Week of 7/15/07 Humane Happenings

Blue-eyed Chaco


Happy belated Birthday, Tim Kuzdrowski! At 15 years old, this well-traveled young man, who arrived several months ago to Desert Haven Animal Refuge from Pennsylvania by way of Alabama, together with mom Letha, Dad Ted and their companion animal family, has been a positive addition to the domestic animal sanctuary’s volunteer crew. It is refreshing to know that there are still good ol’ fashion, well-behaved teenagers like Tim, who, instead of always complaining of having nothing to do, choose to be actively involved in making a difference in their corner of the world, as they are on their way to entering adult life.

The Cash-for-Clubs program ends the last day of July to start again in September. Please bring all your saved Bullocks receipts to Paws & Claws thrift shop or drop them off in the mailbox in front of the building. Bullocks receipts received after the end of July will not be tallied and potential revenues from them will be lost. Last year, The Sierra County Humane Society collected the most receipts by far and received more funding than any organization involved in the program. All monies collected through the Cash-for-Club program help cover the costs of the Society’s Spay-Neuter and Spay-a-Stray program. Josephine Varnum is much appreciated for tallying the Bullocks receipts since the program started several years ago.

Interested in adopting young kittens ? Call Patricia at 894-2906, or Sharon at 743-0229. Desert Haven is now home to several small kitties not yet weaned. They will be up for adoption in a few weeks. We are also taking care of five tiny rat-terrier mix pups, soon to be weaned. All animals adopted from Desert Haven are sterilized and their shots up-to-date. If you wish to reserve a Desert Haven kitty or puppy, for the purpose of adoption, call us at 894-2778.

This week’s Wish List: Gallon jars. Canned and dry dog and cat food, also sunflower seeds and rabbit pellets. Helpers at Paws & Claws thrift shop when it is open for business from Wednesday through Saturday. Volunteers to help with animal care at Desert Haven, any morning of the week.

Plan to visit Desert Haven on Tuesday, call us at 505-894-2778 or check us out at http://www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.com, for a list of available animals to adopt.
By the way, do you know where your cat is tonight?

Week of 7/8/07 Humane Happenings

Proud Maxwell


As the summer heat continues, Sierra County’s animal loving folks should remember that domestic animals, living out-of-doors, either confined in enclosures or in their owners’ yards, should be given ample water and shade at all times. At this time of the year especially, when water is a life-saving necessity, dogs, many of them living at the end of a chain, should not have to go without, for any period of time. Dogs tied to a chain day after day, month after month are a heartbreaking sight. Not only because they can’t protect themselves from the extreme desert temperatures, but dogs, being pack animals, need the company of other dogs and of humans. The TorC Animal Control ordinance indicates that all dogs’ chains must be 25 ft or longer. It is up to us, to those of us who care enough, to insure that dog owners who keep their animal tied-up out-of-doors follow the ordinance. If you live in the city of T or C and see an animal being abused or even neglected, please contact the animal control officer on duty that day – a call to the TCPD will connect you with the ACO. Insure that your complaint is followed through. It may save a defenseless animal’s life.

This week, we wish to thank Williamsburg residents Kathy Elverum and her husband for donating and also delivering to Desert Haven a used side-by-side refrigerator-freezer in good condition. Their very generous donation is already being put to good use.

Tuesday morning, the DHAR crew enjoyed the visit of Nolen Jaynes of Williamsburg, together with her two dogs, Donnie and his brother Cinnamon. Both dogs were adopted from Desert Haven some months ago. Nolene even brought some tamales for the next Tuesday’s pot-luck lunch. A very thoughtful gesture indeed!

Many thanks to ALCO for their contributions of several large bags of dog and cat food. With the number of animals living at DHAR on a regular basis, we can always use donations of pet food, including canned and dry dog and cat food. Your contributions can be dropped off at Paws & Claws thrift shop at 109 East First Street.

As summer continues, we still need helpers from Wednesday through Saturday at Paws & Claws thrift shop, when it is open for business. We also need help at Desert Haven with animal care, any morning of the week. Contact Freddie for more information. Plan to visit Desert Haven on Tuesday, call us at 894-2778 or check- us out at http://www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.com, for a list of available animals to adopt. By the way, have you hugged your pet today?

