Week of 11/18/07 Humane Happenings

The Holiday season is already here. Throughout the next several weeks, Desert Haven Animal Refuge (owned and operated by the Sierra County Humane Society) will be experiencing a volunteer shortage. Some of its crew members are already scheduled to leave soon so they can spend the holidays out-of-state, with their family. Extra helping hands are needed to replace them temporarily.

It takes special folks to volunteer - it's not for everyone, as not everyone is willing to give of his or her precious spare time, even only for a couple of hours a week. Those who care enough to want to do something worthwhile with the time on their hands find interesting and very rewarding volunteer opportunities at DHAR, either as helpers in The Cool Cat Neighborhood, or at Birdland & Animal House, helping the crew feed the birds, chickens, rabbits and guinea pigs. Others may prefer to walk the small dogs on a leash, or prepare their food, also sweep their living quarters. All the animal residents of DHAR thrive on the special attention that volunteers always give them.

Currently, Animal Care at Desert Haven starts at 8 AM, and again at 4 PM. With the Old West Pavilion completed, dog walkers have the opportunity to relax, comfortably sitting on the covered bench, while watching the small groups of resident dogs in their care chase each-other playfully throughout the large fenced area, or run after anything that moves, never catching it, of course… If interested in helping out during the holidays, either plan to visit us on a Tuesday or contact Freddie at 894-2778 to let her know what day – morning or evening – that you would prefer to help.

A huge pat on the back is in order to our local Animal Care volunteers: Marilyn Cassidy comes twice a week. She concentrates on Birdland and The Cool Cat Neighborhood. Molly, a special Ed teacher at the T or C elementary school, handles all the laundry generated in the cat section. She also helps with Animal Care whenever her work schedule allows. Bootz, an integral part of the volunteer crew for several years now, is very much appreciates the three mornings a week that she handles dog care with other crew members at DHAR. These ladies are wonderful! We need more of them!

At this time, canned pet food is in high demand, now that the Desert Southwest nights are getting much colder as the winter season approaches. It is mixed with the dry food - and we do have hungry dogs and cats at DHAR! We also need a good used refrigerator.

For information on how to support our non-profit, animal welfare organization in some way, contact us at 894-2778 or 894-1694. You can also check-us out at http://www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.com. and http://www.DeserthavenAnimalRefuge.blogspot.com

Week of 11/4/07 Humane Happenings

Desert Haven Animal Refuge, Sierra County’s no-kill domestic animal sanctuary, is a very busy place at this time of the year. While big projects are being planned and started, the crew continues to make the non-human residents their priority one, and at the same time keep the facility in good state of repairs. This past Tuesday, and with winter rapidly approaching, Beverly DeGarmo winterized Birdland with straw donated by Jeanette Galliard. Ron Gjurovich and Deb Peters winterized the water lines – lots of water lines to winterize at DHAR! While John Sphar sorted building materials in the bone yard, Tim Day and Carlton Morse strengthened several enclosures in Dog Town, Kathryn Sphar and Addie Day revitalized the DHAR kitchen, and Ben DeGarmo completed the painting of the inside walls in the newly built visitors’ entrance to the main building. Many folks worked very hard and for many months the past two years, to get the new visitors’ entrance off the ground. The spacious porch is built, thanks to Walt Allen and his crew. The handicap ramp, built and covered some months ago, has now been stained, thanks to Ron Gjurovich. Soon, and with a little help from Walt Allen and Gene Trelewicz, who have the finishing touches on their to-do list, the main entrance to the office building and dining quarters will be finally completed. The sunny addition makes a world of difference at the DHAR headquarters.


Desert Haven has a strong and skilled team oriented crew this Fall. Dolly Loftus, DHAR new volunteer Administrative Assistant, is now on board - and not a week too soon. This retired local teacher is making a great addition to the volunteer office crew already in place. Linda Estavillo, DHAR’s Facility Manager, is accomplishing wonders at DHAR. Her determination, enthusiasm and her leadership skills have earned her the respect and affection of the entire crew. Eliana Aubin, DHAR Executive Director, has found a skilled and effective assistant in Linda, also in Freddie Loveless, DHAR Camp Host and Operations manager for the past four years. Freddie is also the sanctuary’s first long-term work camper and its “oldest” permanent human resident.

