Welcome To The San Luis Valley Animal Welfare Society Blog

The Shelter

The San Luis Valley Animal Welfare Society is a labor of love (heavy on both the love and the labor) by a dedicated couple who have championed humane animal education and animal rescue for 15 years.  This driving force behind the shelter is Aileen Peek, who couldn’t fulfill her mission without the support of her husband Frank.   The Society has rescued and found permanent homes for well over 5,000 helpless animals in the last eight years, with the help of their volunteers.

Biggles, the former Education Assistant

The Society volunteers are staunch advocates of spaying and neutering, and part of every adoption fee goes to help low-income residents of the San Luis Valley spay and neuter their pets.  (The San Luis Valley is the poorest area in Colorado: one-third of the residents live below the poverty line, and the numbers of unwanted, at-risk cats and dogs are staggering).

Every Saturday, a few cats, some good-natured adult dogs, and dozens of fluffy puppies, (plus their crates, play pens and water bowls) are loaded up to make the three hour trek to the north side of Colorado Springs.  Pet Adoptions are held at the PetSmart on North Academy Blvd. from 11 to 5, where many of the pets (but never quite enough) will begin their rightful lives with their loving new owners.

All animals are up to date on their shots.  The shelter is primarily funded through adoption fees, so the more pets adopted, the more pets saved.

The SLVAWS operates on a shoe-string budget, and donations of time, talent, money and supplies are genuinely appreciated.  The Society’s current wish list:

• Volunteers to walk and socialize (i.e.  play with) the dogs, and perform general duties at the shelter
• Volunteers to wash and paint walls, to ready the shelter for volunteer vacations
• A 15 person or larger cargo van – the current van, used to transport the animals to the adoption fairs, has racked up 270,000 miles
• Volunteer contractors to help make the facility more energy efficient, (the shelter buildings used to be part of a gold mining operation, and need to be retrofitted)
• Volunteer contractors to add floor drains, to make more of the indoor space usable, which will allow the shelter to save more dogs
• Grant writers and grant researchers
• Veterinary care to supplement the regular vet visits – the closest vet is an hour away.  Aileen and her helpers would be eternally grateful for any Vets or Vet Techs who would be willing to see the animals at the shelter; even a one-time visit would be wonderful!  They’re also looking for Colorado Springs Veterinarians  that would be willing to help (one of the volunteers could transport the pets).
• Veterinary supplies
• Crates, pet carriers  and playpens (x pens)
• Sheets, towels, blankets, dog toys, cleaning supplies, etc.
• Volunteers to help load and unload the pets and their crates at the PetSmart on North Academy Blvd. in Colorado Springs, and to help with the adoption fairs.

Visit the San Luis Valley Animal Welfare Society’s website for more information, and to see the list of adoptable pets.  If you’re interested in a particular animal, call the shelter and ask Aileen to bring him or her that Saturday.

Please remember to spay and neuter; there aren’t enough homes for them all.

Please note:  this blog is written by a volunteer, and any opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the San Luis Valley Animal Welfare Society.  Thank you.

A “Second Chance For Love”

The San Luis Valley Animal Welfare Society is pleased to again be taking part in PetSmart Charites “Second Chance For Love” fall adoption event.   

This weekend’s (September 10th thru 13th, 2010) fair will take place at the PetSmart at 7350 S. Gartrell Rd.   in Southeast Aurora. 

Weather permitting, fair hours will be approximately:  Noon to 6 on Friday, 9 to 6 on Saturday, and 9 to 3 on Sunday. 

Puppies, Dogs and Kitties will be waiting to meet you for their chance to be the new love of your life.   Each adopter will receive a special goodie bag in addition to licks, love and loyalty from your new family member.

We hope to see you there!

Please visit the San Luis Valley Animal Welfare Society’s website, where you can find out more about the organization and see their partial  list of adoptable pets.

Please remember to spay and neuter; there aren’t enough homes for them all.

