Week of 3/21/10 Humane Happenings

Daisy (on left) adopted from Desert Haven where she was known as Scruffy, in her new forever home with Luke, a new friend!

We have had a lot of people ask us what is the difference between the Sierra County Humane Society, Desert Haven Animal Refuge and Paws & Claws Thrift Shoppe, how these three entities are related to each other, and where does Sierra Animal Shelter fit into this?

1. The Sierra County Humane Society, Desert Haven Animal Refuge and Paws & Claws Thrift Shoppe are all under the same umbrella, which is a non-profit (501-C-3) animal welfare organization. We take unwanted, abandoned and abused animals off the streets, directly from their owners and also from the city shelter – Sierra Animal shelter. We give them sanctuary, food, and veterinary care, from whatever funds we are able to raise on our own. With the help of our volunteers, these animals also receive the one-on-one attention that they so richly deserve to help heal not only their bodies but also their hearts.

Our physical address is HWY 187, HC31 box 42, Williamsburg.

2. Sierra Animal Shelter is a business for profit. This for-profit business receives taxpayers dollars through contracts with the City of T or C, Sierra County, the state parks, Village of Williamsburg and City of Elephant Butte. Sierra Animal Shelter is associated with Hot Springs Animal Clinic. Both of these for-profit businesses are under the same private ownership. Their physical address is 1607 North Date Street, T or C.

Here are some more differences between the two entities described above.

1. Our Desert Haven is a No-Kill domestic animal sanctuary operated by volunteers. The number of animals we can rescue and care for is limited only by the amount of funding we ourselves can raise through community outreach events, private donations, and the available space within our facility. We care for all of them until they are adopted out or to the end of their natural life.

2. On the other hand, taxpayers’ funding covers Sierra Animal Shelter’s operating expenses and employees salaries. Through their contracts, they are obliged to accept all animals brought in from T or C and all of Sierra County and to dispose of them as per their contract and the Animal Control Ordinance. They also adopt out as many animals as they can. Because there are so many unwanted animals in Sierra County, the animals they cannot adopt out within a certain amount of time are euthanized. Sierra Animal Shelter does not have the No-Kill policy that we at Desert Haven have.

For as long as we can remember, folks have been confused about the differences between the Sierra County Humane Society and Sierra Animal Shelter. We hope that we have been able to clear this up for anyone who shares this confusion.
If you still have questions, feel free to contact us at 575-894-2778. For more information on the Sierra County Humane Society, Inc., Desert Haven Animal Refuge and P&C thrift Shoppe, visit our web site at www.DeserthavenAnimalRefuge.com, contact us at 894-2778 or 894-2639 or visit Desert Haven on Tuesday when it is open for visitors.

Week of 3/17/10 Humane Happenings

by Eliana Aubin


Paws & Claws Thrift Shoppe; T or C, New Mexico

The Sierra County Humane Society is a community oriented animal welfare organization that is entirely funded through private and corporate contributions and does not receive government funding, local or otherwise. It is through the efforts of volunteers that the Society generates the funds needed to support its Spay-neuter and Spay-a-stray programs, among others. Desert Haven Animal Refuge is a five-acre facility that operates under the umbrella of the Society and is funded entirely by the organization, which, by the way, is not affiliated to any other humane society in the country. It operates entirely on its own. Desert Haven is home to over 200 non-human residents, 35 of them are dogs and 36 are cats.

Paws&Claws Thrift Shoppe, located next to Family Dollar in T or C, is the major generator of funds for both the Sierra County Humane Society and Desert Haven Animal Refuge. Paws&Claws offers a large and ever-changing selection of new and gently used items that many local and out-of-town customers consider interesting and very reasonably priced. The shop is over 3700 sq ft and requires a lot of volunteer hours to operate and keep it open 4 days a week. In-kind donations arrive daily and everything is carefully sorted by Estella Groff, Janelle Clasen, Linda Clayton, Diana Rivera and “Bootz” Farrester. All of these volunteers have been reliable for several years now and very much depended on. Stephen Wagner sorts, tests, cleans, repairs and prices small electrical appliances and electronics in a work area inside the shop - “Stephen’s Electronics Unlimited” section – that he successfully took over several months ago. Diane Bellack handles all craft and sewing items from her home in Hillsboro. Jan Haley, also of Hillsboro, regularly drops-off at the shop the priced and attractively packaged sewing and craft merchandise. Annie Kile, who resides at Desert Haven, routinely stocks the store with newly priced items and she also updates the merchandise in the windows. Jody Koch, Freddie Loveless and shop manager Eliana Aubin also have specific responsibilities, which include tagging and pricing, also handling the sales and interacting with the customers.

