Week of 5/13/12 Humane Happenings

by Eliana Aubin

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

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

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