HOW Much Is That Doggy In The Window?!

Some time back, a young volunteer and I were chatting while cleaning up puppy poop, and she asked “Why do the dogs cost money?”  After my split second of shock, I realized  it was an excellent question – after all, these are unwanted animals,   and the number of  dogs and cats exceeds the number of available homes.   I told her a little about the costs of running a shelter – the mortgage, the vet bills, etc., but I didn’t want to burden this youngster with too much information.

When I go to a restaurant, and see a $9.95 burger, I consider that I’m not just paying for that burger, but also for the employees’ wages, the plate,  the water and soap and electricity  to wash the plate, the equipment, the recent repairs on the equipment, the licenses, the furniture, the rent, and on and on.

There’s a lot more than meets the eye to keeping a whole bunch of animals happy and healthy.    A shelter, like any other enterprise, has a myriad of costs associated with it.   There are the payments on the facility (Frank and Aileen mortgaged their home to purchase the property),  plus the huge utility costs.  Vet bills and vet supplies can’t be overlooked – you’d probably be shocked if you knew the steep cost of many of the supplies.     Frank and Aileen work for free,  but the shelter manager and workers  have to be paid, as there aren’t too many people who do demanding, physical, grubby  labor for free,  and the animals need care and attention every day.    Then there are the expensive disinfectants and the other cleaning supplies.  Throw in  food (some dogs and cats are at the shelter for months, some for years),  equipment, maintenance, kitty litter, toys, treats, leashes, office supplies…      Thank goodness gas isn’t $4.00 per gallon right now.

Boom Boom at the shelter

I guess the conversation with the young volunteer  popped in my head again  because of the $1,100 van repair bill last week and the $900 electric bill this week.   The van in question needs more work, not surprising since it has about 280,000 miles on it.

So yes, maybe that beautiful mixed-breed puppy sounds a little expensive.   But you’re not just paying for that puppy – you’re ensuring another puppy can be rescued, and the cycle can continue.  You’re helping a sick dog get treatment, and seeing that the un-adoptable shelter dogs  are fed, cared for and loved.   You’re now part of the rescue effort.

Colorado Springs Pet Adoptions every Saturday from 11 to 5 at the PetSmart across from Chapel Hills Mall –  7680 N. Academy Blvd.

Please visit the San Luis Valley Animal Welfare Society’s website, where you can find out more about the organization and see their partial  list of adoptable pets.

Please remember to spay and neuter; there aren’t enough homes for them all.

Puppies, Puppies, Puppies! Rescued Pet Adoptions Saturday November 14th

While we typically present a good selection of rescued puppies at our adoption fairs, on Saturday, November 14th, we’ll be holding a veritable puppy fest!   The bundles of fur include:

Winkels, female Black Lab

Bitsy, Wirehaired Terrier/Dachshund

George P, Boxer/American Bulldog

Mr. T Blue Heeler/Border Collie

Buddy Miles, Dachshund Mix

Spinner Black Lab/Heeler

We hate to boast, but we have the sweetest, most adorable puppies going.   It’s hard to believe, but many of these puppies were literally thrown away:

The litter of Boxers/American Bulldogs were born about a week after their mom was dumped near a kind couple’s property.

One litter of Lab/Heeler pups was found in a culvert in Antonito, CO.   The other group of Lab/Heelers was found at the side of the highway in the same general area – who knows if there were others in the litter who didn’t make it.

When you adopt one of our puppies, you get not only years of faithful companionship, but also the satisfaction of knowing that more creatures like these get a second chance at life and love.

Colorado Springs Pet Adoptions every Saturday from 11 to 5 at the PetSmart across from Chapel Hills Mall – 7680 N. Academy Blvd.

Please visit the San Luis Valley Animal Welfare Society’s website, where you can find out more about the organization and see their partial  list of adoptable pets.

