Week of 12/2/12 Humane Happenings

by Eliana Aubin

"Share the blessing"

 Recently, several Sierra County Humane Society volunteers have been asked on several occasions to compile a list of items routinely needed both at Desert Haven Animal Refuge (DHAR) and at Paws & Claws Thrift Shoppe (P&C). So, thanking our readers in advance, here it is: canned cat food, catnip and cat treats – dishwashing liquid, bottles of bleach and Odor-ban, paper towels, sturdy water buckets, long and short handle scrubbing brushes, indoor-outdoor brooms, leaf& straw rakes, also large kitchen trash bags and black garbage bags. We also use large plastic containers with or without lids, both at P&C and DHAR.

 At Paws&Claws Thrift Shoppe, we always need transparent plastic bags. We use them routinely at P&C to display items for sale such as large comforters, lap robes, handmade afghans, complete sets of sheets, etc. to very small items or groups of small items such as arts and crafts and sewing materials and more. The large transparent bags keep the items they protect clean and presentable. They don’t even not need to be in perfect condition to serve their purpose.

 Your tax-deductible contributions to our 501-C-3 non-profit organization can be brought to Desert Haven on a Tuesday, between 9 AM and 4 PM, or dropped-off at Paws&Claws Thrift Shoppe during business hours - from Wed through Sat between 11 AM and 4PM. Donations of your no-longer-wanted pieces of furniture are gratefully accepted as they bring much-needed funds to help Sierra County companion animals in need. We can also be contacted for an occasional pick-up of your large items and furniture pieces.

Interested in helping us help animals in some way? We need dog walkers and kitty cuddlers at DHAR. At P&C, we need a book aficionado to keep our book-nook attractive and in order, also someone interested in crafts and sewing materials who will handle the Arts & Crafts section at the store. Call us at 575-894-1694 or 894-2639, e-mail us at weR4pets@gmail.com for more information. Visit our web site at http://www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge, and www.Facebook.com/deserthaven.

Week of 11/24/12 Humane Happenings

by Eliana Aubin

Eliana Aubin, SCHS President

 Thanksgiving has come and gone and the 2012 Holiday Season is in full swing. It is a time of the year to reflect on the positive and to be grateful. The dedicated Sierra County Humane Society & Desert Haven Animal Refuge volunteers are thankful for the many supporters who stood by us through this economically challenging year. Because of its animal loving friends’ trust and on-going generosity, Sierra County’s non-profit animal welfare organization is able to continue its labor of love to help and protect some of the area’s most unfortunate companion animals.

 Moose Lodge 2050, American Legion Post 44, Bullocks Grocery Store, Walmart, Bar-2 Sand & Gravel, BlackRange Enterprises, among several other local businesses, were very generous again this year. Both local newspapers deserve a huge pat on the back for being instrumental in our organization’s ability to reach the residents of Sierra County and also supporters from out-of-the area. A kind and generous couple from the little town of Victoria, Texas donates to our organization in many ways. They cover the costs of several boxes of canned dog food and treats that we receive through FEDEX every month. They also routinely send boxes of their CDs and DVDs for our volunteers to sell at P&C. The lady also keeps P&C Thrift Shoppe supplied with all the handmade labels used for pricing the items on display. She is a former Desert Haven work-camper who, together with her husband, wishes to remain anonymous. Among several other supporters, former Sierra County Director of Tourism Gina Kelly, now a resident of Ruidoso, sends our organization a generous pledge every month.

Thanks a million to each and every one of you, either local or from out-of-the area, who helps and supports us in your very own way.

This week’s wish list: someone with the equipment and time to transfer data from 3 ½ inch floppy disks to CDs. We can’t use the crucial information until we have it on CDs.

Interested in helping us help animals in some way? Contact us at 575-894-1694 or weR4pets@gmail.com. Visit us at http://www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.com and www.Facebook.com/deserthaven.

Week of 11/21/12 Humane Happenings

The “TorC Guild” recently generously donated to the Sierra County Humane Society (SCHS) a beautifully made 70’ by 50’ quilt, to be used as a fundraiser for the 501-c-3 non-profit organization. Janice is new to this area, and already, she is a member of the animal welfare organization. Janice is also quickly becoming a reliable helper at Paws & Claws Thrift Shoppe, the gift & thrift store operated by SCHS volunteers and located next to Family Dollar in TorC.

What a difference she is making already! Thanks to Janice, an abundance of Christmas items are now routinely displayed at the front windows and also throughout the store. Our local and out-of-the area patrons are making a point to comment on how clean and inviting the store looks these days. A pat on the back goes to our entire P&C team: Charlie & Elaine, Mike & Laura, Tina, Sharon, Stephen, James, Janice and Eliana. Janice is now making plans to display the donated quilt at several local banks and businesses until the 20thof December, when the lucky winner of the raffle will take it home.

This week, our priority wish list includes roofing material. We have several leaky roofs in need of repair at the sanctuary. We can also use old truck mud flaps, perhaps some old rubber bottom carpets and area rugs. We use these to make effective doggy-door flaps for the exercise yard dog houses and also all indoor-outdoor kennels inside Dog Town. The cold nights of the winter season are here and we are intent on keeping our little rescues as warm as possible, with the limited resources at our disposition.

A huge thank-you is in order for a special local Viet-Nam Veteran. This kind and generous man told us he appreciates our efforts to help and protect unwanted companion animals, so he is donating for sale by our animal welfare organization many of his military treasures and collectors’ items.

We can be reached at 575-894-1694, 575-894-2639 or weR4pets@gmail.com.

Visit us at http://www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge and www.Facebook.com/deserthaven.

Week of 11/18/12 Humane Happenings

by Eliana Aubin

Jody Koch 

 Fifty-four years old Jody Koch passed away recently. Jody was a Lifetime member of the Sierra County Humane Society and she also served as a board member for many years. Jody was known all over the area to help out whenever and wherever needed. Having to deal with the constant challenge of being confined to her wheelchair never seemed to stop her from doing what she felt she wanted or needed to do to help someone out or be actively involved in a worthy cause. People who patronized Paws & Claws Thrift Shoppe a couple of years ago can remember her at the counter - a friendly, courageous lady who earned everyone’s respect and admiration, She was very much loved by those who knew her and she will be sorely missed.

Janice

Welcome to the area and to our organization, Janice, who recently moved to Elephant Butte from out-of-state. This creative and energetic lady is taking on the Christmas decorating of the front windows at Paws & Claws Thrift Shoppe. She is also insuring that the entire storefront looks as attractive as possible. Many of our shoppers are already commenting on how attractive the store looks.



 Thank you, Stephen, for all your help at P&C. You are invaluable to all of us who volunteer there. We also appreciate the help of all the Desert Haven’s work campers who spend their valuable time at P&C recycling the donated items that are coming in daily.We continue to receive many positive comments regarding the interesting and unique items available for sale, the quality of our merchandise and of our clothing. The friendliness of all our P&C helpers is routinely mentioned by many of our customers. We could not achieve all this without the volunteers who work hard every day to make things happen and keep the shop as neat and as attractive as possible. We could not achieve all this without our wonderful supporters who donate to us some of the nicest and most interesting items, as well as antiques and unique pieces of Americana. Thank you everyone!

 We can be reached at 575-894-1694 or weR4pets@gmail.com. Visit us at http://www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge and www.Facebook.com/deserthaven.

Week of 11/1/12 Humane Happenings

by Eliana Aubin

  What a beautiful weather we are having at this time of the year in our Desert Country! Paws & Claws Thrift Shoppe, located in T or C, is seeing new – and very positive - shoppers weekly. Sandy and husband Eric recently relocated to this area from San Diego. Judy is from Ohio. She moved here two weeks ago. Jeffrey and family came last month from California. He is already employed locally. Diane, 5 years old Isabel and nephew Justin moved here from Philadelphia in October. They all are complimentary of our non-profit store. They are also impressed with the friendliness of our volunteers.