Humane Happenings Week of 6/27/07

During the Dog Days of Summer- this time of the year obviously- Desert Haven Animal Refuge operates in low gear: no big projects are undertaken in the middle of summer. The non-human residents of Desert Haven take everyone’s energy and attention.

This week, we wish to acknowledge Dan Mason of Turtleback Pest Control, for his routine and substantial donations of dog and cat food. Home to 10 to 15 canines of all sizes, and 25 to 30 active felines, Desert Haven Animal Refuge always has dog and cat food on its wish list. We can also use canned pet food – a daily treat for all the dog and cat residents. Bullocks Grocery store, especially Judy in the Produce Department, deserves acknowledgment as well. Since Desert Haven became home to over 50 guinea pigs and rabbits several years ago, we have been able to pick-up, three days a week, large boxes full of fresh vegetable and fruit scraps. Freddie Loveless picks up and sorts their contents in the Birdland Snack-Shack. The cut-up veggies and fruits, served in oversize stainless steel platters each morning, look like giant – and very appetizing - chef salads. No wonder the little guinea-guys (and gals) look so healthy! Nothing goes to waste: what the guinea pigs and rabbits can’t eat goes to the chickens and peacocks. They all love fresh alfalfa, of course - Jeanette Galliard of Albuquerque keeps us well supplied - and it’s a permanent feature on their menu.

For a while now, Molly Williams and Stan Brodsky have generously given of their time several mornings each week to help with the daily care of the residents of DHAR, and it has been a blessing! We could use some more helpers at this time of the year - at Paws & Claws and DHAR. Contact Freddie at 505-894-2778 for more information.

The past few weeks, Paws & Claws volunteers have been sorting through an unusual amount of one-of-a-kind treasures and recyclable items, together with some of the best clothing and shoes that have ever been donated. We appreciate all the nice customers who visit the shop regularly, and we sincerely thank all the thoughtful folks who choose Paws & Claws to drop-off their donations. If you must drop off large items in front of the shop, please consider waiting until it is open to do so. Unscrupulous individuals have made it a habit to checkout and take-away - on a regular basis - any unsecured item donated to the thrift shop. Plan to visit Desert Haven on Tuesday or check- us out at http://www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.com, for a list of available animals to adopt. Until next time, have a purr-fect week!

Letter from a Desert Haven Supporter

We received permission to share this recent letter from a long-time supporter of The Sierra County Humane Society and Desert Haven Animal Refuge.

Thank you, Rick!

With so many instances of cruelty to defenseless, loving animals, it is without a doubt an uplifting experience to rely on Desert Haven Animal Refuge, a no-kill facility, as a secure and safe place where animals can find shelter, food, love and affection.

I have been following the progress at Desert Haven since the sanctuary became a reality, and I continue to be impressed with what has been accomplished, against all odds. A team of volunteers works tirelessly to ensure the safety and the well-being of all of the animal guests.

I have been fortunate to have been the recipient of non-judgmental affection on the part of two beautiful golden retrievers. They often look up at me with their brown eyes, waiting expectantly for a smile from me or a doggie biscuit. Pictorial images of abused dogs often broadcast on television flash through my mind as I gaze upon those two goldens. My eyes tear up as I picture them as victims of similar abuse. I am thankful for the existence of Desert Haven Animal Refuge, where succor is offered to other unfortunate victims.

Eliana Aubin’s work, and that of all the volunteers, at the DHAR is to be commended. They have dedicated their lives to the improvement of the lives of so many abandoned, abused and handicapped animals. They are indeed doing God’s work.

Rick Melpignano
Bellingham, MA

4th of July - Humane Happenings

Suzy-Q

Keep your pets safely at home on the 4thof July. While 4th of July fireworks can be exciting for any patriotic person, it can be a stressful and chaotic event for your pets. The loud noises and flashing lights caused by fireworks can spook household pets and cause wildlife animals to flee their natural habitats, possibly leaving their young behind. Some pets have been known to become so frightened during a fireworks show that they have jumped through window glass to run away.

