Week of 12/16/07 Humane Happenings

"Lucky the Reindeer" - Desert Haven's first canine resident

Christmas is just around the corner and the volunteer team at Desert Haven Animal Refuge, Sierra County’s No-Kill Domestic Animal Sanctuary, is asking all animal loving folks to consider including Desert Haven’s furry and feathered residents on their Christmas list. In Dog Town, we continue to need sturdy leashes, dog treats, canned and dry food, along with big dog food bowls.

In winter and especially during cold weather, the dogs of Desert Haven are fed a mixture of moist and dry food twice a day, after their exercise run on The Old West Trail. One twenty-pound bag of dog food, for example, lasts about one day at Dog Town. While we purchase brands such as Beneful and Pedigree on a regular basis for our canine population, we mix everything together, including pet food of any type that is donated by our animal loving friends.

The residents of The Cool Cat Neighborhood love canned tuna of course, but they also appreciate any type of canned and dry cat food, and treats as well. Everyone visiting “The Neighborhood” always comments on the attractiveness and cleanliness of the entire Feline Habitat. As a couple visiting DHAR from out-of-state called it, it is most certainly “the feline equivalent of a five-star gated community” - quite an impressive statement from cat lovers who make it a point to visit feline sanctuaries as they travel throughout the country.

John & Linda Jones of San Lorenzo, New Mexico, visited Desert Haven this past Tuesday and they were both very impressed with the entire facility including the loving care that all the members of the DHAR team are giving the furry and feathered residents. John has already committed to help care for the animals and with on-going projects every Tuesday. Way to go, John!

This week, we especially wish to acknowledge Richard & Annie Millard of Caballo, for their generous Christmas contribution and their very complimentary note - also Rochelle Danhi of Florida, who visited DHAR recently with her friends Jim and Judith. Rochelle included with her generous contribution a card to let us know that the three of them were very impressed with the facility and how well we take care of all the non-human residents.

We appreciate the thoughtfulness of the recent anonymous contributor of the two large cans of wonderful dog treats dropped-off at Paws & Claws for the residents of Dog Town.

It’s Christmas time, and the volunteer team at Desert Haven hopes that the furry and feathered creatures in their care will also be remembered by folks who genuinely love animals. For more information, contact us at 894-2778. You can also check us out at http://www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.com

Week of 12/9/07 Humane Happenings

Eliana with Angel, a Christmas puppy

Happy Belated Birthday, Linda Estavillo. At 39 years and holding, this birthday should be a memorable one for a very special lady. Linda is the Facilities Manager at Desert Haven Animal Refuge, The Sierra County Humane Society owned-and-operated no-kill domestic animal sanctuary. Linda, who chose Desert Haven as part of her need for a change of direction in her career goals and a strong need for a purpose-driven life at this time in her life, came to Desert Haven over a year ago from her home in Oregon after answering a “Volunteer Help Wanted” ad in one of the national RV magazines. Linda resides at Desert Haven, with husband David, who works in law enforcement, and son James, a student at Hot Springs High School. Linda is a huge part of the on-going success of Desert Haven. Thanks for being part of our volunteer Team, Linda.

Ben and Beverly De Garmo, a couple originally from Texas who work camped at Desert Haven for the past several months, will soon be leaving the area to go on to their next work camping adventure in another part of the US. They have been instrumental in keeping the pet adoption clinics open in several of the local stores, and we very appreciate all their efforts as well as their genuine love and concern for the non-human residents of DHAR. We wish them well, and trust that they will indeed come back to DHAR, as they promised, when the opportunity presents itself to them again.

Sport, a young shepherd with a great disposition, together with Parker, a cheerful border collie, also Angel, an adorable six-week old puppy, also Princess, a cute-as-a-button Chihuahua terrier, are now the newest additions to Dog Town. Together with the rest of the Dog Town gang, these puppies and young canines of various sizes and temperaments are making Desert Haven a great place to shop for a companion animal, especially at this time of the year.

Wish List: Steel garbage cans with lids, used refrigerator in good working condition, pet food, canned & dry. Dog and cat treats.

Volunteers are needed to walk the resident dogs, help clean their environment and prepare their food. Kitty Cuddlers are also needed in The Cool Cat Neighborhood. If you are partial to birds, guinea pigs, rabbits, chickens or peacocks, consider donating some of your time at Birdland. Marilyn Cassidy, a local volunteer, is spending the holidays out of the area and her dependable help is very much missed.

At this time of the year, remember the animals and help the volunteers at DHAR and the Sierra county Humane Society care for the less fortunate animals. For more information, contact us at 575-894-2778. You can also check us out at www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.com.

Letter from Pat & Terry Mayfield

Note: Pat & Terry Mayfield spent three weeks work camping at Desert Haven. These wonderful folks were so very helpful while they were here. Terry, together with Ron Djurovich, designed and built the Old West Pavilion. It provides a place for dog walkers to rest in the shade while the dogs run and play in the Old West fenced-in section of DHAR.