Elaine and Charlie are also newcomers to this area. Both are from Back East. They settled at Desert Haven a few months ago and quickly became an integral part of our volunteer team, both at the sanctuary and at the store. Their willingness to help out whenever and wherever needed, their positive energy and “can-do” attitude have already made both of them a huge asset to our animal welfare cause. Thanks, guys.

Over 10 years ago, when we were planning to put-up a chain link fence around Rainbow Bridge Pet Cemetery, someone donated to Desert Haven a cement mixer to help with cementing the steel posts into the ground. We need to use the machinery again, but it needs a new motor. Could any of our readers help us locate a ½ HP low RPM torque electric motor? One of our handy Desert Haven work campers - Mike - is an accomplished machinist who can bring the cement mixer back to an almost as-new condition, if we can locate a motor for it. Call us at 575-894-2639 if you can help.

 Do you have talent and experience in Arts & Crafts, along with a couple of hours a week to help your favorite animal welfare organization? We need someone to sort, tag and price sewing and craft items donated to P&C. We can be reached at 575-894-1694 or weR4pets@gmail.com. Visit us at http://www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge and www.Facebook.com/deserthaven.

Week of 10/27/12 Humane Happenings

by Eliana Aubin

This week, we wish to thank our animal loving friends for their on-going donations to Paws&Claws Thrift Shoppe. The operational success of the Sierra County Humane Society, which operates the store, would be greatly diminished without the benefit of these contributions. We especially appreciate our supporters’ understanding of our request for them to drop-off - during business hours only - the furniture pieces as well as the large items and boxes of items that they can’t fit inside the donation box. We realize that this creates some inconvenience for some folks and we apologize. But we believe that items dropped-off at Paws & Claws are sincerely intended for the benefit of our animal welfare organization, not of some unscrupulous individual who has no qualm about stealing from a non-profit. Every Tuesday morning, the Desert Haven team unloads from the IM4PETS Toyota truck all the items that were put aside during the week for use there. Paws&Claws is invaluable to our service oriented organization.

IM4PETS Toyota truck, still working hard for Desert Haven after 24 years!

Sharon is the official Caretaker at Desert Haven. This down-to-earth “Jill of many trades” relocated from Maine to the sanctuary several months ago. Not only she shares in caring for our little rescues, but she is also responsible for the operation and upkeep of Rainbow Bridge Pet Cemetery. The past few weeks, Sharon has been busy winterizing the water lines throughout the five-acre property in anticipation of the cold winter nights.

Do you have talent and experience in Arts & Crafts, along with a couple of hours a week to help your favorite animal welfare organization? We need YOU to sort, tag and price donated arts & craft items for P&C Thrift Shoppe. Interested in helping us expand our Adopt-a-Pet Referral program? Join our team! We need a liaison between folks who want to adopt a pet and people who need to give-up theirs. Do you want to help give local companion animals another chance at a good home? Let us know. No computer needed, but a phone is a must. Contact us at 575-894-1694 or weR4pets@gmail.com.

Visit us at http://www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge and www.Facebook.com/deserthaven.

Week of 10/20/12 Humane Happenings

by Eliana Aubin

Sandy

This week, the Sierra County Humane Society invites folks interested in giving a loving home to a dog or a cat to visit Desert Haven Animal Refuge, the no-kill domestic animal sanctuary owned and operated by the animal welfare organization. Sandy and Daisy are young chi-weenies who currently reside at the sanctuary, together with Rosie, Shaggy, Mosey, Vickie, Foxie Girl, Ranger, Cupcake, Cookie, Coco, Lucy, Scruffy and Shadow. They all would make wonderful canine companions. In the Cool Cat Neighborhood, many of the residents are also waiting to be adopted.

Daisy

Tina is the very proficient Animal Care & Adoptions Coordinator at the sanctuary. Recently, she took on the important task of updating our Desert Haven page on Petfinder. You can check our up-to-date list of dogs and cats available for adoption on-line at www.Petfinder.com. By filling in the location ““Williamsburg, NM 87942” you will get right to our Petfinder page. Courtesy of our organization, we also offer to Sierra County residents the unique opportunity for them to find a new home for their no-longer wanted companion animals. For more information on the SCHS Adopt-a-Pet Referral program, contact us at 575-894-1694 or at weR4pets@gmail.com.

Shadow

We thank Gilbert and Charlotte Parrill of Arrey, also grand-daughters Crystal and Myriah, for working together and painting the colorful wooden name tags for the residents of Dog Town. The name tags look great. As the little ones are adopted out, they change the names on the signs for the new residents.

Cupcake

You love companion animals? You appreciate what our organization’s volunteers are doing to help them in Sierra County? Then please save your aluminum cans and your Bullocks receipts for our animal welfare organization. For your convenience, we now have made it possible for you to drop-off your bags of cans inside the wire enclosure adjacent to P&C. Also your receipts now can be conveniently dropped-off directly inside the donation box located in front of the store. Your membership counts! You can pick up a membership form either at Paws & Claws Thrift Shoppe or Desert Haven. Can you donate a couple of hours a week? Let us know! Check us out at http://www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge and www.Facebook.com/deserthaven

Week of 10/13/12 Humane Happenings

by Eliana Aubin 

Doggy breakfast is almost ready at Desert Haven Animal Refuge

At this time of the year, with the holiday season soon to be upon us, national and international animal welfare organizations like the Humane Society of the US, ASPCA for example, have the financial capabilities to raise funds professionally and indeed are very successful in attracting much good-will from many of us who love animals. Let’s not forget worthy local organizations in need of the same good-will. When we donate to this or that organization, some of us prefer to see first-hand where our hard earned dollars go. This way, we can ensure that our contribution is being used directly for the benefit of animals.

 Desert Haven Animal Refuge is a no-kill sanctuary for domestic animals down-on-their luck. During these hard times, the resources of DHAR have to be stretched even further to make ends meet and fill the needs of the little ones under our care. Sadly, we are unable to take in all the unwanted and discarded dogs and cats in need. We make a difference in the lives of those that we can save, and that is priceless to them.

Folks have contacted us recently regarding Sierra Animal Shelter in TorC. Some residents fear that it may be closed because they say the sign is no longer there. Sierra Animal Shelter is still in operation and still located next door to Sierra Veterinary Services. TorC, Williamsburg and Elephant Butte residents and anyone in Sierra County wishing to give-up an unwanted dog or cat can drop-off the animal at Sierra Animal Shelter, totally free of charge to that individual and no questions asked.

Abandoning a companion animal is now a fourth degree felony and anyone caught doing so can be prosecuted. It takes a witness willing to step-up for the animal; it takes a local animal control officer committed to doing the right thing. Then the person who has abandoned the defenseless animal can be prosecuted. Call TorC Dispatch at 575-894-7111 and request to speak with the ACO on duty at the time. Requesting a follow-up is a good idea.

Our major fund raising activity is Paws & Claws Thrift Shoppe in T or C. We continue to need volunteer help at the shop during business hours - Wednesday through Saturday, 11 AM to 4 PM. Visit Desert Haven on a Tuesday and get involved! Check us out at http://www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge and www.Facebook.com/deserthaven.

Week of 10/6/12 Humane Happenings

by Eliana Aubin

Cuddles feel so good!

This week, the Sierra County Humane Society offers several young kittens for adoption through the organization’s Adopt-a-Pet Referral program. Their age ranges from a few months old to a little older. These felines-with-personality come in a wide range of colors, from all black to grey with markings, brindle with some calico, yellow tabby, and many shades in between. For more information of to give a forever home to one or more of these indoor-outdoor kitties (they are not barn cats!), contact Pam at 740-1886. The Adopt-a-Pet Referral program is offered to Sierra County residents courtesy of the SCHS. The information and up to three photos on your unwanted companion animal will be posted on our Desert Haven PetFinder page, in our weekly Humane Happenings article and on our www.Facebook.com/deserthaven page. Contact us for more information at 575-894-1694.