We continue to receive much praise from our loyal customers who understand the work involved and the difficulties we encounter daily, such as a lack of an adequate volunteer crew for a shop this size and this busy, also, sadly, having to effectively and professionally deal with the select few locals who have made a habit of wanting-something-for-nothing. Most of those who patronize P&C are great customers who appreciate our efforts and hard work and who respect us for it. We are also appreciated for the community service that we provide by offering a large selection of varied and quality second-hand merchandise at very affordable prices. We are grateful for the patronage of our loyal local supporters and of the many out-of-town customers who make it a point to shop at P&C whenever they are in the area. To all of you, a sincere “Thank-you”.

We can be reached at 894-2778 for more information. Write us at POB 638, Williamsburg, NM 87901. Check us out at www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.com, http://DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.blogspot.com and www.Facebook.com/deserthaven

Week of 3/10/10 Humane Happenings

by Eliana Aubin


DH volunteer Annie and her dog, Mac

This week again, we are sending an appeal to all our animal loving friends for their help in feeding the more than 200 feathered and furry residents at Desert Haven Animal Refuge, Sierra County’s No-Kill domestic animal sanctuary. DHAR is owned and operated by the Sierra County Humane Society, Inc., a 501-c-3 non-profit organization. Day after day, week after week, we feed an average of 34 dogs and 35 cats at the sanctuary.

Soon after Walmart opened its doors in our community, Desert Haven started to enjoy the mega store’s generous contributions of damaged bags of pet food that helped offset the high costs of feeding all its residents. At the same time, the store’s generosity allowed us to rescue even more dogs and cats than our limited resources would have allowed otherwise. In late November of last year, this vital flow of damaged bags of pet food was disrupted as a result of a change of management at WalMart. This is food that otherwise would simply be thrown in the trash, but to the rescued animals at DHAR, this is a gift of life. Until WalMart decides to resume its generous donations, we are asking our animal loving friends to please consider helping us out.

A puppy mill was recently closed down by Sierra County law enforcement officers. Desert Haven accepted to take in several of the tiny adult Chihuahuas, saving their lives in the process. When they arrived, all the little ones were very skinny and they also showed obvious socialization and other issues. The Desert Haven team took the little guy and girl-dogs under its wings and soon, we all could see their eyes start to shine a little more each day, as each little personality blossomed. Often, our customers at Paws & Claws Thrift Shoppe make it a point to praise us for what we do for the animals of Sierra County, and for what we achieve every day at the sanctuary. “You have accomplished nothing short of a miracle at Desert Haven” (thank- you, Judy, for your kind words).

Visit the sanctuary on a Tuesday. Take time to mingle among its residents as you stroll through Birdland, Dogtown and the Cool Cat Neighborhood. Then pause for a moment on one of the park benches near the Old West Placita, as you watch the volunteers go about their activities. Desert Haven has a heartbeat. It can be felt, especially on a Tuesday.

We can be reached at 894-2778 for more information. Write us at POB 638, Williamsburg, NM 87901. Check us out at www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.com, www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.blogspot.com and www.Facebook.com/deserthaven

Wek of 3/1/10 Humane Happenings

by Eliana Aubin


Bill & Wolfie

This week, the Sierra County Humane Society (SCHS) wishes to acknowledge the dedicated work-camping crew currently residing at Desert Haven Animal Refuge (DHAR), Sierra County’s no-kill domestic animal sanctuary. Freddie, originally of Indiana, has made DHAR her home for the past 6 years. Over the years, Freddie has become a key ingredient in the success of the small but effective sanctuary. Reba, husband Gene and adult son Stephen of Tennessee settled at the sanctuary over a year ago and are now an integral part of its heart and soul. Annie moved to DHAR from New Jersey, together with husband Tom, who is now locally employed. Annie’s energy and talents, together with a strong desire to make a difference, make her an integral part of the DHAR team. Bill is originally from California and has recently relocated to DHAR with his inseparable fur-buddy - ”The Wolfman”. Bill enjoys beautifying his surroundings and the results are becoming impressive. Larry and Christy of Minnesota bring with them an extensive business and computer experience, strong professionalism as well as valuable animal expertise. Lisa and Claudine, DHAR’s most recent team members, are from Michigan. Their outgoing and friendly personality, matched by their strong work ethics and positive energy, make them especially enjoyable to work with and an asset to the entire operation.

