desert Haven is a refuge. For Lucky, it was home.



The Middle
Reprinted from Humane News 2005 by Eliana Aubin


Lucky gives kisses to Eliana

"A happy, handsome and very well mannered young dog who loves to be around people, and especially to take them on long walks, Lucky will melt your heart. Lucky is indeed a charmer! When he is not surveying his domain at Desert Haven, at the side of a dog-walker, he spends his days watching over Dog Town from his comfortable loft at The Penthouse.


Larry & Mavis at The Penthouse

The Penthouse, Lucky’s official residence, was built specifically for him by several volunteers, including Teddi Bynum, Jack Sloan and Larry & Mavis Juniper. Until last year, Lucky shared the spacious residence and its surrounding courtyard with his puppyhood buddy, Tobi, who was later adopted out, leaving Lucky without a close canine friend.

Lucky still misses Teddi, the human friend with whom he shares a very strong bond. Teddi left some weeks ago, to teach English at a China university for the next couple of years. Lucky – the Deputy-Dawg of Dog Town - does not let his sadness over the absence of his closest human friend overcome him, or the fact that he can no longer enjoy the company of Tobi, his former canine companion. He knows that he is loved and well-cared for at Dog Town and he performs his duties as Deputy-Dog very well. After all, he was raised right there, and he knows just about every inch, every nook and cranny, every filled-in-hole, every bush and even perhaps every wild rabbit on the entire property.



As the canine residents of Dog Town are adopted out and leave, full of anticipation at the chance to build a new life with their adoptive person, Lucky bids them farewell from his loft. Of course, he too, would like to be adopted and share the rest of his life at the side of his very own person, but he also knows that his ancestry may be keeping him at Dog Town. Until he crosses the path of the one special individual who will fully recognize his wonderful qualities and be willing to meet his needs, Lucky has a loving home at Dog Town and he is happy. After all, Dog Town is his home since he was a small puppy, and he knows that he is Top Dawg in the heart of all the volunteers at Desert Haven.

When you come up the long driveway to visit Desert Haven on a Tuesday, look towards Dog Town, and you will surely see Lucky, The Deputy-Dawg of Dog Town, standing up on his loft, while watching your arrival, as he waves his tail in joyful anticipation."

The Ending Contributed by Stan

"Lucky was my friend.

I’ve volunteered at the Refuge for one year now, three days each week, and that’s how many times I saw, walked with, and played with Lucky. When I first started volunteering, I’d walk Lucky, and not do much else with him. Then, one day I was trying to put the leash on him to walk him, and he grabbed one end of the leash, and started playing tug-of-war with me. Well, from that point forward, I was careful with the leash, but I also started playing tug-of-war with him, using a more appropriate toy. Then I started coming in about 10 minutes earlier each morning, and as soon as he saw my car, he found the tug-of-war toy we were using, and started running and jumping back and forth in his pen, waiting for me to come in and play with him, which I did for most of the year I knew him.

After playing with him each day, I’d start scratching him in back of the ears, as well as on his body, and from time to time, he’d jump up and either lick my face or give me a “love nip” somewhere on my body. I feel he and I became close friends as the months rolled by. And then I noticed the lumps in his neck, which turned out to be symptoms of Lymphoma, which he died from about 2 months later. But that’s not the end of the story.

I went with Lucky to the Vet when he had to be put to sleep because he no longer could eat. When the Vet put the needle in him, he turned to me (I was kneeling by his side, scratching in back of his ears), licked my face, turned back to face forward, and died. I’ll never forget that. I have a small, framed picture of him in my home. He and I were great friends and I’ll always miss him."



Lucky - Deputy Dawg of Dogtown from 2003 - 2008

"He was ours and we were his, through thick and thin, for as long as it took. That’s how it works at Desert Haven."

Week of 3/16/08 Humane Happenings

A hug in the flowers

The school year will soon come to an end and The Sierra County Humane Society, Inc. wishes to thank Rita Ortiz, as well as all the Middle and Elementary school teachers who participated this year in The Society’s sponsored Adopt-a-Classroom program. KIND News, the award-winning newspaper distributed monthly through the program by the National Association for Humane & Environmental Education to participating elementary and middle-school classrooms, contributes to the moral development of our community’s Youth.

One of the most important functions of any humane society is humane education. We can spay-neuter all we want, prosecute animal abusers all we want, but education is what changes people’s behavior. If that weren’t true, we would not send people to school. KIND News not only talks about proper pet care and having compassion and regard for animals, but it also sends messages about having compassion for fellow students, respect for teachers, the importance of volunteering in our community, and the need for recycling. Children have to be taught to be kind. KIND News helps them learn kindness to animals and to people.

Over the years, the Sierra County Humane Society has sponsored a large number of Elementary and Middle-school classrooms in Sierra County. Any teacher interested in receiving KIND News for the school year 2008-2009 should contact Jody Koch at 575-894-9226 or Linda Estavillo at 894-1694 before the end of school in May. The entire cost of KIND News is covered by the Sierra County Humane Society, Inc. It is totally free to teachers and the local school system. All a teacher has to do is let us know that he or she is interested in receiving the newspaper for every child in his or her classroom.

This week’s wish list: canned & dry cat food, canned dog food, sunflower seeds, volunteers at Paws & Claws thrift shop, Dog Walkers and Kitty Cuddlers at Desert Haven Animal Refuge. For more information or to volunteer a couple of hours or so a week, contact Freddie at 575-894-2778. Check-out our web site at http://www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.com.

Week of 3/9/08 Humane Happenings

Bootz hand feeds guinea pigs their favorite snack - parsley!

Welcome to Desert Haven, Merle and Ginny Josten. This friendly RV’ing couple is planning to spend a couple of months at Desert Haven Animal Refuge, to help take care of the non-human residents there. We trust that they will enjoy the friendliness of the volunteer crew at DHAR as well as of our community.

Welcome back, Ted and Fay Early. For the second year in a row now, Ted and Fay have stopped at DHAR on their way to and from their winter campground in Arizona. It is always a great pleasure to see this wonderful animal loving couple and the only complaint that we all have is that they don’t stay long enough at the sanctuary.

This week’s kudos go to Lucy Farrester – Bootz - for her on-going involvement at DHAR. She came to us a couple of years ago, when we needed extra help from our local supporters. Since then, Bootz has become one of Desert Haven’s most dedicated volunteers. When the need arises, Bootz fosters some of DHAR rescued dogs who benefit most from the extra attention in a home environment. Bootz was recently elected member of the Board of Directors and we are confident that her commitment will be long-term and beneficial to everyone.

It was a beautiful day at DHAR last Tuesday, and several members of the volunteer crew took advantage of the weather to plant a number of small native and semi native bushes and trees, that, when mature, will enhance the appearance of the entire property. We wish to thank The Sierra Soil and Water Conservation Department for donating to DHAR, every year for the past several years, a large number of seedlings of evergreen trees and bushes natives to this area.

This week’s wish list: Dry and canned pet food. Kitty-cuddlers and Dogalkers. Helpers at Paws & Claws thrift shop. The shop will continue to be open at its current location for several more weeks, before it is relocated. Please continue to support us with your purchases as well as your donations to Paws & Claws. Desert Haven is open for visitors every Tuesday, and by appointments. Contact us at 894-2778 or 894-1694 for more information. You can also check out our web sites: www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.com.