 Recently, some folks discarded an unwanted black lab and his young buddy, a red heeler mix, near a campground at the Rio Grande. Imagine how traumatic it must be for these sentient creatures to find themselves in such hopeless situation from one moment to the next! Abandoned dogs and cats don’t stand much of a chance for survival – surely everyone knows that!

 The Sierra Animal Shelter is located on North Date Street in TorC, next door to Sierra Veterinary Services. Any Sierra County resident with a no-longer wanted dog or cat can drop-off the animal at the Sierra Animal Shelter, totally free of charge and no questions asked.

Abandoning a companion animal is now a fourth degree felony. With enough information on hand, including a license plate number, and with the full commitment of our local animal control officers, the individuals can finally be prosecuted. Call Dispatch at 575-894-7111 and request to speak with the ACO on duty at the time.

Interested in helping companion animals in Sierra County? Visit Paws & claws Thrift Shoppe in T or C, pick-up a form and become a member of our animal welfare organization! Visit Desert Haven on a Tuesday and get involved! Help us generate funds for our organization! Check us out at http://www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge and www.Facebook.com/deserthaven.

Humane Happenings Week of 10/1/12

by Eliana Aubin


The Desert Haven Animal Refuge Dog and Cat Adoption Blitz is under way at the no-kill sanctuary owned and operated by the Sierra County Humane Society. On Saturday October 6, the sanctuary will be open for visitors between 9AM and 4 PM. If unable to visit the furry residents this Saturday, you can either drop by P&C Thrift Shoppe during business hours –Wednesday through Saturday 11AM-4PM - e-mail us at weR4pets@gmail.com or call 575-894-2639 for an appointment. Any donations of baked goods and store-bought munchies you wish to make for the event can be either dropped-off this Friday at P&C Thrift Shoppe, or brought to the sanctuary on Saturday.

 Paws-up to Joe and Sharon Lingerfelt of “Cuchillo Fruit” for their yearly contribution of Granny Smith apples! With the several bags of great tasting apples, Joe sent this message “As long-time supporters of Desert Haven and Paws&Claws, Sharon and I would like to donate 20 pounds of Granny Smith apples for your pie making project. We have a good crop of Grannies this year and are happy to share our good fortune with you in your splendid efforts to provide safe and clean facilities for the welfare of Sierra County’s less fortunate pets.“ Joe and Sharon can be reached at jdlingerfelt@gmail.com to thank them for their thoughtfulness.

 Last but not least, we salute Guy and Michelle Appelman of “Black Dog Shredding”. The couple – with Mystique, their elderly black lab - recently hosted a dynamic party at their Elephant Butte home as a fundraiser for Desert Haven. “This Parrothead of New Mexico House party” was attended by guests from all over, including Albuquerque and some from as far away as San Diego, CA. Their motto:”leaving this place a little better and have phun doing it”. Thanks a million from all our volunteers to all of you who were so generous to our cause!

 Interested in helping companion animals in Sierra County? Pick-up a SCHS membership form at P&C Thrift Shoppe and become a member of our animal welfare organization! Visit Desert Haven on a Tuesday and get involved! Help us generate funds for our organization! Check us out at http://www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge and www.Facebook.com/deserthaven.

Week of 7/15/12 Humane Happenings

by Eliana Aubin

Beautiful calico kitties enjoying the Cool Cat neighborhood

This week, Desert Haven Animal Refuge wishes to present the youngest celebrity of its Cool Cat Neighborhood – Tomi-Two-Sox - the veritable rising star of the Fur & Whiskers World. Who is this little Tomi Two-Sox you may ask? Her formal name is Thomasina-Two-Sox by the way. She is only the cutest and most people-loving kitty one would ever encounter. To this two-and-half year old domestic short hair grey tabby, cuddles take priority by far over the very best kitty treat. She came to us in early spring of last year and has been the Cool Cat Neighborhood’s fastest rising star. Nobody who visits our feline community goes away without asking about Tomi.

 Little Tomi has earned her position of Official Greeter for every visitor at the Cool Cat Neighborhood. Of course, just like all the furry residents of the sanctuary, little Tomi is sterilized and her shots are up to date. We try very hard to insure that all our little rescues are adopted out to caring responsible individuals or families. People who want a pet on a whim and who are not truly interested in a long term, caring relationship do not provide the environment that we look for on behalf of our fur-kids. After all, they count on us to keep them safe, and we do our very best. For more information on Tomi and on all the little ones available for adoption, contact us at 575-894-1694 or e-mail us at weR4pets@gmail.com. Tomi Two-Sox is also featured on our DHAR Facebook page. Every Tuesday, between 9AM and 4 PM, you can visit with Tomi and the other little ones who reside in the Cool Cat Neighborhood.

 “Volunteers are a dying breed. Our numbers are growing smaller and smaller” says Dale Lindstedt in a Letter to the Editor recently printed in our local newspapers. Dale speaks for the fire department to which he belongs. Sadly, his comments also ring true for every local service oriented organization operated by volunteers, including our own. The priority of many has been to try to make a living, and in the current economy, volunteering is understandably way down the list. For some other folks, every excuse in the world is found for not volunteering for this or that organization. In the end, they volunteer for none. Unless a strong spirit of community service is cultivated at an early age in our Youth, volunteerism in our community will soon become a thing of the past.

 Paws&Claws Thrift Shoppe and Desert Haven Animal Refuge are operated by volunteers. If interested in helping our animal welfare cause in some way, we offer opportunities for everyone. . Check us out at http://www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge and http://www.Facebook.com/deserthaven. Write to us at POB 638, Williamsburg, NM 87942.

Week of 7/8/12 Humane Happenings

by Eliana Aubin

It’s been very hot and dry the past few weeks and the Sierra County Humane Society is urging everyone who lives with a companion animal to ensure that their fur-kids have plenty of fresh water always within their reach. It’s is very sad for those of us who are concerned about the welfare of our dogs and cats to realize that some individuals seem totally oblivious to their own animals’ needs.

Christy and fur-kid

We see dogs living their life at the end of chains all over town. When they are lucky,they have a small bowl filled with water nearby. Sadly, they often are barely able to reach it. In the middle of the day, that water bowl, if not overturned yet, is most often empty and surely too hot to the touch. It breaks our hearts to think of dogs all over our area suffering similar fates caused by Man’s ignorance or his lack of compassion. Why own a dog if it is to let him bake inthe sun, all alone inside a small kennel exposed to the elements?
Christy, Nancy, Debra, Carolyn, also Crystal & her sister Maryah are now an integral part of our DHAR team. Christy recently relocated from Back East to Desert Haven as the sanctuary’s On-Site Manager. This past Tuesday during the Board meeting, she was welcomed to her new position at the sanctuary and introduced to everyone present.

This week’s kudos go to Steve, for his many hours helping out either at P&C Thrift Shoppe or at the sanctuary.  Kudos also go to Glen and Nolla for helping keep Paws & Claws Thrift Shoppe open with a skeleton crew.  Interested in helping out at P&C or DHAR? Let us know.   

The current economy has hit everyone in various ways and our organization which depends on the generosity of individuals and businesses has not been spared.Our readers can help us help companion animals in many ways. You can save your pennies for our Pennies-4-Pets container located inside Paws&Claws. Save your Bullocks receipts for our organization and drop-them off at P&C or the local public Library.  We also collect aluminum cans.  We have a large Can Corral adjacent to P&C. 

Don’t throw away your well-used long-handle brushes or brooms. We recycle them to scrub the cement floors in the animal and bird habitats. Small heavy-duty brushes, largebottles of Chlorox and Odor-Ban are always welcome too. 
We can be contacted at 575-894-2639 or at weR4pets@gmail.com. Visit DesertHaven on Tuesdays, between 9 AM and 4 PM. Check us out at http://www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge  and http://www.Facebook.com/deserthaven. Writeto us at POB 638, Williamsburg, NM 87942.