Animal loving work campers come to Desert Haven from all over the US. Their talents, their skills and as importantly, their precious time, become the ingredients that help make Desert Haven the successful operation that it is today. Interested in becoming a work camper? contact us at 575-894-1694 or at workcamp4pets@gmail.com. Applications are also available on our web site.

This week’s high priority wish list: dry and canned dog food. It takes no less than 25 lbs of dry dog food every day, to feed the 35 residents of Dog Town. Our resources are limited – your generosity is crucial! Call us at 575-894-1694 or 894-2778 for more information. Write us at POB 638, Williamsburg, NM 87901. Visit Desert Haven on Tuesdays. Check us out at www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.com, http://DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.blogspot.com and www.Facebook.com/deserthaven.

Week of 2/21/10 Humane Happenings

Skye

by Eliana Aubin

Skye, one of the newest residents of Dog Town at Desert Haven, Sierra County’s no-kill domestic animal sanctuary, will soon be undergoing surgery, with the blessings of every member of the crew who feeds and cares for him. The handsome, good natured blue heeler Aussie mix had been rescued from the streets of Elephant Butte some weeks ago, during some of the coldest weather Sierra County endured this winter. He was cold, hungry and severely injured. Desert Haven became his new home.

Skye had been shot. The bullet was intended to kill him, but instead hit him in the shoulder. It severally damaged his shoulder blade, leaving many pieces of embedded shrapnel in his limb. Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous contributor who recently sent a donation in memory of her late husband, a kind man who loved all animals, the surgery to remove the shrapnel will soon become reality. Skye is receiving a lot of loving attention at DHAR, and everyone hopes that the surgery will allow him to live every day of the rest of his life, as safe and as free of pain that any living creature deserves in this world.

This week, we wish to remind our readers that the Sierra county Humane Society collects Bullocks receipts and also aluminum cans to help fund its spay-neuter program. You can drop off your receipts at Paws & Claws thrift shoppe, and your bags of aluminum cans in the Can Corral next to the shop, which is located across the alley from Family Dollar in T or C. Applications for the spay/neuter program are available at the T or C Police Station and also at Paws & Claws. For more information on the program, contact us at 894-2778. In the USA, Euthanasia is the leading cause of death for cats and dogs. You love animals? Then have your companion animal sterilized.

Dog and cat food, both dry and canned, is at the top of our priority list this week. Your donated pet food can be dropped off at Desert Haven or P&C thrift shop during business hours. Please note that anything left unattended in front of the shop outside of business hours often makes it into the wrong hands and disappears before it can be secured. Call us at 575-894-1694 or 894-2778 for more information. Write us at POB 638, Williamsburg, NM 87901. Visit us at www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.com and www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.blogspot.com. You can also chat with us at www.Facebook.com/deserthaven.

Week of 2/14/10 Humane Happenings

Daisy

by Eliana Aubin

Finally the warmer weather is attempting to settle down into the beautiful Rio Grande Corridor and Sierra County. It’s been a cold winter by most standards. At least that’s how we feel at Desert Haven, Sierra County’s No-Kill domestic animal sanctuary. Thanks to Jeanette Galliard of Albuquerque and the bales of straw that she routinely brings to Desert Haven Animal Refuge, each and every dog house in the play yards of Dog Town is lined with straw all winter – the best type of winter insulation that we have found so far for our large dogs. Except for the little guys who would not think of ripping apart their cozy comforters and warm blankets, that type of bedding used inside the dog houses and doggie condos soon find its way all over the play yards, either torn in small pieces or as part of some tug-of-war toys our dogs seem to thoroughly enjoy. Needless to say, we reserve the blankets and comforters for all the small dogs under our care and protection at the sanctuary. Jeanette also supplies Desert Haven with alfalfa year ‘round for our small army of guinea pigs, rabbits, peacocks, chickens and roosters and of course, our flocks of domesticated ring neck and white doves. Jeanette has been a long time supporter of Sierra County’s no-kill animal refuge and her timely contributions are always very much needed and most appreciated.