Here are a few tips to help keep all animals safe this 4th of July:

* Leave your pets at home. Most pets don't enjoy the crashing and flashing caused by fireworks and even the most trustworthy pet could become scared and run away.
* Don't leave your pets in the car during a fireworks display, as the temperatures inside the car may rise drastically.
* Don't leave your outdoor pets unattended, even in a fenced yard. The chaos may cause them to panic and try to escape.
* Be sure your pets are wearing proper identification in case they DO become lost during the events. IDs can help your pet find its way home to you again. Microchips are the most reliable forms of ID possible. You can contact your veterinarian about getting one for your pet, or contact the Sierra County Humane Society for more information.
* If you know your pet usually becomes scared at loud noises, such as during thunderstorms, be sure to keep them in a safe room with lots of treats and favorite toys to help them alleviate any anxiety caused by the exploding fireworks. You may also like to speak with your vet to find some herbal remedies safe for your pet to help keep them calm during stressful times.
* If you have horses or other animals usually kept in stalls, be sure they are kept calm during the events so they don't thrash around and possibly injure themselves.
* Remember not to set off any of your own fireworks near a wildlife-inhabited area. The bursting noises and flashing lights may disturb the wildlife causing them to leave their natural nesting areas. And, any stray sparks caused by the careless use of fireworks can cause serious damage by starting a forest fire

Featured Pet - Toesie

Toesie is so named because of the extra toe on his front paws. He started life as an alley cat, miles from Desert Haven, abandoned by his owners who left the area without him. Toesie was very lucky to be at the right place at the right time. A Good Samaritan rescued him and brought him to Desert Haven in 2005. Toesie has found his place in the world at the Cool Cat Neighborhood. He is a happy and contented cat and deserves a home of his own.





If you have room in your heart and your home for this adorable boy, contact Desert Haven at 575-894-2778.

Week of 6/20/07 Humane Happenings

The Sierra County Humane Society wishes to remind everyone that The Movie Gallery’s owner, Pat Armijo, is donating a free movie rental during the month of June, in exchange for pet food (canned or dry) designated for Desert Haven Animal Refuge, Sierra County’s No-Kill domestic animal sanctuary. A local business helping a local charitable organization – the way to go!

An accolade is also in order for The Herald, whose Publisher Mike Tooley officially approved the designation of the goodsearch.com search engine for all of The Herald’s computers, allowing the Sierra County Humane Society, inc. to receive half of the revenues generated. Any business wishing to support our local animal welfare organization can use goodsearch.com just as it would any search engine. It’s powered by Yahoo!, so you get great results. Be sure to list the Sierra County Humane Society, Inc. as the charity you want to support.

Our non-profit organization is indebted to the local media for the space reserved in the newspapers for the weekly “Humane Happenings” column. For many years now, we have been given the opportunity by the local media to inform readers, week after week, about all the good that our volunteers do to help make Sierra County a better place to live. We owe the media a huge thank-you indeed!

Please continue to save your Bullocks receipts, they means $$ to our Society, which in turn uses the funds generated to cover the costs of our Spay-Neuter and Spay-a-Stray programs. We also collect aluminum cans. Please drop them off at Paws & Claws thrift shop at 109 East First Street, in T or C, or at Desert Haven, whichever is most convenient for you.

This week’s wish list: canned dog and cat food, bird seeds, rabbit pellets and chicken scratch. Rubber tubs to be used as swimming pools for some of our water-loving canines. A refrigerator in working condition for Dog Town, to replace the now-extinct one generously donated to us several years ago. Any chest-type freezer you no longer want can also be donated to Desert Haven - we use them successfully for rodent-proof pet food storage.

The companion animal of your choice may be waiting for you at Desert Haven! Plan to visit the sanctuary on Tuesday, or call us at 505-894-2778 for an appointment. You can also check- us out at http://www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.com. Until next time, have a purr-fect week!

