A trip through Navajo country

On a recent trip into California, I travelled through Navajo Country. I remember growing up in this area, barren and desolate, water is scarce, life can be very hard.

I can't help but remince about my experiences on these reservations. I loved it, fit right in, it was never foreign to me to see these people and what little they had because I identified with them. They have a lot of family nearby always and they don't need what they don't have. We used to be able to play baseball with a Navajo family near Canyon De Chelly.

My first memory of meeting this Navajo man and his family is of the many dogs he had chained up around his house. They were thin as are most reservation dogs and I, being the animal lover I was started to run over to them to give them a pet, only to hear the blasted warning from my father " no! don't pet those dogs!". Back then I thought he was just plain mean for not wanting me to pet that poor creature.

Now I understand. They were full of fleas and ticks, could have had rabies and were practically starving. I grew up with this and so it became second nature to see. We used to help my dad guide tours into Canyon De Chelly. We watched many a tour bus and a few horses get caught in quick sand, the buses rarely made it out. I remember all of the horses making it though. I met an old lady who lives in the heart of that canyon, probably never has seen civilization as we know it. She still lived in a hogan and had a pretty nomadic way of life, herding her sheep and surviving off of the land.

On this last trip through this country, I encountered many starving horses staring at us as we drove by with a yearning look in their eye, not all of them, but many. The land has nothing to offer them, the drought has hit hard and water is scarce. They have no home and no one to care for them, though they may have at some point. The Navajo people that live on these reservations have nothing really for themselves let alone their animals. Where is the funding in place to care for these horses, dogs and other animals? What if there could be a way to come up with it?

There are many horse rescues caring for horses that go through the sale barns and would otherwise be on their way to slaughter had these people not rescued them, but what about these reservation horses, is it better for them to starve to death rather than encountering that slaughter truck? I ask myself these questions thinking that it is definitely the lesser of two evils. But I can't help but think, what if we could come up with a way to fund hay and veterinary services for these animals? Would the Navajo people be open to us helping?

Just food for thought.............................

Thank you!

Denkai Animal Sanctuary would like to thank all of those who have assisted in making the move to the new sanctuary site a success. It has been a busy time and we could not have made this move without the help of dedicated volunteers! For those who have donated items to the sanctuary and monetary funds, your compassion and dedication to our cause is also greatly appreciated. We have over twenty bags of Senior Grain awaiting pickup at J&T Country Feed and are so thankful for those who have donated! I don't believe that we can say "thank you" enough, but we truly are grateful for the support and dedication of all those involved. The animals are doing well at the new site and we hope to see all of you soon! Keep reading the blog...we will be posting photographs of the new site very soon!

For volunteer opportunities, e-mail your inquiries to volunteer@denkaisanctuary.org and again, thank you!!

Remember Emmie?

Emmie continues to prosper in her new home. Can you believe that she was living on the streets a little less than four months ago? Emmie is comfortable in her surroundings and enjoys talking, eating, and lounging in bed.

Would you like to volunteer your time at our new sanctuary site helping to socialize the animals? We would love to work with individuals willing to spend time talking to, grooming, and walking the animals in our care. There are many horses, pigs, goats, and dogs on site that would benefit from positive human interactions. Consider sponsoring an animal and spending time building a wonderful relationship!

Emmie is a shining example of what socialization, patience, and love can do in order to help to rehabilitate animals once abandoned, abused, and or neglected. We hope that you will consider spending time with some of our animals! We welcome all those who would like to volunteer their time and will train you in techniques that will help in the socialization process of the animals. Hope to see you soon!

In Memory of Chex

Chex was a gorgeous black quarterhorse.

The first time I laid eyes on him, I thought he looked just like Black Beauty! The only difference was that Chex had EPM, a type of menengitis in horses. His days with us were to be limited, but we were determined to give it our all for him.

Chex became fast friends with Justin, another one of our old men here at the Sanctuary. They rarely left each other's side. Chex enjoyed his special priveledges here, like roaming through the pasture at will and having his daily snack of senior grain, not to mention the yummy apples and carrots that came with our dedicated volunteers.