It was Thanksgiving revisited for the little dogs at Desert Haven this past Tuesday, as the volunteers opened a large package sent all the way from Minnesota by Michele Tjaden. It was filled with very stylish and warm doggie coats of all colors, together with “gentle leaders”. A very nice gesture indeed, from an out-of-state friend of DHAR.

This week, dry and canned dog and cat food is at the top of our priority list. An average of 30 canines and 35 felines eat a lot every day. Donations can be dropped off at Desert Haven on Tuesdays, when it is open to visitors, or at Paws & Claws Thrift Shoppe during business hours. We can be contacted at 575-894-1694 or 894-2778. Write us at POB 638, Williamsburg, NM 87901. Visit us at www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.com You can also chat with us at www.Facebook.com/deserthaven.

Week of 2/7/10 Humane Happenings

by Eliana Aubin

Dogtown fence in snow

Abandoning a companion animal is now a crime in New Mexico. The Sierra County Humane Society pledges to prosecute to the full extent of the law anyone witnessed abandoning their unwanted companion animal. If you see someone “dumping” a companion animal on the side of a road, near the river or in any neighborhood, please take the license number of the vehicle and any other pertinent information. Then contact our animal welfare organization at 575-894-2778 or 575-894-1694 or 575-894-2639. We will prosecute.

Several years ago, an incident involving a local man seen dangling a kitty by his tail over an enclosed pen occupied by both a pit bull and a boxer, was publicized by our organization all over New Mexico. We became involved. Since then, the District Attorney’s office is allowing a representative of the Sierra County Humane Society to speak in the courtroom on behalf of any local animal victim. Hurray for District Attorney Clint Wellborn and his staff for giving a voice – ours - to Sierra County’s voiceless animal victims.

Companion animals abandoned in front of Desert Haven do not know which way to turn for safety and they usually end up dead or dying before anyone even knows they are there. Sierra Animal Shelter in TorC accepts, free of charge to their owners and no questions asked, any unwanted animal. Our own organization provides rebate certificates for folks who wish to have their dog or cat sterilized. The forms are available at the TorC police station, Paws&Claws Thrift Shoppe and Hot Springs Animal Clinic. Contact us at 575-894-2778 for more information.

Birdland in snow

This week, we wish to thank St Cloud Mining for their twice-a-year contribution to Desert Haven Animal Refuge of an entire pallet of kitty litter. The folks at St Cloud Mining are only a phone call away: we can count on them and we sincerely appreciate their generosity. Recently, the dogs and cats of DHAR became the lucky recipients of a large container full of “yummy” doggy and kitty treats, courtesy of the Carson’s, Desert Haven’s neighbors. What a nice couple indeed!

A letter arrived to DHAR from AZ recently. It touched everyone’s heart. It said” I found your web site through petfinder.com. I supported Best Friends from its very beginning. Now they are big time with movie stars & other celebrities. I don’t feel like my small donation matters. Therefore I am sending you that “small donation” as I am sure you need it much more than they do. I admire your efforts. I hope this will help. Thank you for caring for the animals.”

Everyone who helps us in some way becomes an integral part of what we do for the animals of Sierra County. We can be contacted at 575-894-1694 or 894-2778. Write us at POB 638, Williamsburg, NM 87901. Visit us at www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.com You can also chat with us at www.Facebook.com/deserthaven.

Week of 2/3/10 Humane Happenings

by Eliana Aubin
Skye

This week, we thank all animal loving individual and business entities who support Desert Haven Animal Refuge in some way. Without you, we at DHAR would not be able to give our furry and feathered friends the care that visitors to the small No-Kill domestic animal sanctuary comment on and even admire.

Our latest major accomplishment: little Snoopy. This little dog has a new life. Not only he was saved from a agonizing death, but he has now recovered from surgery, and is also adopted into the very best home we could have found for him. The little guy had gone through so much hardship in his short life: abandoned last Fall to fend for himself close to a very busy street, he was also kicked very hard, a blow that broke his jaw. He would have starved to death or been hit by a vehicle had he not be rescued and cared for at DHAR. The surgery performed was costly, but necessary, to help give this little boy-dog a better life. Thank you, everyone, for helping us make it happen.

There is Luke, the then-teenage kitty who came to DHAR with a badly misshapen and distorted back leg – a very cumbersome and probably painful dead-weight little Luke had to drag behind him. We opted for surgery for him, and now, Luke has started on a new life, full of love and kindness, and free from his dead-weight, courtesy of the DHAR supporters and volunteers who made it happen.

