It has been an amazing year. We have found forever homes for 251 cats and dogs. We have managed to reunite 17 dogs and 2 cats with their owners. This was mainly due to Social Media. We have over 2200 followers on FaceBook and they are a huge help in finding owners and sharing our pets for adoption.
This year has brought many changes to the shelter, thanks to a grant received in the Fall of 2016 from the Ryan Miele Endowment for Animal Welfare we were able to build a new much needed kitten room and re-organize the main room of the shelter, We also were able to upgrade all the electrical and can now use two washers and two dryers at the same time. We added wall heaters to the cat and kitten rooms and did away with the space heaters and electrical cords. We worked with Sit Means Sit dog trainers for evaluating and helping our volunteers with issues that may arise. We also received grants for spay/neuter and medical for the shelter and for community assist. The shelter is committed to helping the local community keep their pets whether it be medical or food assistance. All animals coming to the shelter receive medical treatment, vaccinations, spay neuter, de worming even dental if needed. Cats are tested for feline leukemia/aids.They also receive flea/tick treatment upon entering the facility. Dogs are micro chipped.
This year also saw more collaboration with other Cochise County Shelters and Rescues. We participated in the 2nd Annual Celebration of Animals at Veterans Memorial Park in Sierra Vista and look forward to next years event.
We continually search for ways to raise money as we are not funded by any city or government agency. Our funds come from donations. We appreciate all those that host fund raisers in our honor. We are run by about 25 volunteers and sometimes spread pretty thin. We participate in all Special week-end events in Tombstone with a donation table, accepting cash donations and sharing information about the shelter. In February we send out our annual Newsletter.
Every Saturday except the first Saturday of the month you will find us at PetSmart or CAL Ranch in Sierra with pets for adoption. Getting our pets out in an area where they can be seen is crucial. We are open 7 days a week BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. We are open to the public without an appointment EVERY SATURDAY INCLUDING HOLIDAYS from 2-4 PM. By making an appointment adopters can come and get a one on one with a volunteer at a more convenient time in their busy schedules. This year 55% of our adoptions were done by appointment.
We thank each and everyone of you that share our story, our pets, post alumni pictures on Facebook and send donations. We have a fabulous group of volunteers who are all dedicated to the animals they interact with. We look forward to even bigger and better things in 2018!