Terry, Vickie, and Pat in the Old West Pavilion

November 14, 2007


Dear Eliana,

Terry and I want to tell you how much we enjoyed our time with you and the staff of Desert Haven Animal Refuge. You are a wonderful, and dedicated group and really care about each of your furred and feathered friends. You are doing a great service for your community and the animals there that need a good home. Your clean, homey, comfortable and rustic facility offers a great home to pets waiting for adoption. It was a pleasure to see several volunteers from the area interested in the care of the dogs, cats, rabbits, chickens, guinea pigs, doves, and peacocks. We also were able to witness two or three adoptions in our short three-week stay.

We also enjoyed working with the other Work Campers that were at Desert Haven the same time we were. We worked hard but we had a lot of fun too. Terry was so happy to have been able to build the covered bench for you in the Wild West area were you take the dogs for a good run twice a day. I was amazed at your Paws and Claws Thrift Store and really enjoyed my hours there with you. What must be said though is – You need a much bigger building!

Thank you for the opportunity to work with you and get to know you, Linda, Freddie, and Deb, your local volunteers and Work Campers. We hope to be able to come again next year.

Pat & Terry Mayfield
Newberg, Oregon

Week of 12/2/07 Humane Happenings

There was a lot of activity at Desert Haven this past Tuesday, as several local and out of town visitors toured Desert Haven Animal Refuge (Sierra County’s Domestic Animal Sanctuary) either with “Tour Guide Extraordinaire” Freddie Loveless, or Linda Estavillo, Facilities Manager at DHAR.

A huge thank-you is in order to James Schulze and Judith Ross-Morris of Albuquerque, who, after visiting the sanctuary recently, were so impressed with the facility and the loving care given to all its non-human residents, that they decided to make a substantial contribution in lieu of exchanging Christmas gift this year. What a wonderful gesture on the part of two very thoughtful individuals!

Beverly and Bob Jensen of Colorado, who are spending the winter in a local RV park, are currently sponsoring Parker, the newest resident of Dogtown . Parker, a young male Border Collie mix with a great disposition, was found wandering around the RV Park where they are staying. The couple immediately volunteered to cover the costs of Parker’s sterilization, including all his shots. They are also donating their time each day to help care for him – what a caring couple! Anyone interested in sponsoring a dog or a cat from Desert Haven? All it takes is a little time on your hands and a big dose of love! The rewards are priceless.

We appreciate the thoughtfulness of Beverly and Ben De Garmo of Texas, for their generous donation of pet food in Memory of their beloved kitty Anna Belle, now buried at Rainbow Bridge Pet Cemetery. Paws-Up to two very generous couples: Annie & Richard Millard and Mary Jane & Bill Clellan whose monthly contributions help cover the costs of pet food for the residents of DHAR. A pat on the back is in order for Margaret Simone and Kathy Onereck of Markayes Quality Pet Supplies, who recently donated dog food and pet gifts. These animal loving folks also have one of our Doggie Banks in their place of business. The proceeds from the Doggie Banks help fund our comprehensive Spay-Neuter program. Applications for the Spay-Neuter program can be picked up at the TorC Police Station, Hot Springs Animal Clinic, El Rancho Poodles and Paws & Claws thrift shop.

This week’s wish list: Large steel garbage cans with lids – a good used refrigerator - volunteers at Desert Haven and Paws & Claws thrift shop – canned and dry pet food.

For more information, contact us at 575-894-2778. You can also check us out at http://www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.com.

Week of 11/25/07 Humane Happenings

How quickly the season seems to be going at this time of the year!

Already Thanksgiving is behind us, and now Christmas is on the way. Thanksgiving was celebrated last Tuesday at Desert Haven, the domestic animal sanctuary owned and operated by The Sierra County Humane Society. Jeanette Galliard, on her R&R (Rest and Recuperation) at Caballo RV Park from her demanding career in Albuquerque, handled the traditional Turkey main dish and trimmings, while everyone included a special dish, as is customary. This made for a very congenial Thanksgiving celebration for the volunteer team at DHAR.

On Thursday, the animals and birds were not forgotten, and special treats were handed out to all. In the evening, the volunteers gathered again at the sanctuary for the Thanksgiving meal. Beverly and Ben DiGarmo, work campers from Texas, took charge of the scrumptious Ham main dish. Once again, the dining room was resounding with laughter and interesting conversations throughout the entire meal. A harmonica was brought out and Leonardo Rivera added to the feelings of friendship by playing some well known tunes way into the evening. When some of our work campers pull out within the next few weeks, on their way to new and exciting adventure across the United States, it will be with sadness that the rest of the crew will see them leave.

George and DiAnna Schnetzer came to visit Desert Haven last Tuesday, and it was a genuine pleasure to see them both. As always, these generous folks from Los Lunas did not come empty handed - their car was loaded with much needed pet food. They did not forget the DHAR volunteer crew, as they also brought goodies for every sweet tooth at the sanctuary – the human type, that is.

Paws & Claws continues to be very busy and at this time of the year, local volunteers are very much needed there as well, especially to make-up for those who will soon be leaving the sanctuary to spend their Christmas vacation with their out-of-state family.

For information on how to support our non-profit, animal welfare organization in some way, either through financial contributions or to volunteer some of your time each week, either at Paws & Claws thrift shop in T or C, or at Desert Haven Animal Refuge, contact us at 894-2778 or 894-1694. You can also check-us out at http://www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.com.

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.