There is Whitney, rescued at DHAR in 2009 after being found wandering the countryside with a little companion. At the sanctuary, we realized that something was wrong with the little girl-dog, and a visit with the vet confirmed our suspicions: Whitney had been kicked in the stomach so hard that she would die soon without intensive surgery to repair the damage. The choice was clear: we needed to give back Whitney a chance at life. Two intensive surgeries later, Whitney is doing well and loving the attention she is receiving at the home of one of DHAR staff members.

And now there is Skye. This young and handsome Blue Heeler Aussie mix was found around Christmas on a street in Elephant Butte. Badly limping, he also had open wounds around the neck, which we assumed were from a fight. He was rescued at DHAR. X Rays showed that someone had shot him, damaging his shoulder blade with embedded fragments from a bullet that hit the bone, sparing his life but leaving him in pain. The anti-inflammatory medicine we give him every morning is not working and surgery is the next course of action, to remove as many pieces of shrapnel as possible, and give the muscles a chance to heal. Once again, we need your help. Skye deserves love and loving care and for the pain to go away. You can make a donation through our Causes page on Facebook or though PayPal.

We cannot save all the unwanted dogs and cats of Sierra County, but we change the lives of those that we can save, and that is one of our organization’s most worthwhile accomplishments. Interested in learning more about us? Contact us at 575-894-1694 or 894-2778; Write us at POB 638, Williamsburg, NM 87901. Visit us at www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.com and become a Facebook fan at www.Facebook.com/deserthaven.

Letter to the Editor

submitted by Christy Johnson

Having been involved in animal rescue for over 20 years, the opportunity to volunteer at Desert Haven Animal Refuge was a perfect fit for me. So much so that my husband and I traveled 900 miles to come and be part of this amazing place.
Reba, Gene and Stephen Wagner along with Freddie Loveless and Desert Haven's founder, Eliana Aubin, work tirelessly to improve the lives of Sierra County's 4 legged residents. I can honestly say that I have never seen such a dedicated and compassionate group whose sole purpose is to provide and care for animals, nor have I ever seen animals in such fabulous mental and physical condition as I have been privileged to observe here.
People who generously give financial support to animal welfare organizations are often touched by the solicitations on television or by direct mail from the Humane Society of the United States or the ASPCA.
Unfortunately, the ASPCA primarily works for animals in the New York area and the Humane Society of the United States rakes in millions of dollars from unsuspecting Americans to pad the pockets of highly paid executives. Not one cent is given to small, local Humane Societies who struggle daily to provide for the animals in their care.
If you truly care about the plight of the animals in your community, don't be misled by the marketing blitz of large, national animal organizations. Please give your support to those on the front line who are actually making a difference in Sierra County at Desert Haven Animal Refuge.

Christy Johnson

Week of 1/15/10 Humane Happenings

by Eliana Aubin

As we are entering 2010, The Sierra County Humane Society wishes to give a huge pat on the back to Bullocks Grocery store in T or C. Three times a week, Desert Haven Animal Refuge becomes the grateful recipient of several boxes of fresh produce – one of the main ingredients in the diet of the feathered and furry residents of Birdland and Animal House at the domestic animal sanctuary. The Guinea pigs and rabbits – and there are many - live the good life in their several all enclosed habitats. Every morning, fresh veggies and fruits are prepared especially for them; every bit of fresh produce served to them in several shallow stainless steel platters is cut into bite size pieces, because they like it better that way. And then there are the peacocks, the chicken and roosters and also the large flock of white and domesticated ring-neck doves. They, too, appreciate fresh produce in their daily diet. The locally owned and operated Bullocks grocery store is also well-known for its one-of-a-kind Cash-for-clubs program. It’s a way for this community service oriented store to give back to the community in a very fair way: Of course, we hope that all our animal loving friends will make it a point to save their Bullocks receipts especially for us. Once redeemed by our organization, one dollar for every $1000 spent at Bullocks goes directly to us, totally free of charge to you. You can drop your Bullocks receipts off at Paws & Claws thrift shop, located across the alley from Family Dollar in T or C. We also have a box with our name on it at the T or C Library as well as at the Williamsburg Post Office. Several local folks also collect Bullocks receipts for us from their neighbors and friends and they make it a point to bring them to us on a regular basis.