Week of June 17 Humane Happenings

Feather in dreamland

Aluminum cans and Bullocks receipts continue to be collected by The Sierra County Humane Society and when redeemed, the funds earned help cover some of the costs of sterilizing companion animals of Sierra County residents. Both our Spay-Neuter and Spay-a-Stray programs are crucial in curbing the domestic animal overpopulation in our area. Applications for the Spay-Neuter program can be picked up at the T or C Police station, El Rancho Poodles and Hot Springs Animal Clinic. To take advantage of the Spay-a-Stray program in which the cost of sterilizing a feral cat that you care for is completely free to you, contact us at 505-894-2778 or 894-1694.

When advertising free to a good home a dog, puppy, cat or kitten, please insure that the so-called “good home” does not turn out to be a horrifying experience for the animal you no longer want. No animal deserves to be tortured, maimed or even “dumped” in some obscure section of Sierra County, or left to slowly die, tied-up in some backyard, because nobody really cares. As shameful as it is, this fate happens right here in Sierra County, perhaps even in your own neighborhoods, to “Free to good home” dogs or cats. The Sierra County Humane Society is not a law enforcement Agency, consequently, the local law enforcement departments and Animal Control Officers are the proper authorities to contact first when you witness a domestic animal in distress or someone abandoning one. According to Police Chief Russ Peterson, you can remain anonymous if you wish.

A friendly reminder to our Internet aficionados: Do you wish to help Desert Haven earn $$ while you search? GoodSearch.com is a new search engine that donates half its revenue, about a penny per search, to the charities its users designate. You use it just as you would any search engine, and it's powered by Yahoo!, so you get great results. Just go to http://www.goodsearch.com. Be sure that Sierra County Humane Society is listed as the charity you want to support. Just 500 of us searching four times a day will raise about $7300 in a year without anyone spending a dime! And, be sure to spread the word!

Wish List: Canned and dry dog and cat food. Rubber tubs to be used as individual swimming pools for the canines of Dog Town.

Interested in volunteering, or in knowing more about us and our dogs and cats available for adoption? Visit Desert Haven on Tuesday or check us out at http://www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.com. Contact us at 505-894-2778 or 894-1694.

Letter from a Desert Haven visitor and supporter!

We received permission to share this letter from a Desert Haven visitor:

"Recently I came upon this website for Desert Haven while searching the web. My daughter and I had the delightful experience of visiting Desert Haven a number of times over the last few years. This No Kill Animal Refuge was created by hard working, committed volunteers and is funded strictly by donations and the money they receive from their local Thrift Store “PAWS & CLAWS”. Not one person, even the CEO receives any kind of stipend or salary. We had the opportunity to watch this grow in various stages with several visits we had through New Mexico. It has developed into a wonderful haven for abandoned and abused animals. This past summer we went through Williamsburg, NM and stopped to see what progress had been made at the refuge. They not only have dogs and cats, but also peacocks, doves, chicken and roosters as well as guinea pigs and bunny rabbits. My 6 year old daughter was thrilled to be able to enter the cages and pet and hold the animals in their natural setting. The cats have an entire area completely enclosed with open air and a room attached for them to play and frolic. The dogs are not penned in tiny cages as is the traditional method for shelters, but have large spaces to run which are fenced in for protection with their own doghouses. They are walked by volunteers from the community and the workampers who come to Desert Haven through their workamper program. Areas are named in humorous fashion and there is even a Pet Cemetary that people can use to give their beloved animals a proper burial. It’s refreshing to find a loving oasis in a barren desert where animals are often neglected and mistreated. Desert Haven keeps their animals for life in the event that they are not adopted by a caring family. The animals have no threat of euthanasia and live out their lives in an environment filled with loving care. If you are passing through New Mexico, be sure to stop by to visit Desert Haven. You may find that you won’t want to leave!"

Lorena N.
Havelock, North Carolina

Thank you, Lorena! We loved having you and your daughter visit us. Thank you for writing and for your continued support.

Week of 6/10/07 Humane Happenings

Jerry Belcher passed away recently. His family requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Desert Haven Animal Refuge, Sierra County’s No-Kill Domestic Animal sanctuary. Sierra County was Jerry Belcher’s home – his love for the animals of Sierra County will live on in the hearts of everyone involved at Desert Haven - a worthy tribute to a worthy man.

