Week of 2/13/11 Humane Happenings

 by Eliana Aubin

Glen Park; Volunteer at Paws & Claws Thrift Shoppe

This week, we wish to inform our readers that The Sierra County Humane Society, which operates Desert Haven Animal Refuge and Paws & Claws Thrift Shoppe, is in no way associated with the people who call themselves “Assets for Animals.” They are currently running an ad in the local papers to attract 'animal-loving' folks to donate items to them. According to their claim, they plan to ultimately distribute your donations to “participating” thrift shops that benefit animals, whether locally or nationwide.

We were very recently invited by the organizers of 'Assets for Animals' to team up with their new venture. Our staff unanimously declined for the following reasons. This is an unknown organization without any verifiable history. Also, why would anyone living in Sierra County choose to have their donations benefit unknown entities outside of the county where we live? In addition, the very few thrift shops whose goal is to contribute to animal care organizations pay salaries to a manager and staff before any profits are allowed to trickle down to benefit animals. Paws & Claws is run entirely by non-paid volunteers and all profits are directly dedicated to the welfare of the animals we can help within Sierra County. Furthermore, P&C Thrift Shoppe operates under the non-profit 501-C-3 umbrella of the SCHS, therefore all your donations are tax deductible, while ‘Assets for Animals’ do not offer that important benefit.

The Sierra County Humane Society believes that being involved with 'Assets for Animals’ is not in the best interest of our local animals. Our animal welfare organization is dedicated to helping Sierra County animals first and foremost. Consequently, until or unless 'Assets for Animals' can insure that all the funds earned from local donations benefit the animals of Sierra County and Sierra County only, the Sierra County Humane Society and P&C Thrift Shoppe will not be associated with this group.

Whereas the Sierra County Humane Society would applaud any organization that can clearly demonstrate their commitment to animal care within our community, we feel obliged to keep our fellow citizens informed of all the information we have received regarding these matters.

If you have any questions or if we can be of service in any way, please feel free to call us at 575-894-1694

This week, our most crucial need is: Dog Walkers at DHAR. While the larger dogs exercise in several groups in the all-fenced Old West Trail every morning, our small breed canine residents are walked individually or two-by-two on a leash. This allows precious interaction between them and the folks who walk them. This takes time and manpower and we currently need more local folks to help us handle that important morning task. Contact Reba at 740-4100 if you wish to help.

Interested in helping at P&C Thrift Shoppe? Call us at 894-2639 or 2778.

For more information, visit us at www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.com. and www.Facebook.com/deserthaven. Our mailing address is POB 638, Williamsburg, NM 87942.