Please remember to spay and neuter; there aren’t enough homes for them all.

The Light In 10,000 Eyes

A few minutes before our dog’s technical death, we knew he was gone.   My husband nodded when I whispered “Look at his eyes.  There’s nothing there.”   The light in his eyes was gone.  It was a wrenching moment of truth: no light, no life.

On the shelter’s website and this blog, we state that Aileen Peek  has rescued well over 5,000 animals and found them new homes.  While that’s an impressive and comforting number, I don’t think we feel the full impact of what saving those lives actually means:

• Many thousands of tails still wag or swish
• Many multitudes of damp, smooth noses still nuzzle
• 5,000 pairs of ears can still perk up in anticipation when a  beloved human comes  home
• Hundreds upon many hundreds still get as big of a kick out of today’s walk as they did yesterday’s
• A huge number of sensitive, trusting  beings know comfort and security, instead of nothing at all
• Scores of otherwise lonely people have a true companion
• Hundreds of children grow up with a best friend
• Thousands of weary workers have a true bright spot at the end of their  long day
• Untold numbers of people experience unconditional love, and
• The light still shines in 10,000 eyes

Buttons

It’s why Aileen does what she does.

Colorado Springs Pet Adoptions every Saturday from 11 to 5 at the PetSmart across from Chapel Hills Mall – 7680 N. Academy Blvd.

Please visit the San Luis Valley Animal Welfare Society’s website, where you can find out more about the organization and see their partial  list of adoptable pets.

Please remember to spay and neuter; there aren’t enough homes for them all.

A Day In The Life Of A Shelter Worker

You wake up tired and sore, from the long day of physical labor.  The new employee didn’t show up Friday, so you’re feeling behind from the start.

You decide to check on the puppies first.  The din is deafening, as they’re all happy to see one of  their humans!  You hope you still have some aspirin.

You refresh all the water bowls.  Surprise!  The puppies have left you souvenirs, so you better get to cleaning.

A  few of the puppies are hogging food, so you have to separate some.  The separated puppies start whining.

One of the older puppies was bitten by his brother, so you may need to separate him too.

You wish you had more kennels, or fewer puppies…

Time to check on the new litter of puppies.  Even though they’ve been vaccinated, they need to be isolated for two weeks, to make sure they don’t have anything contagious.  You can’t be too careful when it comes to puppy health.

You’ll get back to playing with the puppies later.  Since yesterday was adoption day, in addition to your other work, you’ll have to clean and disinfect the pens, crates, and water bowls, and wash the towels and sheets used in the pens.

A bite to eat wouldn’t hurt, so you break for a quick breakfast.

On to the cat room.  Litter boxes, fun!  But at least the souvenirs are confined.

Some of the more stand-offish cats ignore you, but many come up for a pet.  The water fountain is in good working order, and you’ll come back to feed the kitties.   You do some  cleaning in the cat room.

On to the dog living room, and some bowl filling and  cleaning there.  You take time to pet the shelter dogs.  Poor things; no one will adopt them.

You let some of the older dogs out into the outdoor pens.  It’s a nice day, so you hope to take them for a walk later.

The phone rings; someone has questions -  lots of questions -  about some of the dogs on Petfinder.

The new outdoor pens you put up are helping out, as there are so many adult dogs at the shelter right now.  It’s important that the bigger dogs  have enough room, otherwise, they get on each others’  nerves, and they need room to stay healthy.

Almost forgot!   You start a load of laundry, wish you had a commercial washer and dryer.

Aileen helps you put some tarps over the pens, so the dogs and puppies can enjoy the fresh air without getting sunstroke.

Baby Doll needs to be separted from the other dogs; she seems to be in a bad mood.  You feel tired, and it’s only lunch time.

After lunch, you decide the disinfecting of the adoption fair equipment can wait!  The older dogs need a good run, so you take a bunch of them to the creek.  Some of the dogs go swimming, which means more bathing and brushing for you, but that’s ok.