When one starts to think that Desert Haven is operated by an all-volunteer crew, and that it is successful, Whoa! What an achievement in itself!

This week’s wish list: A good used refrigerator. Canned dog and cat food, volunteers at Paws & Claws thrift shop, dog walkers and kitty cuddlers at Desert Haven. For information on how to support our non-profit, animal welfare organization in some way, contact us at 575-894-2778 or 894-1694. You can also check-us out at http://www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.com.

Featured Pet - Scotty

"Scotty is well named. I can picture him poking about in the brambles of the misty highlands of Scotland, his rough coat beaded with drops of water, ready to give chase to stag or hare.

He is alert, vigilant, brave, learns quickly and never forgets his lessons. He doesn't care much about "treats" but appreciates words of approval and the occasional scratch behind his ears. He is reserved, independent and strong willed but will be very loyal and obedient to the human who expects the best from him.
If I had to pick, from among our dogs at Desert Haven, the one that would be a reliable, intelligent and hardy companion in the woods and on the trail, Scotty would be my choice."



These are the words of Al Wilkinson, Desert Haven's Dog Trainer.Scotty was born in November 2005 to a mother that was brought to the refuge starving and pregnant. He's energetic and loves to play with his siblings and other dogs. He's got the even temperment of his blue heeler mother and loves to be petted, cuddled and walked. Scotty will make an excellent family dog.


Scotty as a puppy



If you might have room in your home and heart for this lovable guy, please give Frederica (Freddie) Loveless a call at 575-894-2778. She will happy to share more information with you and make an appointment for you to meet Scotty and any of our other available dogs or cats in need of a forever family.

Letter to the Editor

Note: This letter was written by a Desert Haven volunteer and sent to the editor of the local paper, along with a copy to us. Thank you for writing, Steven!

Camille Pronovost
DH Webmaster

October 29, 2007

Dear Editor,

I have worked at Desert Haven Animal Refuge, off and on, from about the beginning. It’s amazing how Eliana Aubin’s vision for the place has slowly come into being. She has worked harder than anyone there. Eliana is the Executive Director at DHAR.

The many hard-working volunteers have put their heart and soul into a very worthy project. Without them the animals would have no place to be safe and cared for, and it’s not all. Being a snowbird and traveling like I do, it is always interesting to see the changes and additions that have been done at Desert Haven each time I decide to spend a few months in T or C. The Cool Cat Neighborhood is a great place to sit and find a friend who will jump into your lap and enjoy being petted.

There’s a lot more to do at Desert Haven and volunteers are always needed. Supplies, food, and building materials are in need at Desert Haven to help expand and provide more room for more animals.

Rainbow Bridge Pet Cemetery is a place where your pet can be buried, and you can visit them when you feel the need. This is your Pet Haven. Your community support is needed to make Desert Haven grow and expand to provide for all animals in need. I hope people will go out and take a tour and see for themselves what a nice place Desert Haven is and perhaps get involved and help with the animals.

Your support is also needed at the Paws & Claws Thrift Shop. If you buy there, you not only get a bargain, but your money goes to a very worthy cause. You also may want to consider volunteering some time at Paws & Claws to help hang clothes or sell something. Donations are always needed and welcome.

I have always enjoyed my time in T or C when working with Desert Haven and the thrift shop. Working with Eliana has taught me that running a thrift store is a lot of hard work. She can always use help, and the animals will benefit from your participation in the Sierra County Humane Society.

Stephen Hawkins
PO Box 2953
Everett, WA 98213-0953

Week of 11/1/07 Humane Happenings

Fall has arrived at full speed in The Rio Grande corridor, and the tree lines along the water’s edge, seen in all their splendor from Desert Haven Animal Refuge, have already turned to a golden yellow- the unmistakable hue of the Desert Southwest in the Fall. The Caballo Mountains in the background complete the signature painting of Mother Nature. The New Mexico scenery, appreciated from the brand new Old West Pavilion, is absolutely gorgeous at this time of the year. The Pavilions’ builders - Terry Mayfield and Ron Djurovich (spelled correctly this time, Ron) – can be very proud of their accomplishment - the Old West Pavilion, surrounded by greasewoods and mesquite bushes. Looks great on the Old West Trail.