I have never met an animal so full of life and one who has fought so hard to maintain it. His wasn't an easy one. At the age of 24 he shed off the outside of his hooves and lost a tremendous amount of weight due to neglect and EPM, usually this is where it would end for a horse in this position.

Chex was not ready, he fought this and won. This is where he enters our Sanctuary. He had regained his hoof wall and much of his weight. He was just a bit wobbly on his hind end and has had some days that just didn't feel well, but his will to live never faltered.

We all knew that he would eventually fall and not be able to get back up. This would be a hard day. We hoped it would never come. Today it did. While I write this, I can't help but have watery eyes. I found him laying down and called in reinforcements, our farrier, our veterinarian and we sat with him all day, feeding, watering, pain killers, trying everything. He could not get up, the day had come.

So with happiness that Chex had come to us and lived his life out with friends and beings who all loved him, we let him go, thankful he had not ended up on a truck headed for slaughter a year ago.

We love you Chex and will always think of you!

Chex's picture can be found on our website under sponsor animals

Donations are also needed to help with our veterinary bills for this, approximately $265.00

Bear Update

I stopped over yesterday to visit Bear at the Mutt Hutt. Wow! She has grown by leaps and bounds! She is at least double the size she was and still growing! Kristie has done a great job with her!

Her pins will come out of her leg in 2 weeks and her funnel will be off of her head finally! I'm sure she is looking very forward to that!

She is very, very sweet and will be looking for her new home very soon!

It's Sam, again!

Sam just wanted to make sure that everyone knows how cute he is! These are two more pictures of Sam, who has found a new home with Jenna Mollman. As you can see, Sam enjoys playing, sleeping, and just being loved!

A Truly Happy Ending!

Doesn't Sam look happy? Well, he is and it looks like he loves smiling at everyone! Sam has found happiness at his new home and Jenna Mollman reports that Sam is an "awesome dog" who loves lots and lots of attention! Jenna, thank you so much for opening your heart and home to Sam! We are glad to know that he is doing great!

With all of the many animals in need, veterinary bills are abundant. South Mesa Veterinary Hospital has been very generous in their services to us.

Recently we have had a number of emergency cases come through, raising our veterinary bills to approximately $1000.00. We need help with these. If you are willing or able to bake dog treats and bring them to South Mesa, we are able to pay some of the bill through donations given in exchange for these dog treats. Or if you would rather make a monetary donation, feel free to call South Mesa Directly at (970) 226-6526 and talk with Sarah Swanty or the receptionist.

Or, you can make a donation through our website and paypal by visitiing our homepage at www.denkaisanctuary.org

Cats and Kittens Rescued

Just yesterday we had yet another rescue of cats and kittens. This time, a mother cat, just six months old nursing three 4 day old kittens. Her littermate and Mother also arrived with them. The older mother had a litter of kittens of which none survived.

Of the three kittens nursing on the younger mother, one is having to be supplemented and we are worried about its chances of survival.

Sarah Swanty, a very valuable volunteer, has been helping to nurse this baby and assist momma cat. We need help caring for these and many other cats like them through donations of cat and kitten food, KMR (formula for kittens), cat litter, litter pans, dishes and veterinary services.

New Fort Collins Cattery!

Well we are officially in our new Cattery thanks to the help of the Scratchin Post, an upscale cat boarding facility here in Fort Collins.

We are housing our adoptable cats and kittens in this new location, so if you are looking for a new pet, swing on by and visit us in the afternoons from 3pm to 7pm or on Sundays from 12pm to 5pm

Location: 2321 E. Mulberry St. #2 Fort Collins, CO 80524
Phone: (970) 308-6275

A Great Recovery!

Lizzie was just a puppy when I was called in to rescue her. She is a Shar-pei/Pit Bull mix. She was found near railroad tracks and had been forced to eat straight corn in order to stay alive. This was the middle of winter. She had no fur left, only bloody lesions all over her body. Her eyes were infected to the point that she could hardly open them, let alone see.

