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.

Week of 10/7/07 Humane Happenings

Ted with lots of kitties

The First Annual Blessing of the Animals took place on Saturday October 6 at Rainbow Bridge Pet Cemetery, adjacent to Desert Haven Animal Refuge, near Williamsburg. It commemorated the birthday of St Francis of Assisi, Patron Saint of small creatures. The ceremony, attended by over two dozen folks with their companion animals, was officiated by Father Peter Cacoperdo, pastor of St Paul’s Episcopal Church in T or C., in front of the life size statue of St Francis donated in 1999 by the family of Eugene Scartaccini, in his memory.


A sincere “Thank-You” is in order to Father Peter, for the very appropriate ceremony that he provided for all the animal loving folks attending. It was indeed a success! A “Thank-you” is also in order to the local radio station for announcing the event that morning. We appreciate the local media for their on-going support of our organization in publishing the Sierra County Humane Society’s weekly “Humane Happenings”. The media’s support is crucial in helping us keep the animal loving folks of our area updated on what our organization is accomplishing to help make this corner of the world a little gentler for every living creature.


A little petting for Hammy

Desert Haven’s winter work camping crew has now arrived and already settled down at the campground. John & Kathryn Farr of Washington, Ben & Beverly of Texas, and Terry & Pat Mayfield of Oregon are joining hands with the “Old Timers” - Operations Manager Freddie Loveless of Indiana, ARNG ( All ‘Round-Nice-Guy) Ron Gjudovich of New York, “Tool-Time Deb” & Training Manager Deb Peters of Connecticut, and last but certainly not least, Facilities Manager Linda Estavillo of Oregon. All of them reside on the property.

The crew is already planning several large projects and everyone is looking forward to an enjoyable winter spent working together with folks of kindred spirit.

This week’s wish list: 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, all-volunteer animal welfare organization in some way, contact us at 505-894-2778 or 894-1694. You can also check-us out at www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.com.

Week of 10/1/07 Humane Happenings

These are busy times at Desert Haven Animal Refuge, Sierra County’s No-Kill domestic animal sanctuary. Last week, Desert Haven’s “Guardian Angels” - George & DiAnna Schnetzer- came down from their home in Los Lunas to distribute to all the canine residents platform beds just like those used at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah. Not only they are light and easy to clean, but also they are also very comfortable and roomy, even for our largest canines.


All the residents of Dog Town took to them immediately, and some more than others. After inspecting his new and spacious platform bed, the spirited wirehair Chihuahua, Pierrot, proceeded to move all his toys to his new sleeping quarters - and little Pierrot has many toys! Then, surrounded by all his earthly possessions, the new self-proclaimed king-of-the jungle began to watch the on-goings of Dog Town from his prestigious position.


He was exuding such obvious pride and satisfaction that all the volunteers involved that day could not help but smile every time they walked by his living quarters. George and DiAnna, you are two very special people and we all love you, here at Desert Haven. Thank-you!

We certainly appreciate each Sierra County resident and business owner who supports our organization in some way. Sierra Feeds recently donated a sizeable load of Eukanuba dog food. A few days ago, St Cloud Mining dropped-off an entire pallet of cat litter. St Cloud’s on-going donation of cat litter over the years has been a tremendous help as we care of the feline residents of the Cool Cat Neighborhood. Jason Gransbury of Palomas Canyon answered our recent plea and he spent many hours working on the property with his small tractor and backhoe.



Dan Mason of Turtleback Pest Control regularly drops–off bags of pet food at Paws & Claws thrift shop for DHAR. A new friend of Desert Haven - David Delio – heard about our need for canned food and immediately donated pet food as well as several boxes of much needed canned cat food.

With the cool weather soon upon us, we are starting to feed our residents more canned food each day, mixed with their dry food. We are asking our animal loving readers to please consider dropping-off at Paws & Claws thrift shop or Desert Haven any amount of CANNED dog and cat food.

For information on how to support our animal welfare organization in some way, contact us at 505-894-2778 or 505-894-1694. You can also check-us out at http://www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.com.