Eliana & Suede - A Hug in the Flowers

Adoption clinics are being held almost weekly now, thanks to the efforts of Bev and Ben DiGarmo who insure that some of the little dogs of DHAR receive the exposure that they need and fully deserve. Pat Armijo of The Movie Gallery and Bryan of Red Bone have both been very generous in allowing our Adoption Team to bring some of the sanctuary’s littlest dogs inside their place of business, to give them an extra chance at adoption. Suede, the fearless rat terrier pup who, with little Suzy-Q, was chosen for the Adoption Clinic last week, has a personality of his own and a courage to boot. That little guy is afraid of nothing, and not even the biggest and meanest-looking dogs at DHAR can scare him off! What a cutie!

This week’s kudos go to Jeanette Galliard for the twelve bales of alfalfa and straw that she brought to DHAR this week, all the way from Albuquerque where she lives and works, on her way to her R&R destination: Caballo Lake RV Park. This energetic nurse by trade, and big-hearted animal loving social butterfly by choice, is a real energizer at the sanctuary, and everyone looks forwards to her visits every month. The DHAR main dining area was fully decorated in the spirit of Halloween this past Tuesday – courtesy of Jeanette, of course! The volunteers there that day seemed to thoroughly enjoy the lunch and the time shared together, after a busy morning spent taking care of the non-human residents and working on some of Desert Haven’s most pressing maintenance projects.

We continue to need canned pet food, to supplement the dry food that we feed our dogs and cats every day. For information on how to adopt a companion animal from Desert Haven, contact us at 575-894-2778. You can also check-us out at http://www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.com.

Week of 10/21/07 Humane Happenings

These past few weeks have been very productive at Desert Haven Animal Refuge, Sierra County’s domestic animal sanctuary owned and operated by the Sierra County Humane Society. The Winter work camping crew has arrived and is now settled at the campground, and, together with the “Old Timers”, these animal loving folks are showing a genuine interest in making a difference. There is a strong team spirit among all members of the crew, and it affects everyone positively.



Terry Mayfield and Ron Gjudovich have almost completed the Old West Pavilion - the new covered bench that is now proudly overlooking the Old West Trail and it fenced exercise area, where the Desert Haven dogs are allowed to run loose twice a day, until they themselves decide that they can’t play anymore. Then, they walk back to the entrance gate, tongues hanging and eyes shining, ready to return to Dog Town, in anticipation of enjoying their twice-daily bowl of food. Terry and his building partner Ron have done a great job: The covered bench sure looks good, and the dog walkers will enjoy it so much.



After a busy morning handling animal care, painting, building, pulling weeds, answering phone calls, handling paper and computer work, everyone raved over Beverly’s delicious chicken gumbo and all the other tasty buffet dishes, including newcomer Pat, who is spending a couple of weeks at the sanctuary in anticipation of coming back later on this winter.

The Adoption Clinic was held this week at The Movie Gallery, and we thank owner Pat Armijo for her support in offering a free movie rental in exchange for pet food for DHAR.

Kevin of “Red Bone” in Downtown T or C, has also been very generous with the space he is letting us use to hold our Adoption Clinic.

This week’s Wish List: Canned dog and cat food - Good used refrigerator for the DHAR kitchen - Helping hands at Paws & Claws thrift shop – Dog walkers and kitty cuddlers at DHAR. For information on how to support our non-profit, all-volunteer animal welfare organization in some way, contact us at 575-894-2778 or 894-1694. You can also check-us out at http://www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.com.

Week of 10/14/07 Humane Happenings

Linda (Facilities Mgr. of DHAR), Eliana (Pres. of SCHS and DHAR), and Deb, (volunteer work camper at DHAR) in front of Paws & Claws Thrift Shop

The Sierra County Humane Society, Inc. wishes to give a huge thank-you to a supportive community! The Cash-for-Clubs program, offered each year by Bullocks, is designed to let the hometown grocery store’s customers decide where their donations should be directed. A wonderful program, it has greatly helped our non-profit animal welfare organization raise the necessary funds to keep it’s Spay-Neuter program alive over the 17 years of that program’s existence. Participating non-profit local organizations receive cash donations equal to 2 per thousand of the cash register receipts total they collect between September First and July 31st, year after year after year.