The President of The Sierra County Humane Society attended a hearing in District Court last week. Along with domestic abuse charges brought up against a local man, to which he pleaded guilty, he also pleaded guilty to the Cruelty to Animals charge regarding the live cat he dangled by the tail in front of a pit bull and a boxer inside an enclosure. Sentencing will take place in a few weeks. In light of this well-publicized case, the District Attorney’s office informed SCHS President Eliana Aubin, that, from now on, the Sierra County Humane Society will be treated as the victim in each animal cruelty case brought up in District Court. This is a huge step forward on behalf of the domestic animals of Sierra County.

Who would have believed nineteen years ago, when the newly organized SCHS was struggling to overcome major obstacles along the way, that someday, in Sierra County, the same animal welfare organization would be invited to become, in a court of law, “The Voice of the Voiceless” – the voice of the county’s domestic animals? A milestone indeed! District Attorney Clint Wellborn deserves the applause of all animal loving folks who are outraged at the growing number of animal cruelty incidents in our area.
We continue to need donations of moist and dry dog and cat food, sunflower and birdseeds, chicken scratch, and rabbit food. Every little bit counts, as our animals and birds are active, healthy and they simply love to eat.

Until the price of gas goes down, several folks, who came from various parts of Sierra County, have stopped driving to DH to help with daily care or with projects on Tuesdays. Consequently, we need volunteer help this summer, at Desert Haven and at Paws & Claws.

Interested in volunteering, or in knowing more about us and our dogs and cats available for adoption? Visit Desert Haven on Tuesday or check us out at www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.com. We can also be contacted at 505-894-2778 or 894-1694.

Week of 5/27/07 Humane Happenings

Spring is in full splendor at Desert Haven Animal Refuge, in Sierra County New Mexico. At this time of the year, because of the recent heavy rains and the blooming desert plants, many of them donated by The Sierra Soil & Conservation District and long-time supporter Ardell Scartaccini, the entire property is an especially beautiful sight.

Recently, we welcomed for the first time to Desert Haven The Sassy Red Hat ladies, former commissioner Lois Reaver-Black and several other Sierra County residents. They toured the facility in the company of Freddie Loveless, the sanctuary’s Operations Manager and seasoned Tour Guide.

Ginny Nylen of Hawaii, Desert Haven’s “Administrative Assistant Extraordinaire” for the past three months, has now resumed her travels and is already on her way to new adventures across the continental United States. Anyone with office skills, computer knowledge and who can be depended on each week, willing to consider sharing office duties with Freddie, Eliana and Linda on Tuesdays?

Kathy Stoud, Desert Haven’s Animal Care Provider, recently relinquished her part-time position to take a full time job locally. We will miss her smile and outgoing personality. Our work camper from Texas - Karen West – is leaving Desert Haven two months before schedule, due to some unforeseen health problems. Now is the time for our members and friends to consider donating a few hours each week to help the volunteer crew take care of the animal and bird residents of Desert Haven. Walking dogs or caring for cats, birds, rabbits or guinea pigs a couple hours each week can bring a lot of pleasure to anyone who loves animals and at the same time help the on-site crew during this time of unexpected volunteer help shortage. Morning animal care starts at 8 AM - evening at 6 PM. If working at DHAR is not for you, consider helping at Paws & Claws thrift shop, which is open from Wednesday through Saturday each week and is the major fundraiser for the Sierra County Humane Society and Desert Haven. Contact Freddie at 505-894-2778 for more information.

This week’s “Thank-you” goes to Dot & Larry Plaatje, who donated dog food in memory of Katie the German Shepherd - the town’s canine-orphan for several years until she died on the streets of T or C. Katie is now buried at the ranch of Ron and Lois Turner.

Interested in knowing more about us? Visit Desert Haven on Tuesday or check us out at http://www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.com.

Have you seen this dog?

Have you seen this poodle? He was kidnapped from downtown Truth or Consequences recently. If you have any information as to the dog's whereabouts, please e-mail Dave at ds61563@windstream.net.