Week of 6/24/12 Humane Happenings

by Eliana Aubin

Steve, helping with ground-keeping at Desert Haven this summer

During the summer months, Desert Haven Animal Refuge and Paws & Claws Thrift Shoppe seem to slow some of their activities down, as some of the volunteers who can be counted on through the rest of the year either at the sanctuary or at P&C reserve the summer months to visit family and friends who live in cooler climates. The lack of adequate volunteer help in many non-profit organizations throughout our Sierra County communities has become the norm every summer. The skeleton crew who keeps Paws & Claws Thrift Shoppe and Desert Haven Animal refuge operating during the summer months deserves a huge "thank-you" from everyone who believes in the cause of unwanted companion animals in our area.

 This past Tuesday, our active volunteer team gained two much needed new members: Nancy and Debra. Nancy is a long-time TorC resident and a member of our organization for many years now. Debra moved to the area only recently and is already becoming actively involved at Desert Haven. Both are cat aficionados and they are helping not only in the office on Tuesdays, but also in the Cool Cat Neighborhood, home of 30 felines of all sizes and temperaments. We are all very grateful that Nancy and Debra both have chosen our organization to donate some of their valuable time. We certainly need and welcome their help. We also wish to thank Glen and Nola who keep P&C open for business two days a week. A huge "thank-you" also goes to Steve who answered our plea for help at Desert Haven several weeks ago. For now and a little while longer, Steve drives almost 40 miles round-trip each day to help care for the animal and bird residents of the sanctuary.

We have several small projects on our Desert Haven priority list. If you are a handyman and you enjoy being helpful, let us know or visit Desert Haven on a Tuesday. We will show you what needs done and you can decide if this is for you.

We need a yard foreman at Paws&Claws Thrift Shoppe, to take in and sort through donated items. We also need someone to test donated small electrical appliances and electronics. Two hours or more a week is all that is necessary to make a difference. Interested? Drop by at P&C on a Friday or Saturday or call us at 575-894-2639 for more information. You can also e-mail us at weR4pets@gmail.com. Desert Haven is open for visitors and for adoption purposes every Tuesday, between 9AM and 4 PM. Check us out at http://www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge and http://www.Facebook.com/deserthaven. Write to us at POB 638, Williamsburg, NM 87942.

Week of 6/16/12 Humane Happenings

by Eliana Aubin

Mary Roden (left) delivers canned cat food to Desert Haven

Summer is here. It’s as hot as it’s ever been in our area of the Southwest. We are in the middle of a severe drought as everybody knows. We must take precautions not to dehydrate and not become overexposed to the heat. We morally must have the same consideration for our animals. The normal body temperature of dogs and cats is actually higher than humans. It runs anywhere from 101 to 103 typically. One can see it’s just as important to help them keep their body cool as it is ours. They need shade throughout the day. They need plenty of fresh water. Please be as conscious in keeping your animals cool as you would be for yourself and your children during these extremely hot temperatures.

 Please save your Bullocks receipts for our organization. We have several drop-off boxes around town, including one at Paws&Claws Thrift Shoppe, located across the alley from Family Dollar in TorC. We also collect aluminum cans. You can drop your aluminum cans directly into the SCHS Can Corral, located next to Paws&Claws Thrift Shoppe. In this especially sluggish economy, our small team of active volunteers has had to work even harder and be even more creative in order to raise the funds needed to keep helping the community as we have done for years. Since 1991, our organization has provided spay-neuter rebate certificates to Sierra County residents, regardless of their financial status. With the current demand far exceeding the organization’s available resources, we are no longer able to continue in the same manner that we have in the past. Having a companion animal sterilized needs to be part of the responsibility of pet ownership.

 Mary Roden became involved several years ago with our non-profit animal welfare organization. She understands the needs of our organization and generously comes to the rescue whenever she can. This past week, when she heard our plea for canned cat food, she delivered to Desert Haven enough to feed our kitties for many weeks to come. We also thank Don and Barbara Heller who regularly drop-off dog and cat food at the sanctuary. The kitties loved their fresh-cut catnip, courtesy of Barbara Heller. Don’t throw away your used long-handle brushes or brooms. We recycle them to clean the cement floors in the animal and bird habitats. Small heavy-duty brushes, large bottles of bleach and Odor-Ban are always welcome too. We offer volunteer opportunities at Desert Haven and Paws&Claws thrift shoppe. Contact us at 575-894-2639 or at weR4pets@gmail.com for more information, or visit Desert Haven on Tuesdays, between 9 AM and 4 PM. Check us out at http://www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge and http://www.Facebook.com/deserthaven. Write to us at POB 638, Williamsburg, NM 87942.

Week of 6/10/12 Humane Happenings

by Eliana Aubin

Afternoon siesta under the shade of the young Mexican Elder tree donated by Cindy & Bob Gabriel of Illinois

The Dog Days of Summer have already arrived in our corner of the Desert Southwest and the residents of Desert Haven Animal Refuge are spending their time enjoying their daily siesta. Several long-time members of the Sierra County Humane Society were thoughtful enough a few years back, to cover the costs of semi-native shade trees such as Mexican Elders and Desert Willows that the DHAR team planted where shade was at a premium during the hot summer months. When we watch our little Vickie for example, laying under the small Mexican Elder planted several years ago inside her exercise yard, we remember with fondness the kind folks who made that shade tree possible: Cindy and Bob Gabriels of Illinois. Among other plants donated over the years by some of our supporters, including the SC Soil and Water Conservation District, the deciduous vine planted against the fence on the sunny side of the Lonesome Dove Hotel was a gift from Ardell a while back. A mentor for many of us who know her, Ardell is still an integral part of our organization. The gorgeous looking vine growing in the aviary has grown into a miracle green canopy that gives our feather residents all the shade they need in the summer.

Do you wish to give us a hand in some way? Save your Bullocks receipts for us. Every receipt you drop-off at Paws & Claws Thrift Shoppe results in $$ to our non-profit organization. We also collect aluminum cans. These past couple of years especially, the downslide of the economy has been a huge concern for our organization. The generous folks we depend on may be struggling financially themselves. Large and national animal welfare organizations like the Humane Society of the HS, and the ASPCA to name a few, have the financial resources to repeatedly appeal for funds from generous people in Sierra County and from throughout the entire country. Our tightly-budgeted organization does not have the resources to do this. Instead, we trust that Sierra County residents realize that donating to their local animal welfare organization allows them to see first-hand where their hard earned money goes.

 This week’s high priority wish list: canned cat food. Galvanized tubs for our resident dogs -they can be easily emptied, cleaned and refilled by just one person. Don’t throw away your used long-handle brushes or brooms. We recycle them to clean the cement floors in the animal and bird habitats. Large bottles of bleach and Odor-Ban are always welcome too.

Visit Desert Haven on Tuesdays, between 9 AM and 4 PM. Contact us at 575-894-2639 or at weR4pets@gmail.com. Check us out at http://www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge and http://www.Facebook.com/deserthaven. Write to us at POB 638, Williamsburg, NM 87942.

Week of 6/2/12 Humane Happenings

by Eliana Aubin

This week, the Sierra County Humane Society is reminding local residents who contact the organization to relinquish their unwanted dogs or cats, that Desert Haven is a small non-profit sanctuary with very limited resources and our resources do not allow us to accept each and every unwanted pet one wishes to drop-off at the no-kill sanctuary.

 Because Desert Haven is No-Kill, all the little rescues that our volunteer staff has given a home to over the years have the opportunity to live the rest of their natural life in a safe and loving environment. As importantly, we insure that the environment we are providing for them is not crowded or, worse, over-populated. Unless DHAR dogs and cats are adopted out into their forever homes, they will not be killed simply to make room for others who may be considered by some as more adoptable. Consequently, until a resident dog or cat is adopted out, there is “No room at the Inn at Desert Haven”, literally.