Then, back to the dog building.  The little darlings have left more presents, but the cleaning goes slowly, since  the puppies want some pets.  You check the poop, always on the lookout for puppy problems, and wonder if “poop inspector” will be an asset on your resume.

Your energy is restored after taking time out  take time out for loads of licks and nuzzles.

One of the dogs hardly touched his food, so you try to get him to eat from your hand.  Not much success.  Why do animals have to get sick on the weekend?  You make  a note to call  the vet first thing on tomorrow.  You wish the vet wasn’t so far away, but some dogs need neutering anyway…

While you’re making a list, you check the supply room.  There’s bleach and other things missing!  Maybe it has something to do with the disappearing dog food.  You’re pretty certain that employee isn’t coming back, and you better get used to the idea of a long week.

You almost forgot – the pens, crates, and bowls from the fair need attention.  No time like the present.

Time to  “take a break” by making some notes on the cage cards (records) – at least you get to sit down.  Then you  round out your day distributing food and  fresh water, petting, and doing some more cleaning.  You smell really, really bad, so you want to get as much cleaning in as possible before you shower and have supper.

Tomorrow is another day, and in addition to all the usual stuff and taking the dogs to the vet,  the shelter will be taking  in some new dogs.   Aileen will have to  create records,  give the dogs vaccinations, and post them on Petfinder so they get new homes as soon as possible.  You breath a sigh of relief that these aren’t part of your chores, and are grateful this day was an easy one!

Colorado Springs Pet Adoptions every Saturday from 11 to 5 at the PetSmart across from Chapel Hills Mall – 7680 N. Academy Blvd.

Please visit the San Luis Valley Animal Welfare Society’s website, where you can find out more about the organization and see their partial  list of adoptable pets.

Please remember to spay and neuter; there aren’t enough homes for them all.

Big Puppy Finds Big-Hearted Folks

The picture of contentment

Thor has already gained 1o pounds since he was adopted just a few weeks ago!  It must have something to do with living large in his new home.   He should be sufficiently spoiled with three older Labs looking out for him (the Alpha male is actually fathering him, and the youngest is happy to have someone to play with).    And of course, there are those awesome humans who give him lots of attention, love and obviously great care.

Sincere thanks to Tracy for letting us know that this beautiful puppy is doing so well, and for the great photo.

This is our reward; we always love hearing about our adopted pets, and knowing they’re in good hands takes a bit of the load from our hearts.

If you’ve adopted from us and have some photos and stories to share, we’d love to post them here!

Colorado Springs Pet Adoptions every Saturday from 11 to 5 at the PetSmart across from Chapel Hills Mall                         – 7680 N. Academy Blvd.

Please visit the San Luis Valley Animal Welfare Society’s website, where you can find out more about the organization and see their partial  list of adoptable pets.

Please remember to spay and neuter; there aren’t enough homes for them all.

Cute, Cute, Cute! Labrador Mix Puppies Want To Steal Your Heart

Bunnykin

The mom is a 35 pound Lab mix – so we’re told, and mixed with what, we don’t know.   The dad is not only an absent  deadbeat but completely unknown.   But these puppies are 100% adorable, and  rather angelic looking, too!

Pixie and Peapod

If you’re thinking of adopting a puppy, please stop by the adoption fair and let them give you some nuzzles.  Bunnykin, Pixie and Peapod are mellow but personable pups.

They”ll probably be  on the   small side of medium as adults.   Look at the fetching masked faces and the creamy fur.  How could you go wrong?

Colorado Springs Pet Adoptions every Saturday from 11:15-5 at the PetSmart across from Chapel Hills Mall – 7680 N. Academy Blvd.

Please visit the San Luis Valley Animal Welfare Society’s website, where you can find out more about the organization and see their partial  list of adoptable pets.

Please remember to spay and neuter; there aren’t enough homes for them all.