Week of 9/23/07 Humane Happenings

The Birthday of St. Francis, patron Saint of all animals, will be celebrated on Saturday, October 6, at Desert Haven Animal Refuge, Sierra County’s no-kill domestic animal sanctuary. At 11 AM, a Blessing of the Animals ceremony will take place at Rainbow Bridge Pet Cemetery. It will be officiated by Father Peter Cacoperdo, Pastor of the Episcopal Church in T or C. All interested community residents accompanied by their companion animals are invited to attend. During that time, Desert Haven volunteer staff members will be on hand for anyone interested in visiting dogs and cats available for adoption. For more information, contact DHAR Facilities manager - Linda Estavillo – at 505-740-2775.

The president of the Sierra County Humane Society, Eliana Aubin, recently attended the Court proceedings involving the James Belis case. Belis pleaded guilty to dangling a live cat by its tail over a pit bull and a boxer in their pen - an act of extreme cruelty routinely used in the savage blood sport of Dogfighting to train certain breeds of dogs to fight. Animal loving folks in our area owe a big thank-you to District Attorney Clint Welborn and his dedicated office staff for giving Sierra County Humane Society representatives the opportunity to speak on behalf of the animal victims at any proceedings involving animal cruelty. His decision is giving animals a voice in Sierra County Courts - a huge step forward to protect innocent non-human victims of abuse and cruelty who can’t speak for themselves. Times are changing indeed.

At his Court appearance, Belis was facing up to 182 days for cruelty to animals - a misdemeanor. It has been reduced from Extreme Cruelty to Animals - a fourth degree felony - when a plea-bargaining deal was made out-of-Court that also involved domestic abuse offenses. Consecutive to his other sentence, Judge Matthew Reynolds gave Belis 177 days of jail time and then probation for the remaining five days of the maximum 182 days that he was facing in regard to the animal abuse case.

The Sierra County Humane Society is determined to help put an end to animal cruelty in this area. Mr. Eloy Martinez of the District Attorney’s office has assured the SCHS President that any animal abuse case brought by our organization to the District Attorney’s office attention will be taken seriously and handled accordingly. Anyone knowing of dogs being trained to fight should contact the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) at 202-452-1100. The caller’s anonymity will be protected. In addition, please contact The Sierra County Humane Society at 505-894-1694.

For information on how to support our animal welfare organization, contact us at 505-894-2778 or 894-1694. You can also check-us out at http://www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.com.

Week of 9/16/07 Humane Happenings

The Cash for Clubs program, generously offered each year by Bullocks Grocery, is on again. We urge our animal-loving readers to consider saving all their Bullocks receipts for the Sierra County Humane Society & Desert Haven Animal Refuge, Sierra County’s No-Kill domestic animal sanctuary. Bullocks allows local non-profit organizations to receive 1% per $1,000 of the sales reflecting on their receipts, between the months of Sept and July. Long-time SCHS member Josephine Varnum kindly continues to tally all the receipts dropped off at Paws & Claws thrift shop, Desert Haven Animal Refuge, the TorC public library and Williamsburg Post office. The money collected helps keep our organization’s Spay-Neuter program alive. We rebate $30 for male dogs or cats, and $40 for females, to pet owners needing an extra incentive to get their companion animal sterilized. Applications are available at the TorC Police station, El Rancho Poodles, Hot Springs Animal Clinic, Paws & Claws thrift shop, and also on line at
http://www. DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.com. We are convinced that our comprehensive Spay-Neuter program is instrumental in curbing the dog and cat overpopulation throughout Sierra County.

Note: Eliana Aubin wishes to thank all the folks who made it a point to contact her personally to find out why there was no Humane Happenings article in the Sierra County Sentinel last week. In fact, it was quite a surprise to find out how many interested folks called over the weekend. A sincere thank-you goes to the management of the Sentinel newspaper who took the time out of their busy schedule to contact Eliana personally regarding their quickly approaching deadline that week. Good business spirit! A home-based non-profit business computer crashing at the worse time, then the necessary purchase & subsequent installation of another computer created huge setbacks that hopefully now are being corrected. It was a good feeling, though, to witness the obvious local interest generated by the SCHS’s weekly Humane Happenings.

Put meaning in your life: become a volunteer. If you love animals or just want to be part of a progressive community-oriented organization, consider volunteering with us: We need your help!

Volunteer at Paws & Claws thrift shop at 109 East First Street, or if you prefer working on projects on Tuesdays, or helping with animal care and dog walking any day of the week of your choosing, contact us at 505-894-2778 for more information.