All the money redeemed from Bullocks receipts helps cover some of the costs of the Sierra County Humane Society Spay-Neuter program and also its Spay-a-Stray program. This comprehensive program has been in existence, courtesy of our animal welfare organization, for the past 20 years and we are extremely proud of it. The Humane Society Spay-Neuter applications can be picked up at the T or C Police Station. For more information about the program, contact us at 575-894-2778.

This week again, we need dog and cat food, also rabbit pellets, sunflower and bird seeds. Interested in learning more about our animal welfare organization? Perhaps contributing to it in some way? Contact us at 575-894-1694 or 894-2778; Write us at POB 638, Williamsburg, NM 87901. Visit us at www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.com and DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.blogspot.com.

You can also chat with us at www.Facebook.com/deserthaven.

The Rescue of Lobo the Wolf-Dog

By Reba Wagner


Hi everyone,

Some of you expressed interest in hearing 'the rest of the story' about Lobo, well here it is along with some photos.

Lobo's story starts out a sad one, but ends on a very happy note. See attached photos of his release and his introduction to his new home.

As most of you know, Stephen works at the Sierra Animal Shelter (Cardwell's dog pound) and has the chance to come in contact with a multitude of dogs. All of them he loves, but once in a while he gets close to one and that is what happened when Lobo was brought in by Animal Control. Stephen has a soft heart, wonder where he gets that! :>)

We were told that Lobo was raised by a couple and they could not afford to pay the shelter fee to get him back. The man is in a wheelchair and he and his wife are not physically able to handle Lobo any more. Lobo is 7 1/2 yrs. old and they've had him since he was a puppy. Lobo, they said, is a Malamute/Timberwolf mix. Lobo loves people and is very happy when in close contact with his humans. He is not aggressive toward people or other dogs and he does this really cute happy dance thing with his front feet when he sees you.

Here at Desert Haven, at this time, we did not have room for a dog big as Lobo even though he is a loving, sweet natured big boy. There didn't seem to be any prospective adopters coming into the shelter that wanted a large, lovable dog for their family.
We knew that if he wasn't adopted from the shelter soon, he would be euthanized. Well that dreaded day came when they told Stephen, on Monday Nov. 2, that Lobo had 1 week to live. Stephen called me and there I began a desperate search for a home, a foster home, or a sanctuary for his breed. I e-mailed some of our Hillsboro volunteer crew for ideas & help and Jan Haley told me about a place she had been told about over in the Gila National Forest on private land.

By this time we are getting down to the wire in saving Lobo. It is Thursday and we are afraid that they might not wait till Monday to put Lobo down, but may do it over the weekend. Contact information was found on the place in the Gila and after I spoke with the lady in charge of the sanctuary on the phone Thursday, there begins the happy part of Lobo's story.

Deirdre Wolf (yes, that is her real, legal name) operates a non-profit, no-kill sanctuary for Wolf/Dog Hybrids. She calls her place "Wolfsong Sanctuary". Deirdre, after hearing Lobo's story, agrees to take him and Gene and I made plans to deliver him on Sunday, Nov. 8th. She already had 35 wolfdog hybrids and some full-blooded wolves at her facility. I immediately called the local shelter to tell them that Desert Haven will be adopting Lobo and they scheduled him for neutering and vaccinations on Friday morning and Gene and I picked him up Friday afternoon at the vets office and brought him back to Desert Haven to stay until Sunday. There was relief all around knowing that Lobo had received a stay-of-execution and would be going to a place where he would be with others of his kind.

Sunday morning - Gene and I loaded Lobo up in the Jeep this morning and headed out for Silver City and the Gila. What a drive!!! We followed the directions and met Deirdre at a parking area in the Gila Nat. Forest and she led us in to her place a few miles away. You definitely need a 4-wheel drive vehicle for the clearance issue. The road into her property is actually a creek bed, glad it wasn't the monsoon season. Those of you who know me, know that her place would be my dream place. When we pulled up to her gate, we were met by a pack that consisted of coy dogs, a coyote & a german shepherd. We parked and entered the gates. We weren't sure how Lobo would react to a large pack surrounding him right at the beginning, but they accepted him and he acted like he had been with them all along. The pack surrounded us as we made our way to the wolf area of the property.
Lobo was introduced, through the fence first (see photo attached), to his new pen mates and then he was put into the pen with them. After some sniffing by the others and some close scrutiny, they readily accepted him as part of their pack. One of the females quickly claimed him for her own (see photo attached) and was nuzzling him and nipping him on the ruff, she is a large, beautiful girl. He handled this by going and standing in the large tub of water they use for swimming and drinking.