 Here in our communities and the surrounding area, there is an over-abundance of “back yard breeders” who consider their animals an important source of revenues. The fact that these people contribute to the tragic local pet overpopulation does not seem to bother them in any way. According to the most recent statistics at Sierra Animal Shelter, over twenty thousand pounds of dog and cat carcasses are disposed of every year – an average of 2000 animals euthanized each year. How can local residents allow this status-quo to continue without wondering about their own humanity? The dead carcasses filling the city dump were once furry little ones whose only fault was to be unwanted- former toys no longer interesting, or worse yet, helpless animals who suffered greatly at the hands of their owners before being euthanized.

 If you plan to take into your household a dog or a cat, consider sterilization costs as a part of owning that animal. If you believe you can’t afford the surgery, then you can’t afford that animal after all. The current economy is affecting the Sierra County Humane Society like everyone else. It’s becoming increasingly difficult for our small volunteer organization to continue to cover the costs of the spay/neuter program that we have offered since 1991. Sierra County residents who can afford to have their pet sterilized should not apply for a SCHS rebate. After all, choices must now be made, and these people are making it even more difficult for someone who really needs the financial help - and may not get it - because there are simply not enough funds to go around in this economy.

Visit Desert Haven on Tuesdays, between 9 AM and 4 PM. Contact us at 575-894-2639 or at weR4pets@gmail.com. Check us out at http://www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge and http://www.Facebook.com/deserthaven. Write to us at POB 638, Williamsburg, NM 87942.

Week of 5/25/12 Humane Happenings

by Eliana Aubin

 The Sierra County Humane Society was organized in the fall of 1989 by a small group of volunteers who wanted to make a difference in the lives of companion animals in Sierra County, especially at the city owned shelter which at the time was an antiquated building operating in a way a growing number of residents considered primitive and a disgrace. The handful of determined and resilient individuals-with-a-vision, who stood together to make a difference, worked hard for many months to create the incorporated, 501-C-3 non-profit charitable organization that everyone knows as the SCHS. The Sierra County Humane Society will be 23 years old in November of this year. Thanks to those few strong and determined individuals who stayed on board through thick and thin, huge and seemingly insurmountable hurdles were overcome along the way, as the small organization gained stability and momentum.

 In 1999, a 5 acre desert property was acquired and Desert Haven Animal Refuge, Sierra County No-Kill domestic animal sanctuary, became a reality. The mission of the animal welfare organization continues to be: Prevent cruelty to animals. Provide sanctuary to care for unwanted, abused, neglected and abandoned companion animals in Sierra County. Place animals into loving and caring homes. Create public education that increases the awareness of humane treatment and the necessity of spay-neuter of all companion animals. All of this unselfish Work-of-Love is being accomplished by volunteers. Contrary to what some uninformed individuals still claim, we are not funded by taxpayers or by any other organization, not even larger humane societies such as the Humane Society of the US or ASPCA. Each and every animal welfare organization throughout the entire country operates independently and must locate its own sources of funding. The SCHS operates with funds generated by minimal yearly membership fees, contributions from animal loving supporters, and through fundraising activities such as Paws & Claws Thrift Shoppe.

 If you believe in the work that we do on behalf of companion animals-down-on-their-luck, join our efforts! If you can’t give some of your time either at Desert Haven or Paws & Claws Thrift Shoppe, become a member of your local animal welfare organization. Donate locally, and you will be helping change the life of local animals in need!

 You can pick-up a membership form at P&C Thrift Shoppe when it is open for business, from 11am to 4 PM, Wednesday through Saturday. Visit Desert Haven on Tuesdays, between 9 AM and 4 PM. Contact us at 575-894-2639 or at weR4pets@gmail.com. Check us out at http://www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge and http://www.Facebook.com/deserthaven. Write to us at POB 638, Williamsburg, NM 87942.

Week of 5/19/12 Humane Happenings

by Eliana Aubin

Paws & Claws Thrift Shoppe, located across the alley from Family Dollar in TorC, is the major source of income for the Sierra County Humane Society & Desert Haven Animal Refuge. We thank all our wonderful contributors for supporting us in this way throughout the year. A huge thank-you is in order for everyone who has a part in keeping it open four days a week, from 11 AM to 4 PM, Wednesday through Saturday. We are even open during the summer season when our volunteer crew is very small. Interested in giving a couple of hours of your time each week to help us keep P&C attractive and a fun place to shop? Let us know!

 Please save your Bullocks receipts for our animal welfare organization. We provide a container for them in several local places of business, including the TorC public Library, Williamsburg Post Office and P&C Thrift Shoppe. These receipts are a major source of revenues to help fund the organization’s spay-neuter program. They have been tallied by Josephine Gurnsey-Varnum since the program started years ago. Thanks, Josephine, for your loyalty to our organization.

 This week’s wish list: canned cat food and possibly some catnip. While canned cat food is served every morning as a breakfast treat to our feline fur-kids, some of them have so much fun around catnip. We especially wish to thank Mary Roden and Sel Bethel for regularly dropping off to Paws & Claws Thrift Shoppe or bringing to the sanctuary on Tuesday several boxes of canned cat food at a time.

 Volunteer opportunities are available at Desert Haven Animal Refuge. Young people accompanied by adults are welcome to volunteer at the sanctuary. Aside from walking the canines as part of keeping in shape, the handy person can choose to make light repairs and upgrades as needed. We have small projects either on our DHAR wish list or in the planning stage. The Canine Cottage, Penthouse, Mutt Hut, Peace Pad, Puppy Club House and High Rise, all located in Dog Town, can use some sprucing up and a new paint job, along with some of the Kitty Condos inside the Cat Walks. Rainbow Bridge Pet Cemetery and the Old West Trail area would benefit from the extra help. Aside from raking some of the trails, light pruning and weeding are some of the tasks even young folks may enjoy as part of their Youth Group activities. In turn, the youth of our up-and-coming generation would also benefit from the principle of Community Service.

Visit Desert Haven on Tuesdays, between 9 AM and 4 PM. Contact us at 575-894-2639 or at weR4pets@gmail.com. Check us out at http://www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge and http://www.Facebook.com/deserthaven. Write to us at POB 638, Williamsburg, NM 87942.

Week of 5/13/12 Humane Happenings

by Eliana Aubin

It’s springtime in Desert Country. At Desert Haven Animal Refuge, the Birds of Paradise, Desert Willows and Texas Sage are in full bloom. Birds are singing and building their intricate nests everywhere - sometimes in the oddest places. All the furry and feathered residents are cared for lovingly in their safe and peaceful habitats. Last Tuesday, several visitors commented on the scent of the Chaparral permeating the air throughout the sanctuary. Desert Haven is a spiritual place indeed.

This week, we wish to show our appreciation for all the support that we are receiving from our generous community, from places of business, large and small, to kind-hearted folks on fixed income. Bullocks Grocery Store donates fresh veggies and fruits that we serve in chef salad style every morning to our rabbits, guinea pigs, peacocks, doves, roosters and hens. Bullocks receipts that are collected for our organization help fund our spay-neuter program. Twice a year, Desert Haven receives kitty litter from St Cloud Mining, delivered all the way from Winston. Walmart’s routine contributions of pet food and other needed items are crucial to the success of our non-profit organization. Animas Creek Plant Nursery’s monthly contribution helps our organization’s tight budget go a little further. The crusher fine that Bar-2 delivers to Desert Haven every year is a huge help throughout the sanctuary grounds. Hodges Restaurant generously donates meal coupons for our work campers. James Bagwell CPA PA handles our organization’s yearly tax returns. This gives us peace of mind and a positive professional relationship with the IRS. Moose Lodge 2050, American Legion Post 44, several VFW posts, among other community-minded organizations, give us a helping hand when we appeal to them. Both local weekly newspapers are outstanding with their on-going support. Thanks to the local media, we are able to publicize the community services that we provide and the success of our on-going efforts to help make this little corner of the world a better place for all creatures who share the Earth with us. An organization such as ours is successful only if the community supports its work. We are extremely grateful for all the support that we receive. Every place of business and every single individual who, in their own way, show that our efforts and hard work are appreciated, go a long way to help companion animals down-on-their-luck. Our supporters are the “stamp-of-approval” that leads to our success. Thank-you, everyone!