Between Sept 2006 and July 2007, our organization collected $ 3,739.89; exactly $1,437.71 more than the second largest recipient, the ZIA PTO. This is Community support at its best! A sincere "Thank-you" goes to each and everyone who, in their own way, helped us collect so many Bullocks receipts! We also appreciate the on-going efforts of Josephine Varnum for tallying all of them - quite a task indeed!

Animal loving folks are invited to continue to drop-off their Bullocks receipts at Paws & Claws Thrift Shop, the T or C Public Library and the Williamsburg Post Office.

A local resident -Charles Kuhne- visited Paws & Claws recently and complimented us on our weekly column: Humane Happenings. “It’s good that you write every week and keep us updated”. Comments like these are very much appreciated by the writer of this weekly article, but it is the strong support of the local media that helps our small organization keep the community updated as we do, and we wish to acknowledge that support. As far as we can remember, the Sierra County Sentinel has printed the “Humane Happenings” article as a Public Service Announcement each and every week that it was sent for publication. Such on-going commitment is truly commendable!

This week’s wish list: Good used refrigerator to replace the now-defunct one donated two years ago for the DHAR kitchen. Canned pet food. With the Desert Southwest nights getting cooler as the winter season approaches, the 16 residents of Dog Town, from four-months-old rat terrier Suede to Maxwell, the energetic Shepherd, canned food is always in high demand.

Interested in supporting our non-profit, all-volunteer animal welfare organization in some way? Contact us at 505-894-2778 or 894-1694. You can also check-us out at http://www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.com.

Week of 10/7/07 Humane Happenings

Ted with lots of kitties

The First Annual Blessing of the Animals took place on Saturday October 6 at Rainbow Bridge Pet Cemetery, adjacent to Desert Haven Animal Refuge, near Williamsburg. It commemorated the birthday of St Francis of Assisi, Patron Saint of small creatures. The ceremony, attended by over two dozen folks with their companion animals, was officiated by Father Peter Cacoperdo, pastor of St Paul’s Episcopal Church in T or C., in front of the life size statue of St Francis donated in 1999 by the family of Eugene Scartaccini, in his memory.


A sincere “Thank-You” is in order to Father Peter, for the very appropriate ceremony that he provided for all the animal loving folks attending. It was indeed a success! A “Thank-you” is also in order to the local radio station for announcing the event that morning. We appreciate the local media for their on-going support of our organization in publishing the Sierra County Humane Society’s weekly “Humane Happenings”. The media’s support is crucial in helping us keep the animal loving folks of our area updated on what our organization is accomplishing to help make this corner of the world a little gentler for every living creature.


A little petting for Hammy

Desert Haven’s winter work camping crew has now arrived and already settled down at the campground. John & Kathryn Farr of Washington, Ben & Beverly of Texas, and Terry & Pat Mayfield of Oregon are joining hands with the “Old Timers” - Operations Manager Freddie Loveless of Indiana, ARNG ( All ‘Round-Nice-Guy) Ron Gjudovich of New York, “Tool-Time Deb” & Training Manager Deb Peters of Connecticut, and last but certainly not least, Facilities Manager Linda Estavillo of Oregon. All of them reside on the property.

The crew is already planning several large projects and everyone is looking forward to an enjoyable winter spent working together with folks of kindred spirit.

This week’s wish list: Canned dog and cat food, volunteers at Paws & Claws thrift shop, dog walkers and kitty cuddlers at Desert Haven. For information on how to support our non-profit, all-volunteer animal welfare organization in some way, contact us at 505-894-2778 or 894-1694. You can also check-us out at www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.com.

Week of 10/1/07 Humane Happenings

These are busy times at Desert Haven Animal Refuge, Sierra County’s No-Kill domestic animal sanctuary. Last week, Desert Haven’s “Guardian Angels” - George & DiAnna Schnetzer- came down from their home in Los Lunas to distribute to all the canine residents platform beds just like those used at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah. Not only they are light and easy to clean, but also they are also very comfortable and roomy, even for our largest canines.