Deirdre gave us a wonderful tour of her facility and was very informative about the wolf dog hybrids. Her whole property, 37 acres with 20 acres fenced by chainlink fencing, borders the Gila National Forest and is the perfect place for a sanctuary like hers. Each Wolf family or pack has their own very large fenced area with housing, trees to climb (yes, wolves love to climb trees) and places to dig a den if they want. The public is welcome to come for a tour at no charge, but she does take donations. As you can imagine, it takes a lot to feed 35+ wolves/wolf dogs, plus she has 17 regular dogs, plus the coy dog pack. She feeds raw meat (elk, deer, beef) and bags of dog food (Iams, Pedigree, & Purina).

This lady is providing a wonderful place for these misunderstood animals. The senseless breeding of the wolf with dogs creates a beautiful animal, but also one that most people are not prepared to care for, train or understand once it is no longer a puppy. After the 'new' wears off, they are generally euthanized, die at a young age by being shot by hunters, or the lucky ones end up at a place such as Wolfsong Sanctuary.

Deirdre does not have a website for Wolfsong Sanctuary, so if you would like to visit and get up close and personal and get 'wolfed', please give me a call or e-mail me and I will put you in touch with her. Gene and I had a wonderful experience today at Wolfsong Sanctuary and seeing Lobo go into a pack of his kind, knowing that he will live out his days as he should, made the experience extra special.

We would like to thank our son for having a caring, kind heart for those in need, we are proud of him.
A special thank you goes out to Jan and Becky (part of our Hillsboro volunteer crew) for providing the funds for the adoption fee so that we could save the life of a wonderful, loving animal.
Another special thank you to the 'Wolf Lady' Deirdre Wolf for giving Lobo the chance at a long, happy life and a beautiful new girlfriend.

You know, places such as Desert Haven Animal Refuge and Wolfsong Sanctuary are all over the United States. We are not in competition with each other, we are all here for the same reason. We are here to give animals another chance at life, a loving forever home, a place where they belong. Please, no matter where you are at in the United States, take time to visit some of these places and give an animal a few minutes of your time. It does mean a lot to them, you can tell by the look in their eyes and that slurrpy wetness you feel on your face.

Bye for now friends,

Reba Wagner
Animal Care Coordinator
Workamper Coordinator
Desert Haven Animal Refuge

Week of 1/1/10 Humane Happenings

by Eliana Aubin


Sprinkles, Desert Haven's little dog, is now Rosie and she has a new home with a little girl to play with


Since early December, several donations have been made by local folks, including Bonnie Waters of Williamsburg, in memory of Michael Oakes who passed away 12-9-08. A year after his passing, Michael is most remembered by folks who knew him and respected and loved him as a good man who loved animals. Contributions made in his memory to the Sierra County Humane Society and Desert Haven insure that Michael Oakes is helping companion animals even beyond Death – a worthy tribute to a worthy human being.

At the threshold of a brand new year ­- the last in the first decade of the new century – the Sierra County Humane Society is beginning its 21st year. From a humble beginning in 1989, it now owns and operates a small but highly effective no-kill domestic animal sanctuary, home to over 200 furry and feathered living creatures including an average of 30 canines and 34 felines. The Society also funds and administers several crucial community oriented programs such as its Adopt-a-Classroom, Spay-Neuter, Spay-a-Stray among others, all of them funded by private and corporate contributions, together with a busy thrift shop operated exclusively by volunteers.

In winter, canned dog food is always high on the priority wish list at Desert Haven. 30 healthy and very active dogs eat a lot each day, especially during the colder months when they need more calories, and we insure that they stay healthy and well fed by mixing some canned food into their dry food. We also need rabbit pellets, sunflower and bird seeds, cleaning detergent, bleach, white vinegar, scrub brushes, latex rubber and work gloves. Catnip and toys made with catnip, also sturdy rope toys for our dogs would also be very much appreciated. Your donations can be dropped off at Paws & Claws thrift shop or Desert Haven. For more information, contact us at 575-894-1694 or 894-2778 or visit us at www.Facebook.com/deserthaven. You can also check-out our web site www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.com and our blog at DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.blogspot.com.