Volunteer opportunities are available at Desert Haven and Paws & Claws Thrift Shoppe. Contact us at 575-894-2639 or at weR4pets@gmail.com. Visit the sanctuary on Tuesdays, between 9 AM and 4 PM. Check us out at http://www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge and http://www.Facebook.com/deserthaven. Write to us at POB 638, Williamsburg, NM 87942.

Week of 4/29/12 humane Happenings

by Eliana Aubin

 For almost a year now, Barbara Teeter has been the administrative assistant for the Sierra County Humane Society, Inc. It is a volunteer position that she handles on Tuesdays. But this is not all Barbara has been doing as a service to the animal welfare organization and the community; Barb also shares Animal Care duties at Desert Haven two mornings a week and volunteers at Paws&Claws Thrift Shoppe every Friday. On Tuesdays, when the no-kill sanctuary is open to the public, some of Barbara’s tasks consist of manning the office phone, greeting local and out-of-state visitors, giving tours and also handling the paperwork on both the Spay-Neuter and Adoption programs. Some months ago, when Barb started a part-time cashier’s job at Walmart, the management was very understanding and helpful when she requested for her work schedule not to interfere with her volunteer work. As a rule and for many months, Barb was given those specific times off from Walmart so she could continue her volunteer activities. Within the last few weeks, Barb’s new Walmart schedule no longer allows her to volunteer for our organization in the way she has done for the past year. We trust that this drastic change in scheduling is only temporary, as Barb is crucial to our animal welfare organization.

Until Barb is back in the DHAR office on Tuesdays, we urge all local residents planning to take advantage of the SCHS Spay-Neuter program to be understanding and patient. Our organization generously provides this service on a totally volunteer basis and we utilize the profits from several fundraising activities to cover its high and ever-growing costs. As clearly indicated on our S/N application forms, the rebates are not retroactive.

This week, we wish to thank the family of 42 years old Molly Hinkle who passed away recently. In memory of their animal loving sister, her siblings generously donated a large number of her household hand and electric tools to Paws&Claws Thrift Shoppe.

Do you walk as part of your Healthy Living program? Walking with a dog on a leash is as enjoyable for a dog aficionado as it is for the little one being walked. Desert Haven has many canines of various sizes and breeds and they all look forward to their early morning walk. To walk a DHAR dog or care for our felines, one must be 18 or over or accompanied by an adult family member. Contact us at 575-894-2639 or at weR4pets@gmail.com. Drop by the sanctuary on Tuesdays, between 9 AM and 4 PM. Visit us at: http://www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge. Chat with us at http://www.Facebook.com/deserthaven. Write to us at POB 638, Williamsburg, NM 87942.

Week of 4/22/12 Humane Happenings

by Eliana Aubin

 Every year, the Sierra County Humane Society subscribes interested local elementary teachers to Kind News, (Kids in Nature’s Defense) a monthly newspaper sent directly to the schools in quantities large enough to distribute to each individual student in every participating classroom. This newspaper helps instill in young children a sense of responsibility towards others and the environment that surrounds them. If you are an elementary teacher or the parent of a child and you wish to receive this newspaper for a specific classroom, courtesy of the Sierra County Humane Society, please let us know before the end of this school year in order for the newspapers to start arriving in the classrooms in August, when a new school year begins.

Cat lovers, we need your support. Here at Desert Haven, we feed our kitties a mixture of canned and dry cat food every morning. It’s a routine that has worked for everyone in the Cool Cat Neighborhood and it keeps all our feline residents happy and looking forward to their daily breakfast. Of course they have dry food always available from the self-serve feeders, but canned food is so special!

We have a fence to build at the sanctuary. It’s only a small enclosure and most of the steel posts are already in place. We need one or two able-bodied folks to finish the job. Are you or anyone you know interested in volunteering at Paws & Claws Thrift Shoppe or Desert Haven this summer? Even only two hours commitments every week would do wonders at both places. Desert Haven is currently making available a Caretaker part-time position with compensation for a qualified couple or individual. Applications are available at Paws & Claws Thrift Shoppe during business hours - from Wednesday through Saturday, between 11AM and 4PM. The shop is located across the alley from Family Dollar in TorC. You can also pick-up an application directly from Desert Haven on Tuesday, from 9AM to 4PM.

For more information, contact us at 575-894-2639. If you reach the answering machine, please repeat your phone number - clearly. If you call regarding the position but your phone number is not clear or, worse yet, not-in-service at this time, we are unable to return your call. If you are one of the folks who did not get a call back, please call again. We can also be contacted at weR4pets@gmail.com. Visit us at: http://www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge. and http://www.Facebook.com/deserthaven. Our 501-C-3 non-profit Sierra County Humane Society mailing address is, POB 638, Williamsburg, NM 87942.

Week of 4/15/12 Humane Happenings

by Eliana Aubin

 Desert Haven was full of activity this past Tuesday. Gorgeous weather, energetic and up-beat volunteers, wonderful visitors who complimented us on how clean and inviting the habitats were and how interesting they found the sanctuary, with its Old West Flair and the colorful signs on every building and along the trails. Add to the setting several long-standing supporters who dropped-off pillows and accessories for the sanctuary’s fur-kids. Mix this with the atmosphere created by happy and healthy fur and feather residents, and you have the spiritual environment many visitors and volunteers make a point to comment on.

This week, a special thank you goes to Carolyn of Arrey. Carolyn made a point to spend the entire day last Tuesday, caring for all the kitties who reside inside the Cool Cat Neighborhood. She promises to come back every Tuesday to groom and spend quality time with them again. Then there is Linda, Desert Haven Animal Care Coordinator. She is now settled in her new home at the sanctuary and in her new position. Barb, DHAR Administrative Assistant, not only helps with animal care two mornings a week, but she also volunteers at Paws & Claws Thrift Shoppe every Friday. On Tuesdays, Barb is the receptionist at the sanctuary. Barb also works at WalMart. Terri works in the office every other Tuesday. She is the Sierra County Humane Society Treasurer and Desert Haven’s Financial Officer. Last Tuesday, Don, Casey, Shaye and Gordon were also volunteering at DHAR. Together with Eliana and Linda, they handled the spring cleaning at DogTown, the Feline Neighborhood and also the Feed Store.

This week’s wish list: canned cat food.  Cat lovers, we need your support – the help of a handyman with a couple of hours to give on Tuesday. A former DHAR work camping couple moved to the little town of Victoria in TX some time ago. Early this year, they answered our plea for canned dog food. Thanks to their generosity, we receive canned dog food and also dog treats every month, from Amazon and other pet food sources. We are grateful for their help and also for the help of several other dog loving folks, who help us with the costs of feeding our DHAR dogs. Volunteer opportunities are available at Paws & Claws and Desert Haven.

Contact us at 575-894-2639 or e-mail us at weR4pets@gmail.com. Visit us at: http://www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge. and http://www.Facebook.com/deserthaven. Our 501-C-3 non-profit Sierra County Humane Society mailing address is, POB 638, Williamsburg, NM 87942.