All the residents of Dog Town took to them immediately, and some more than others. After inspecting his new and spacious platform bed, the spirited wirehair Chihuahua, Pierrot, proceeded to move all his toys to his new sleeping quarters - and little Pierrot has many toys! Then, surrounded by all his earthly possessions, the new self-proclaimed king-of-the jungle began to watch the on-goings of Dog Town from his prestigious position.


He was exuding such obvious pride and satisfaction that all the volunteers involved that day could not help but smile every time they walked by his living quarters. George and DiAnna, you are two very special people and we all love you, here at Desert Haven. Thank-you!

We certainly appreciate each Sierra County resident and business owner who supports our organization in some way. Sierra Feeds recently donated a sizeable load of Eukanuba dog food. A few days ago, St Cloud Mining dropped-off an entire pallet of cat litter. St Cloud’s on-going donation of cat litter over the years has been a tremendous help as we care of the feline residents of the Cool Cat Neighborhood. Jason Gransbury of Palomas Canyon answered our recent plea and he spent many hours working on the property with his small tractor and backhoe.



Dan Mason of Turtleback Pest Control regularly drops–off bags of pet food at Paws & Claws thrift shop for DHAR. A new friend of Desert Haven - David Delio – heard about our need for canned food and immediately donated pet food as well as several boxes of much needed canned cat food.

With the cool weather soon upon us, we are starting to feed our residents more canned food each day, mixed with their dry food. We are asking our animal loving readers to please consider dropping-off at Paws & Claws thrift shop or Desert Haven any amount of CANNED dog and cat food.

For information on how to support our animal welfare organization in some way, contact us at 505-894-2778 or 505-894-1694. You can also check-us out at http://www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.com.

Week of 9/23/07 Humane Happenings

The Birthday of St. Francis, patron Saint of all animals, will be celebrated on Saturday, October 6, at Desert Haven Animal Refuge, Sierra County’s no-kill domestic animal sanctuary. At 11 AM, a Blessing of the Animals ceremony will take place at Rainbow Bridge Pet Cemetery. It will be officiated by Father Peter Cacoperdo, Pastor of the Episcopal Church in T or C. All interested community residents accompanied by their companion animals are invited to attend. During that time, Desert Haven volunteer staff members will be on hand for anyone interested in visiting dogs and cats available for adoption. For more information, contact DHAR Facilities manager - Linda Estavillo – at 505-740-2775.

The president of the Sierra County Humane Society, Eliana Aubin, recently attended the Court proceedings involving the James Belis case. Belis pleaded guilty to dangling a live cat by its tail over a pit bull and a boxer in their pen - an act of extreme cruelty routinely used in the savage blood sport of Dogfighting to train certain breeds of dogs to fight. Animal loving folks in our area owe a big thank-you to District Attorney Clint Welborn and his dedicated office staff for giving Sierra County Humane Society representatives the opportunity to speak on behalf of the animal victims at any proceedings involving animal cruelty. His decision is giving animals a voice in Sierra County Courts - a huge step forward to protect innocent non-human victims of abuse and cruelty who can’t speak for themselves. Times are changing indeed.

At his Court appearance, Belis was facing up to 182 days for cruelty to animals - a misdemeanor. It has been reduced from Extreme Cruelty to Animals - a fourth degree felony - when a plea-bargaining deal was made out-of-Court that also involved domestic abuse offenses. Consecutive to his other sentence, Judge Matthew Reynolds gave Belis 177 days of jail time and then probation for the remaining five days of the maximum 182 days that he was facing in regard to the animal abuse case.

The Sierra County Humane Society is determined to help put an end to animal cruelty in this area. Mr. Eloy Martinez of the District Attorney’s office has assured the SCHS President that any animal abuse case brought by our organization to the District Attorney’s office attention will be taken seriously and handled accordingly. Anyone knowing of dogs being trained to fight should contact the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) at 202-452-1100. The caller’s anonymity will be protected. In addition, please contact The Sierra County Humane Society at 505-894-1694.

For information on how to support our animal welfare organization, contact us at 505-894-2778 or 894-1694. You can also check-us out at http://www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.com.