Week of 9/02/07 Humane Happenings

Maxwell, overseeing his domain

Welcome back, Deb Peters! After a five-week trip back East where she celebrated an important Birthday and visited family and friends, Desert Haven Animal Refuge’s “Tool Time Deb” is back. Indeed, Welcome Back, Deb!

This week, a special thank-you goes to Al Wilkinson and Bootz, two local folks who have shown on numerous occasions that their love for animals and their belief in what the sanctuary represents are for real. When Deb left in July, we needed extra hands to replace her during her absence. Al, Desert Haven’s Dog Trainer, and Bootz, a long-term local volunteer, made it a point to help out in any way they could. Thanks a million, guys!

This summer, Dog Town has been home to a full-house of canines of all sizes, ages and temperaments. From Pierrot, the spirited Chihuahua, to Maxwell, the proud Shepherd, we have it all. It is amazing how much Livia, the small Benjy-look-alike cutie, has improved in the past few weeks since the DHAR volunteers rescued her. The old saying “Love conquers all” comes to our mind when we look at her. From the terrified little canine rag-doll, ready to snap at anyone that she felt was coming too close for comfort, Livia is quickly becoming the want-to-be lap dog of Dog Town. Saving Livia did not change the world, but it made a difference in the life of that one little dog, and it certainly made a difference in the life of each and everyone of us, who had anything to do with saving her and getting her back to a normal life.

Because of a crew that cared enough this summer, the canines of Desert Haven are now able to enjoy to the fullest a completely fenced one-acre area, full of vegetation and interesting things to investigate, from a dog’s point of view, that is. Fencing The Old West section of Desert Haven has truly enhanced the daily life of the canines of Dog Town. Each morning and evening, the crew assigned to animal care on that day brings all the dogs to the now-fenced Old West area, in small groups. It is a dog’s paradise. When they finally get back to their respective play yards after their run, they are welcomed with abundant fresh water and their individual bowl of mixed canned and dry food. While they are out, each yard is cleaned by the “Poop Patrol” on duty. What a dog’s life! No wonder some of our visitors have often commented that if they were a dog, they would love to wake up each morning at Desert Haven! For more information on how to volunteer or support our organization in some ways, contact us at 894-2778. You can also check-us out at http://www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.com

Week of 8/26/07 Humane Happenings

Midget, Frankie, and a tail!

This week, The Sierra County Humane Society, Inc. wishes to congratulate Celeste Rich of Celestial Creations for becoming its newest business member. A very special thank-you also goes to CPA James Bagwell for handling, free of charge, the filing of the 2006 taxes for our all-volunteer, non-profit animal welfare organization.

Our animal loving readers who wish to learn more about Desert Haven Animal Refuge, Sierra County’s No-Kill domestic animal sanctuary, but who have not had the opportunity to visit the facility in person, should check out our Desert Haven blog at www.deserthavenanimalrefuge.blogspot.com. Past and current visitors to our sanctuary and RVing volunteers from all over have written about their experience while at DHAR. The blog is updated each week by our web master, Camille Pronovost, a former work camper, and we have received many compliments on it since she started it last year. Thank-you for your fantastic work of love-in-progress, Camille. In it, along with photos of the facility and of its residents, both human and non-human, you will find interesting comments made about our organization, from local and out-of-the-area visitors.

Jessie, the little rat terrier rescued several weeks ago, is now adopted, along with four of her five tiny pups. In this area, it’s obvious that small dogs are more easily adopted than larger ones. Large dogs don’t find homes easily in Sierra County, and they are most often doomed from the start of their life – born to die indeed. Allowing large dogs to reproduce is a tragedy, as there are not enough adoptive homes available and willing to adopt large dogs. Our organization has been helping dog owners for years now, with spay-neuter rebates of $30 for male dogs or cats, and $40 for females. Applications can be obtained at the T or C Police station, El Rancho Poodles, and at Paws & Claws thrift shop.

We continue to collect aluminum cans that we store in our Can Corral, located next to Paws & Claws thrift shop. Walt Allen transports all the cans regularly and they are redeemed to benefit the Humane Society Spay-Neuter program. Thanks, Walt.

Wish List: Moist and dry dog and cat food - someone at Desert Haven to help with office work for a couple of hours every Tuesday morning - Dog walkers and kitty cuddlers. Two hours of your time, once or twice a week, would be appreciated, and you may enjoy the positive energy that one feels working with animals and our very special Desert Haven crew.