Week of 4/8/12 Humane Happenings

by Eliana Aubin

Vickie with Pat & Terry in the Old West Pavilion

 Tennis players, do you have used tennis balls you no long use? Many Desert Haven dogs love to fetch and our dog walkers enjoy the exercise too. Vickie is one of DHAR’s “oldest” residents and she beats everyone at “Fetch”! Just watching her run after the tennis balls is a real pleasure! This little girl-dog does not let her age stand in the way! Vicky was one of several dozens of dogs of all sizes and ages literally dumped in the desert around Cuchillo in the middle of summer some years ago. Their owner was a hoarder. Unsterilized and uncared for, they reproduced at will and created a growing health and noise problem in the otherwise peaceful country neighborhood. When their owner was tipped-off by a whistle-blower that he was about to receive a visit from the Sheriff’s Department, he chose to get rid of the problem his own way.

Less than a handful of dogs survived the ordeal and made it back to Cuchillo several days later. Vickie was one of them. Desert Haven rescued her and nursed her back to health. She is now the “Top Dog “ at Dogtown”. Vickie loves to fetch tennis balls.

 Deanna of Wyoming was recently chosen out of several applicants by the SCHS Board of Directors to fill the part-time position of On-Site Manager at DHAR. A nurse by trade and life-long animal welfare activist, Deanna recently made a life-changing decision that is bringing her to the sanctuary within the next few weeks. She will manage the sanctuary with the help of Linda, DHAR Animal Care Coordinator, and the new DHAR Caretaker – a part-time position not yet filled. These are exciting times for the Sierra County Humane Society and Desert Haven. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step indeed….. Desert Haven’s storage of alfalfa, bird seeds and cracked corn for the residents of Birdland & Animal House is depleted. Walmart, together with several local businesses and some wonderful local and out-of-town folks, help keep us stocked with the food we need in Dog Town and the Cool Cat Neighborhood. Please let us know if you wish to help us feed our rescued doves, peacocks, guinea pigs, rabbits and fowl. Two full breed Basset Hounds with papers need a new home. If interested, contact 575-740-3369. Volunteer opportunities are available at Paws & Claws and Desert Haven. Contact us at 575-894-2639 or e-mail us at weR4pets@gmail.com. Visit us at: http://www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge. and http://www.Facebook.com/deserthaven. Our 501-C-3 non-profit Sierra County Humane Society mailing address is, POB 638, Williamsburg, NM 87942.

Week of 4/1/12 Humane Happenings

This past Tuesday, several officers of the Sierra County Humane Society Board of Directors spent the day at Desert Haven Animal Refuge, getting involved with animal care and adoption, greeting visitors and the volunteers who had specifically come to help out with animal care, also folks who came to drop-off pet food, treats and toys for the furry residents. It was a very interesting day and also a very busy one.

At the Tuesday staff meeting

 Welcome to Desert Haven, Linda Johnson. Linda is the newest DHAR Team member as she is taking over the Animal Care Coordinator position at the sanctuary. A former resident of California with excellent references and a passion for all animals and the environment, this energetic and versatile lady promises to be a real asset to our non-profit animal welfare organization and the no-kill domestic animal sanctuary that it owns and operates.

 Maxwell was adopted during the 75% off Adoption Blitz this past week. We love all our fur-kids as our own at Desert Haven. Of course, as the years go by, this one or that one may pull a string closest to our hearts, especially one like Maxwell who has called DHAR “Home” since puppyhood, when he was found, together with a sibling, wandering on a bicycle trail near the edge of the Rio Grande. They were starving and also in very poor health. Now a large, healthy and very handsome boy-dog, Maxwell is also well-mannered and a real charmer. We are all very happy for him and trust that his new home is truly a “Forever Home” for him. Maxwell deserves it so.

This week, we wish to thank Glen Parks and Clifford Downey for spending many hours over several days repairing the damages caused by the recent high winds on the cabana top that is used as sorting area at P&C Thrift Shoppe. Also a huge thank you is in order for Nolla, Glen’s better half, for handling the cash register and helping the customers during that time.

 This week’s wish list: Alfalfa, bird seeds and cracked corn for the residents of Birdland & Animal House. Our storage is depleted. Desert Haven has an account at Horsing Around Feed Store in T or C. If you wish to help us feed our little rescues, please drop by or send your contributions directly to the Feed Store, to be deposited into our Desert Haven account.

Volunteer opportunities are available at Paws & Claws and Desert Haven. Contact us at 575-894-1694 or 575-894-2639, or e-mail us at weR4pets@gmail.com. Visit our web site and Facebook page at: http://www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge. and http://www.Facebook.com/deserthaven. Our 501-C-3 nonprofit Sierra County Humane Society mailing address is, POB 638, Williamsburg, NM 87942.

Week of 3/25/12 Humane Happenings

by Eliana Aubin

Blue with new parents, Karen & Leon Hinkle

 Desert Haven Animal Refuge is a no-kill sanctuary for Sierra County companion animals who have been abused or discarded, and also those from folks who no longer can take care of them. The dogs and cats rescued at DHAR very often need special attention, including routine and often emergency - and costly - veterinary care, which they receive on arrival. These little ones are then ready to move on to a new life. Adoption fees at Desert Haven are carefully decided on by the Sierra County Humane Society Board of Directors. Many things have to be taken into account in this decision making - the current economy, availability of the right type of loving home, but also and as importantly, the long-term viability of Desert Haven.

 Most people don’t know that normal adoption fees at DHAR don’t even cover half the expenses of sterilizing and vaccinating the dogs and cats as we take them in and give them a home for life or until adoption. Also these adoption fees don’t even touch the operating costs of Desert Haven, costs of feeding, of housing and caring for these animals, which include routine and emergency veterinary care. Those of us who share our lives with our beloved companions realize the costs of having them.

 We at Desert Haven could not do what we do and offer our routinely subsidized adoption fees without the generous financial support of animal loving folks from all over who believe in what we do for the little ones down-on-their-luck.

 During its first Annual Springtime Adoption Blitz last week, the Sierra County Humane Society adopted out dogs and cats at 75% off regular fees - a huge savings for adopting families, also a heavy financial burden on our organization. To give more dogs and cats a chance at adoption, our Board decided to continue the adoption special during the entire month of April, this time at 50% off regular fees. Adoptions will take place onTuesdays between the hours of 9 AM to 5PM.

 This past week, our P&C Thrift Shoppe crew worked very hard, sorting through a large number of boxes and bags of craft and sewing items, assorted remnants of material, some of it obviously vintage. The craft items, etc. are now tagged and priced and displayed for sale inside the store. Volunteer opportunities continue to be available at Paws & Claws and Desert Haven.

Contact us at 575-894-1694 or 575-894-2639. E-mail us at weR4pets@gmail.com. Check us out at www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge, at www.Facebook.com/deserthaven. Our 501-C-3 nonprofit Sierra County Humane Society mailing address is, Post Office Box 638, Williamsburg, NM 87942.

Week of 3/19/12 Humane Happenings

by Eliana Aubin

Jim Seery and Foxy Girl

 This week and until the end of the month when his commitment to Desert Haven Animal Refuge is over, DHAR work camper Jim Seery is generously offering to cover half the adoption fee of either Shadow or Foxie Girl, should the right forever home becomes available to one of the two girl-dogs before he leaves the area.

 Shadow is an affectionate female Black Lab who came to Desert Haven as a very young pup several years ago, after being discovered by accident imprisoned inside an all-enclosed out-of-the- way storage yard. Her rescuers believed that the small pup had been thrown over the 7 foot fence and simply abandoned there to die.

Pat with Chowder & Shadow

Shadow is no longer a puppy, although she often thinks she still is. She wants her very own companion and her very own place in the Sun. Foxie Girl is a gorgeous female boxer who loves attention and who would also make a fun-loving and loyal family dog. Perhaps not even two years old now, Foxie was rescued at the sanctuary last year at this time. If interested in either one of the two girl-dogs, visit the sanctuary on a Tuesday or call 575-497-0168 for an appointment.
The latest canine rescues have now settled in Dog Town and met all the other furry residents there. Bobby is a gorgeous five year old King Charles Cavalier with excellent manners. His human companion – an older senior who took him into his home and his heart as a puppy – was heartbroken when he recently had to give him up. Bobby thrives around people and he enjoys canine playmates. The little guy would make someone a wonderful companion.

