Week of 4/24/11 Humane Happenings

by Eliana Aubin

Power lunch prep - Sherry and Jim

A breath of fresh air at Desert Haven Animal Refuge. Spring is in the air, and with it, the companion animal sanctuary is enjoying fresh leadership and new volunteers coming on board. Sherry Scott is settling down into her new position as DHAR Animal Care Coordinator while also taking on the leadership of the volunteer and work camping crew at the sanctuary. Sherry is hard working, professional and also loyal, which make for a positive blend of qualities that can sometime be hard to find in this day and age. New members have recently joined our ranks with fresh and positive ideas. We are indeed looking forward to a very productive year.

At this time, we wish to show our sincere appreciation to the dedicated crew of volunteers at Paws & Claws Thrift Shoppe and Desert Haven volunteers, as they continue to loyally serve our organization and the cause of animals down on their luck: ACC Sherry Scott, Pat Madden, Jane Jerrick, Diane Lombardy, Glen Parks, Velda Preston, Estella Groff, Jackie Fletcher, also Diana Rivera, Jack Gillem, Bootz Farrester and Eliana Aubin. Freddie Loveless is slowly recovering from many weeks of illness that have kept her from being involved with our animal welfare organization.

We are thankful for local businesses, professional and private entities that help out when most needed. Recently, local contractor Jack Hogue resurfaced the walls of the Feline Dorm with new, water resistant and easy-to-clean paneling – all of it pro-bono. Apple Tree Educational Center “rocks” for donating the proceeds from Chris Runyon record sculpture that was sold at their Art Show. John and Shirley Childers of Williamsburg, we appreciate your recent donation of items for Dog Town. Desert Haven can always use dog houses, dog beds, kitty condos and play furniture. T or C Middle School teacher Rhonda Spence and her students are starting a Humane Group. Desert Haven is looking forward to a visit by Rhonda and her students at some time in the near future.

Bootz Farrester’s son of Oregon lapsed in a diabetic coma a couple of weeks ago. He is now back home and recuperating slowly. We send our good wishes to him and his family and hope that he will be able to return to his normal life as soon as possible. Work camper Jim Seery has now left DHAR, after a stay of several months at the sanctuary. He is now on his way to attend his daughter’s college graduation in Michigan. Jim plans to spend the winter at Quartzite next year, and he already mentioned stopping at Desert Haven on his way to his destination. Jim will always be welcome at DHAR.

Interested in connecting with us or learning more about us? Call us at 575-894-2639. Visit us at www.DeserthavenAnimalRefuge.com and www.Facebook.com/deserthaven.