The Sanctuary took her in, bathed her wounds and medicated her eyes. We began slowly introducing her to her new dog food. Her feces were straight corn, she had been living on only that. Lizzie was so trusting of us from the start and was incredibly friendly. She loved other dogs and liked to chase cats!

One fine day, Kristie Fischer of the Mutt Hutt, Inc. Came over for a visit and when told of Lizzie's plight, she had to see her. Kristie's eyes immediately filled with tears at the sight of this poor and neglected animal. Finding it so hard to believe that somebody could possibly do this!

Kristie, having the enormous heart that she has, took Lizzie in and after thousands of dollars in veterinary and other bills, Lizzie is now whole again! She is incredibly happy in her permanent home with Kristie and Scott Fischer and has her very own yard to play in! She and Krisitie's great dane, have a blast together running in circles and playing!

Thank youKristie, for your selfless acts and kindness towards all of these animals!

Foster a Dog and Become a Friend for Life!

Who can forget about Tyson? Tyson is just one example of the many sweet spirited dogs in need of sponsorship and new homes. Along with Tyson, there are other dogs at the sanctuary that are in need of a second chance. Are you the right person to sponsor or adopt one of our dogs? Please visit our website and view the animals that are available for adoption. Summer is a wonderful time to introduce a new pup to the family. Many of these dogs, like Tyson, Patty, and Penny, need a chance to hike in the mountains, run in the backyard, and play in the summer sun. Always ensure that your dog has enough water, shade, and or shelter from the heat. For those in need of vaccinations for their animals, please note that there is a low cost vaccination clinic this Saturday, April 22, 2006, from 10:00 a.m.-3:oo p.m. at J&T Country Feeds in Greeley!

Emmie, The Confident Kitty!

Emmie is doing just fine in her new home! She is feeling comfortable and confident, and, most importantly, happy. With kitten season already here, there are many kittens and adult cats, like Emmie, in need of adoption. Please feel free to come and visit us at our new cattery in Fort Collins. We would again like to express our gratitude to the Scratchin' Post. Emmie is living proof that a little patience goes a long way! Given time to explore and settle in to her new surroundings, Emmie is truly comfortable in her new home. As with all of our kittens and cats, we are always searching for both foster and permanent homes in which they can build a new life. If you have the time and capability to be a foster parent, please contact us. It is a very important job that takes dedication, reliability, and trust. We hope to see you soon and thank all of you for your support!

Hugs for Tyson

Tyson, a beautiful two year old Pointer mix, is seen here at mobile adoptions receiving a hug from one of our most devoted volunteers, Jane. We are happy to report that Tyson has found a foster home! Foster homes are critical to the animals of Denkai and all animals in need of adoption. It is a time for them to learn to build relationships with human beings and possibly other animals. Most importantly, it is a time for them to learn to trust, and sometimes to heal. Tyson is a gentle dog and loves to be with humans and animals, alike. We are sure that he will do well in his new foster home and thank those that are able to take the time to work with animals in need, such as Tyson.

Time Spent With Isabelle and Diesel

Isabelle and Diesel, two resident pups of Denkai Animal Sanctuary are currently available for adoption. Siblings, they were found on a doorstep, in Craig, Colorado and brought to the sanctuary. Isabelle and Diesel represent so many of the dogs and cats in our community, those that are neglected and in need of a fresh start. Isabelle and Diesel shown here, at PetSmart, are meeting and greeting potential new families. Mobile Adoption Weekends are truly emerging as great opportunites to give animals like Isabelle and Diesel a second chance. We know that they have lots of fun going for walks, playing with one another and meeting lots of new friends. They are playful and loving and we know that they will meet the family that will love them forever!

Bear Update!

Bear has been staying at the Mutt Hutt in Windsor, with owner Kristy Fischer. She is recovering very well and has been happy in her temporary home. She has to wear a funnel to keep from pulling her metal pins out of her leg and will be going in to South Mesa for her check ups soon! We will be needing another temp foster home for her soon while she heals.