Among other canines of various breeds and sizes living at Dog town, there is three years old twenty-five lbs Rosie, a terrier mix with a very happy disposition. There is also seven years old, eleven lbs Sally the shy Miniature Pinscher - ten months old Fergie the quiet Terrier-Chihuahua mix - Jewel is a Pomeranian-with-personality. Tiffany is a tiny two years old Terrier-Chihuahua mix. Bobby and Zena are young Cocker Spaniel siblings. They have been sterilized, their shots are up-to-date. They are ready for adoption.

 A male Pekinese and a female Boston Terrier need a new home. They can be adopted locally directly from their owner’s home. Contact 915-319-9088. The Adopt-a-Pet-Referral program is one of our animal welfare organization’s service oriented programs offered totally free of charge to pet owners wanting to relinquish their animals directly from their home.

 This week’s wish list: dog walkers and kitty cuddlers at Desert Haven. Helpers at Paws & Claws Thrift Shoppe. Contact us at 575-894-1694 or e-mail us at weR4pets@gmail.com.Check us out at www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge, at www.Facebook.com/deserthaven.

Week of 3/11/12 Humane Happenings

by Eliana Aubin

Pat & Maxwell

 This week, the Sierra County Humane Society reminds animal loving folks who wish to support our animal welfare organization in some way, that we routinely collect aluminum cans and Bullocks receipts. Cans and receipts are then redeemed to help bring much needed funds to operate the Society’s spay-neuter and spay-a-stray programs. You can drop-off your bags of aluminum cans inside the SCHS Can Corral, located adjacent to the Paws&Claws Thrift Shoppe building in TorC. Bullocks receipts are also collected inside the Thrift Shoppe when it’s open for business – from Wed through Sat, from 11 AM to 4 PM. We also have collection boxes at the TorC public Library and Desert Haven Animal Refuge. Our organization receives absolutely no funding from government entities, local or otherwise. We operate entirely with contributions from private and corporate entities and with the profits from Paws & Claws Thrift Shoppe. P&C is by far the major fund raiser for our entire organization and it takes the efforts and hard work of many volunteers to keep the shop open and successful, especially in the current economy.

 This week, we are collecting patio blocks to get a priority project underway inside the Cool Cat Neighborhood. If you have a few to donate towards our efforts, let us know. This week’s wish list: bird seeds, chicken scratch, cracked corn and sunflower seeds for the residents of Birdland & Animal House.

One of Desert Haven’s strongest supporters lives in the little town of Victoria, Texas. Regularly, this wonderful lady makes a point to send boxes of CDs and DVDs that we in turn sell at Paws & Claws. She also keeps us supplied with customized handmade price tags that we use at P&C. This animal loving lady who wishes to remain anonymous is most certainly one of our organization’s most treasured supporters.

 Jennifer Kneib and Pat Madden have been strong supporters of Desert Haven for several years now. They live way out in the country around Hillsboro. Once and twice a week, respectively, they take the time to drive all the way to the sanctuary to help care for the little rescues. Jennifer takes charge of the feline and bird habitats and Pat is a dog walker. We need more local volunteers to help us care for our little residents. If interested, let us know.

 If unable to give a hand, perhaps you can donate material or funds to help with the project. Contact us at 575-894-1694 or 575-497-0168. Check us out at www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge, also at www.Facebook.com/deserthaven. You can also e-mail us at weR4pets@gmail.com.

Week of 3/4/12 Humane Happenings

by Eliana Aubin

Bunnies at Desert Haven

Spring is almost here and with it the dog and cat breeding season will soon be in full swing. The Sierra County Humane Society wishes to remind everyone who genuinely cares about their companion animals to have them sterilized. Not allowing one’s dog or cat to breed in a world that is already overpopulated with unwanted animals is an act of kindness towards a beloved animal and a major positive step towards helping the tragedy of pet overpopulation in this area. Sierra Animal Shelter with its multitude of dogs and cats routinely euthanized and disposed of in the local land-field is a constant reminder of that tragedy. The Sierra County Humane Society continues to be pro-active in offering Spay/Neuter rebates to area residents. Applications are available at the TorC Police Station, Hot Springs Animal Clinic and Paws & Claws Thrift Shoppe. We wish to thank the TorC Police Department secretaries for assisting with this valuable community service since the program started in 1990.

 The funds needed to operate the comprehensive Spay/Neuter program are generated at Paws&Claws Thrift Shoppe, located across the alley from the TorC Family Dollar. The yearly budged for the entire program is around $10 thousand dollars. P&C Thrift Shoppe also cover the costs of operating the SCHS sponsored Adopt-a-Classroom program, which brings Humane Education directly into participating Sierra County Elementary classrooms. Interested in more information on both programs? Contact us at 575-894-1694.

The Animal Control Ordinance indicates that a companion animal left out-of doors must have – within easy reach – an adequate shelter that provides protection from the elements and of course a constant source of water. If you witness animal neglect or abuse, contact Dispatch at 894-7111. Request to speak to the Animal control Officer. It is usually wise to request a follow-up from the Animal Control Officer within a reasonable amount of time. If the situation does not get corrected very soon, contact the Sierra County Humane Society at 575-894-1694 and we will investigate. If you prefer, you can also contact the state-wide Animal Cruelty Hotline at 877-5HUMANE (877-548-6263). Callers may remain anonymous. Animal loving folks must speak out against animal neglect, cruelty and abuse, regardless of who is causing it. If we don’t, who will?

Thank you, Jennifer Kneib, for your long-term commitment to Desert Haven. Jennifer drives one morning a week all the way from Hillsboro to help care for the sanctuary’s feline population and in Birdland. Interested in helping out with animal care a couple of hours a week? Do you enjoy walking dogs? Contact us at 575-894-1694. Check us out at www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge, also at www.Facebook.com/deserthaven. You can also e-mail us at weR4pets@gmail.com.

Letter to the Editor re: Desert Haven Animal Refuge

NOTE: LINDA AND CARL WORK CAMPED AT DHAR through last fall and until January 15 of this year.
 
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: In late October, my husband and I left the rainy metropolitan suburbs of Seattle, Washington, for an opportunity to volunteer as “work campers” at Desert Haven Animal Refuge, located a few miles from Williamsburg on Highway 187. Many retired seniors who own RVs volunteer to work for a specified number of hours each week in return for an RV parking spot. Since this was our first work camping experience, we had no idea of what to expect in an animal refuge, perhaps the typical steel cages and a sterile environment of some animal facilities. What a delight to find a place that lived up to the title of “haven and refuge”. Desert Haven has large, roomy areas for abandoned or abused animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, chickens and peacocks. All animals are housed in spaces that have comfortable houses and furnishings appropriate for each species. Dogs can romp and play in their own yard or race about the acreage that is used during their daily walk. Cats roam about freely in Cool Cat Country with its large outdoor and indoor spaces filled with small privacy houses or cubbies, climbing apparatus, and high shelves. The animals receive nourishing food, plenty of exercise and caring, human contact. It has been a heartwarming experience to see the generous donations of food, bedding, and other necessities that arrive for the animals from a supportive community. Dedicated community volunteers help with all aspects of animal care and provide the animals with affection, as well as work at Paws and Claws, which supports the refuge. The beauty of Desert Haven’s location, the caring staff, the friendly volunteers and the warmth of the T or C and Williamsburg communities have created a never-to-be forgotten experience for us. Returning to Desert Haven as work campers will be on the top of our “bucket list”. Whether interested in adopting a pet, volunteering or just wanting time with the animals, it is worth your time to visit Desert Haven Animal Refuge on any Tuesday.

 Linda and Carl Schmidt
 Bothell, WA 98011