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.