Week of 9/16/07 Humane Happenings

The Cash for Clubs program, generously offered each year by Bullocks Grocery, is on again. We urge our animal-loving readers to consider saving all their Bullocks receipts for the Sierra County Humane Society & Desert Haven Animal Refuge, Sierra County’s No-Kill domestic animal sanctuary. Bullocks allows local non-profit organizations to receive 1% per $1,000 of the sales reflecting on their receipts, between the months of Sept and July. Long-time SCHS member Josephine Varnum kindly continues to tally all the receipts dropped off at Paws & Claws thrift shop, Desert Haven Animal Refuge, the TorC public library and Williamsburg Post office. The money collected helps keep our organization’s Spay-Neuter program alive. We rebate $30 for male dogs or cats, and $40 for females, to pet owners needing an extra incentive to get their companion animal sterilized. Applications are available at the TorC Police station, El Rancho Poodles, Hot Springs Animal Clinic, Paws & Claws thrift shop, and also on line at
http://www. DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.com. We are convinced that our comprehensive Spay-Neuter program is instrumental in curbing the dog and cat overpopulation throughout Sierra County.

Note: Eliana Aubin wishes to thank all the folks who made it a point to contact her personally to find out why there was no Humane Happenings article in the Sierra County Sentinel last week. In fact, it was quite a surprise to find out how many interested folks called over the weekend. A sincere thank-you goes to the management of the Sentinel newspaper who took the time out of their busy schedule to contact Eliana personally regarding their quickly approaching deadline that week. Good business spirit! A home-based non-profit business computer crashing at the worse time, then the necessary purchase & subsequent installation of another computer created huge setbacks that hopefully now are being corrected. It was a good feeling, though, to witness the obvious local interest generated by the SCHS’s weekly Humane Happenings.

Put meaning in your life: become a volunteer. If you love animals or just want to be part of a progressive community-oriented organization, consider volunteering with us: We need your help!

Volunteer at Paws & Claws thrift shop at 109 East First Street, or if you prefer working on projects on Tuesdays, or helping with animal care and dog walking any day of the week of your choosing, contact us at 505-894-2778 for more information.

Week of 9/02/07 Humane Happenings

Maxwell, overseeing his domain

Welcome back, Deb Peters! After a five-week trip back East where she celebrated an important Birthday and visited family and friends, Desert Haven Animal Refuge’s “Tool Time Deb” is back. Indeed, Welcome Back, Deb!

This week, a special thank-you goes to Al Wilkinson and Bootz, two local folks who have shown on numerous occasions that their love for animals and their belief in what the sanctuary represents are for real. When Deb left in July, we needed extra hands to replace her during her absence. Al, Desert Haven’s Dog Trainer, and Bootz, a long-term local volunteer, made it a point to help out in any way they could. Thanks a million, guys!

This summer, Dog Town has been home to a full-house of canines of all sizes, ages and temperaments. From Pierrot, the spirited Chihuahua, to Maxwell, the proud Shepherd, we have it all. It is amazing how much Livia, the small Benjy-look-alike cutie, has improved in the past few weeks since the DHAR volunteers rescued her. The old saying “Love conquers all” comes to our mind when we look at her. From the terrified little canine rag-doll, ready to snap at anyone that she felt was coming too close for comfort, Livia is quickly becoming the want-to-be lap dog of Dog Town. Saving Livia did not change the world, but it made a difference in the life of that one little dog, and it certainly made a difference in the life of each and everyone of us, who had anything to do with saving her and getting her back to a normal life.

Because of a crew that cared enough this summer, the canines of Desert Haven are now able to enjoy to the fullest a completely fenced one-acre area, full of vegetation and interesting things to investigate, from a dog’s point of view, that is. Fencing The Old West section of Desert Haven has truly enhanced the daily life of the canines of Dog Town. Each morning and evening, the crew assigned to animal care on that day brings all the dogs to the now-fenced Old West area, in small groups. It is a dog’s paradise. When they finally get back to their respective play yards after their run, they are welcomed with abundant fresh water and their individual bowl of mixed canned and dry food. While they are out, each yard is cleaned by the “Poop Patrol” on duty. What a dog’s life! No wonder some of our visitors have often commented that if they were a dog, they would love to wake up each morning at Desert Haven! For more information on how to volunteer or support our organization in some ways, contact us at 894-2778. You can also check-us out at http://www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.com