A Second Chance

Emmie was rescued over a month ago on a volunteer basis. A tired road warrior, Emmie came in from the cold and is now living in my home . She is representative of the many stray and feral cats that are roaming our towns and cities. We can sometimes feel overwhelmed by the number of animals that are in need of a fresh start with a new family. In the case of Emmie, she needed a patient individual, willing to slowly help her to acclimate to her new surroundings. Socializing cats can sometimes be a lengthy and difficult process, as some have never been in the company of human beings. The "semi" feral cats, like Emmie, can usually be rehabilitated and go on to live with a human family. Most were at one point domestic and living with humans. They become fearful when living outdoors for extended periods of time. Denkai Animal Sanctuary currently has four cats that are in immediate need of foster homes. If anyone would like to volunteer as a foster parent to any of the four cats at the sanctuary, please call us as soon as possible. We will help you through the process. Mother cats are very resourceful and able to care independently for their offspring. We truly just need individuals willing to give these cats a safe environment in which to give birth and ween their litter. While Emmie represents success, we all have to remember to do our best to help these brave street survivors. If anyone needs any tips about what to do when coming in contact with stray & or feral cats, stray dogs, etc., please do not hesitate to call us. Emmie is sleeping on her green blanket now, purring and drifting off to sleep. She has found a home and is truly content. A Siamese/Himalayan mix, she likes to voice her opinion and let everyone know how she feels!! I will update everyone in the near future, about Emmie and her socialization process. Again, let us know if you're interested in fostering any of the four female cats at the sanctuary.

~Shanon Chalmers

A Word from Bailey!

I am now two and a half weeks old and still growing! I'm even starting to drink water now like a real goat!! A couple days ago I had a new start to my day. I ate breakfast and pooped as usual. Then I decided to walk backwards into my poop and to make things even messier I used my poopy foot to scratch my head, leg, and pretty much the left side of my body. I didn't see what the problem was but Tiffany didn't seem to be too thrilled with my new look. Needless to say, I got my first bath. Although I wasn't too excited about getting bathed, I was a very good goat and I am now clean and fluffy.

I am making new friends as well. Tiffany's dog, Rico, has really warmed up to me and enjoys running around with me and sometimes kisses my nose. Soon I will make more friends at the sanctuary. I may even be going back as soon as tomorrow. I'm growing so big and I'm really starting to act like a real goat (well a goat who LOVES to get pet). Tiffany is sad to let me go but I know she will be visiting me quite frequently:)

Bear

Bear is a 6 month old Newfoundland mix puppy. She was found abandoned in a pasture, staked to the ground by her collar. A good Samaritan picked her up and called the sanctuary.

Bear had fractured both of the bones in her leg and has undergone extensive surgery at a reduced cost of approximately $900.00 thanks to the surgeons and staff at South Mesa Veterinary Clinic in Fort Collins.

This puppy is incredibly loving, caring and sweet natured. She is absolutely the most friendly dog and loves to give kisses! Bear will be cared for over the next 10 weeks by Kristie Fisher, who owns and operates The Mutt Hut Inc. located in Windsor, CO.

Update from Bailey the Goat!

I am now two weeks old and almost eight pounds!! I'm getting so big! I used to be a little bony goat but now I have a big belly. I love my bottle and I'm even starting to eat some hay and alfalfa (my bottle is still my favorite though). I'm not so sure about water yet, I just stick my nose in it and lick my lips. My running skills are improving and I even leap while I'm running. I also love to jump on things! My favorites are pillows, Tiffany's dog's bed (sometimes when he's still in it), and of course Tiffany. I also enjoy getting pet and snuggling, especially after drinking from my bottle. If you hold me in your lap and rub my chest I will be asleep in your arms in no time:)

Don't be fooled though, I am starting to figure out that I'm a goat. I love to chew on anything; the table and computer cords are my favorite. Bed sheets are pretty tasty too. I think I'm going to start grazing on carpet as well. Soon I will be ready to live outside with the other goats at Denkai (of course while still getting my bottle:). It is hard being a baby goat though, my day is full of eating, sleeping, pooping, peeing (I'm real good at that), chewing on everything in my reach, exploring, and of course getting pet. Then I have to start all over and do it again:)