Contact us at 505-894-2778 or visit us on Tuesday. You can also check it out at http://www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.com.

Letter from a Visitor/Volunteer

Volunteers Larry & Mavis work on "the Penthouse"

August 13, 2007

For the blog.
From Jim Minarchio


I live in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico – elevation 4200 ft., population 8,000. This small southwestern town, seemingly forgotten by Father Time, is located a couple of miles away from Desert Haven Animal Refuge, which I understand is the only No-Kill domestic animal sanctuary in this area.

Over the past couple of years, I have paid regular visits to the Refuge and it’s inhabitants, both human and non-human, and I am always really pleased to see the facility to be so clean and it’s animal population, mostly dogs and cats, to be so healthy and always in good spirits.

What I appreciate as well is the spirit of teamwork and of genuine friendship that everyone shares - from the founder of the small sanctuary, Eliana Aubin, to all the volunteers, either seasonal or long-term. When I share the Tuesday meal with them, I can feel the good vibes that come from the entire group – it feels great to be part of this strong and caring group.

It’s so refreshing for me to know that in these days of competitive minds and cut-throat attitudes, a small group of folks (who come from various walks in life and from all over the US) can work closely together as a team, for a common goal and without expecting any monetary reward. No one, even Eliana, receives any salary. From what I can witness, each one of these kind folks is making a difference in the lives of domestic animals down-on-their luck, and most certainly in his or her own life as well. I salute all of them.

If I were a dog or a cat, Desert Haven is where I would like to wake up, under the care of all the wonderful and selfless volunteers who work there.

Keep up the good work, people, you are appreciated.

Jim Minarchio
1201 Caballo Rd
T or C NM 87901

Week of 8/12/07 Humane Happenings

"I knew you were in there!"

Volunteering is alive and well in Sierra County. The Sierra County Humane Society and Desert Haven Animal Refuge are a living example of what a small group of volunteers can do to improve their corner of the world. The sense of pride and accomplishment one experiences when giving back to Society by donating time and energy to a chosen cause is something very special. The on-going support of animal loving folks from all over is crucial as well and our organization values each one of them.

We appreciate the thoughtfulness of Gilbert and Barbara Papay of Ohio, for their recent donation in memory of Don “Doc” Gisler who passed away some months ago. Don, a retired veterinarian accompanied by his wife Denise, work-camped at Desert Haven soon after the small sanctuary opened its doors. They both were well liked and much appreciated for sharing their energy and their knowledge with the rest of the crew.

We wish to thank Jerry Holt & Carol Staggs, also Lee Garner, Lee & Ruth Ann Bell and Glen & Joan Johnson for their donation of pet food or cash contributions to purchase pet food. Dog and cat food, sunflower and birdseeds, rabbit pellets, chicken scratch and alfalfa are the main staple on the menu of the sanctuary’s residents and they are an important Budget line item.

A special thank-you goes to Mickey Sidoli for donating towards Lance’s and Livia’s care. Lance is a partially blind cocker spaniel recently rescued from a busy street after he was shot in the face with shotgun pellets. Livia, a terrier-yorky mix, was discovered tangled-up in a creosote bush with a chain. She could not move around. The traumatized little dog also had a wire tied very securely around her neck. Had she not been discovered in time, she would have probably died of lack of water in the desert heat, or of slow strangulation. Thanks to the loving care and patience of dog trainer Al Wilkinson and each member of the Desert Haven crew, including Mollie Williams who bathed and groomed the little girl-dog at her home, Livia is now available for adoption. Also available: female Chihuahua Penny - males Chihuahua Eddie and Pierrot – females terrier-mix Bell and Jessie and the remaining two out of five of Jessie’s seven-week old pups - also Blue heeler Indy - Rhodesian Ridgeback-mix Mosey, heeler-mix brothers and sister Scotty, Bud and Bessie – Boxer-mix Vickie – also shepherd–mix brothers Marshall & Maxwell. Last but not least, Lucky, "Deputy-Dawg of Dog Town".

If you are partial to cats, at this time, we have 26 beautiful felines of all temperaments and types, all healthy and ready to move in with their special person. Contact us at 505-894-2778 or visit us on Tuesday. You can also check us out at http://www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.com.

Week of 8/12/07 Humane Happenings

At this time of the year, The Sierra County Humane Society is receiving a larger than usual number of phone calls regarding pet owners who wish to give away their unwanted companion animals, including entire litters of kittens or puppies. “Free to good home” dogs or cats often end-up in not-so-good homes, perhaps because they don’t represent a financial investment and consequently are disposed of in the same spirit as any unwanted household item, unless they can be used for less-than ethical purposes. Consequently, our organization is urging pet owners ready to give away their unwanted litters, to insure that they don’t help perpetrate the tragedy of the multitudes of unwanted domestic animals in Sierra County by giving them away to the wrong people.

Dog fighting - the sport of savages - is alive and well in Sierra County, although successfully concealed. Anyone with information regarding either dog or cock-fighting, or dog breeding for the purpose of fighting, should connect with the Humane Society of the US, at 1-202-452-1100. The identity of the caller will be protected on request. Tips that lead to the bust of an animal fighting ring are rewarded with up to $2,500 by the HSUS. You can also contact us at 505-894-2639 or 894-1694. Our District Attorney’s Office has committed to work with The Sierra County Humane Society to help eradicate this savage blood sport in our County.

This past week, the Desert Haven crew gathered for lunch to enjoy Lois DiAndrea’s finger-licking BBQ. It was shared with several visitors including Jim Minarchio of T or C and Jane Duncan of Texas. Jane used to be one of our most active volunteers until she moved to Texas last year, to be close to her family, and it was a real pleasure to visit with her again at the facility.

With school now open, we have lost a dedicated local volunteer: Molly Williams, who teaches locally. She will be sorely missed until she returns during school breaks.

We continue to need a volunteer administrative assistant to help our office team for a couple of hours every Tuesday morning. Computer skills are a plus but certainly not required. We always need helpers at Paws & Claws and Desert Haven. We are looking for a small travel trailer to be used as sleeping quarters for one of our DHAR human residents. If you have one to either donate or lend us for a while, please contact us at 505-894-2778.

For more information on how to volunteer or support our organization in other ways, contact us at 894-2778. You can also check-us out at http://www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.com.

Week of 8/5/07 Humane Happenings

This week’s accolade goes to the following: Dan Mason of Turtleback Pest Control, Sierra Feed, Vicki & Fred Sorg of ALCO, Bill & Mary-Jane Clellan, Barbara Dreyfus, Ginny Shannon, and Annie Millard. These folks (and others who choose to remain anonymous) donate canned and dry dog and cat food, rabbit pellets, and birdseed and sunflower seeds to help feed the non-human residents of Desert Haven Animal Refuge. We at DHAR have a soft spot in our hearts for Annie Millard: for several years now, Annie remembers our organization each month, through a pledge that goes into purchasing food for the residents of Birdland & Animal House. We also appreciate George & DiAnna Schnetzer who routinely donate cash to DHAR to help purchase pet food as needed.

Folks often ask us what we feed our dogs. We purchase high protein food, such as Pedigree, Happy Pets, and Puppy Chow. Beneful is also an integral part of their daily diet. We also purchase Purina, 9 Lives and Alley Cats for the residents of the Cool Cat Neighborhood. The food donated by local animal loving folks is routinely mixed with what DHAR purchases.

Adoptions: While Suzy-Q and Taco moved to their adoptive home two weeks ago, three of Jessie’s five pups - Fritzie, Tatiana, and Freckles - were adopted last Tuesday.

Lance and Livia are now the newest additions to Dog Town: Lance is a young, well-mannered - almost blind - blond cocker spaniel, rescued from a busy street, soon after being shot in the face by shotgun pellets that punctured one of his eyes.

Under the loving care of the Desert Haven volunteers, Lance is recovering from his wounds.

Livia, a very traumatized terrier-yorky mix female, also joined the DHAR canine gang recently.


A terrified little dog at the time of her rescue, Livia would not let anyone approach her, not even to take off the chain hanging on her neck. It took another couple of days to discover, under her long hair, that someone had tightly secured a wire hanger in lieu of collar around her neck.

Lance and Livia are vivid reminders of why Desert Haven exists in this area, and why all our volunteers give so much of themselves, both personally and emotionally, to do what they do, day after day. We are able to curb, in some small but crucial way, the cruelty and ignorance of too many members of the human race.

Wish List: Canned dog and cat food, doggy and kitty treats.

Desert Haven is open for visitors every Tuesday. For more information, contact us at 505-894-2778. You can also check- us out at http://www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.com.