Featured Friend – Corgi/Shepherd Mix Seeking Kind-Hearted Human

Patrick

Patrick is a pretty cheerful little guy.  He comes again and again to the adoption fairs without any complaint.  He just sits there in his crate, looking adorable and a little baffled that he’s usually somewhat  ignored by the folks coming through.

When you first meet Patrick, it’s easy to mistake him for a half-grown dog, but he’s really about a year and a half old.    If you like the perpetual puppy look, Patrick may be the dog for you.

Like other of our male dogs of similar size, he seems to take offense to large canines of the same sex.   He’d probably be best as an only pooch, or at least the only male.    Perhaps he’d enjoy some female companionship (you’re welcome to bring your female dog to the fair to see how they interact).

Since he’s been at the shelter for many, many months, he may need some help adjusting to domestic life.

Could you, or anyone you know, give this pretty pup a chance?   Visit with him at the adoption fairs.   He’s very affectionate with our volunteers, and would like the chance to get to know you, too.

Colorado Springs Pet Adoptions every Saturday from 11-5 at the PetSmart across from Chapel Hills Mall – 7680 N. Academy Blvd.

Please visit the San Luis Valley Animal Welfare Society’s website, where you can find out more about the organization and see their partial  list of adoptable pets.

Please remember to spay and neuter; there aren’t enough homes for them all.

Featured Friend – Bull Mastiff/Pit Bull Mix Looking For People to Play and Shop With

Not his favorite place!

Though his Petfinder name is Skylar, we call him Tiger because of his beautiful striped brindle markings.

I’d like to say he’s a studly guy, but he’s just been neutered.   This sleekly muscled, large dog – 80 pounds at 10 months – craves human companionship, and  is looking  for an owner that will give him lots of attention and activity.  From what I’ve seen of him, he does well with most other dogs, and would be responsive to obedience training.

Tiger has been at the shelter for many months;  his more petite sister got adopted when they were still puppies.   He hasn’t been at the fairs much lately, so I was glad to see him Saturday.   We tried to walk him frequently, as the poor guy was bored in his crate.   The last time I put him on the leash, he wanted to check out the inside of PetSmart.   I thought he just craved a change of scene, but it turns out he wanted to go shopping.   After cruising a few aisles, he found what he was looking for,  and picked a spiffy, sturdy ball-and-rope combo from the shelf.  He not only chose a cool toy, but  one that was on sale!  Good dog!  He carried it to the register, waited patiently for it to be scanned, and contentedly took it back to his crate.

Do you, or anyone you know,  have the energy, time and toys to keep Tiger occupied?   A huge heart and a monster yard would be perfect for this guy!  He’d love to meet you at our three day adoption event September 11th through 13th, so please stop by the PetSmart on Powers Blvd. to make his acquaintance.

Colorado Springs Pet Adoptions every Saturday from 11-5 at the PetSmart across from Chapel Hills Mall – 7680 N. Academy Blvd. (except for September 12th, when the fair will be from 10-7  at the PetSmart on Powers Blvd.)

Please visit the San Luis Valley Animal Welfare Society’s website, where you can find out more about the organization and see their partial  list of adoptable pets.

Please remember to spay and neuter; there aren’t enough homes for them all.

Second Chance For Love – PetSmart Charities Fall National Adoption Weekend September 11th to 13th

When will I be loved?

The San Luis Valley Animal Welfare Society is pleased and honored to be taking part in PetSmart Charities Fall National Adoption Weekend.   Hill’s Science Diet and PetSmart have teamed up to sponsor this nation-wide event with the goal to find 18,800 homes for pets in need!   This truly is a “Second Chance of Love” for many deserving animals.

Aileen will be showcasing at least  75 dogs and puppies, and a few of our cutest kitties.   Wouldn’t it be wonderful if none of the pets had to return to shelter?  Some other fine animal rescue organizations will be taking part, too, so if you’re looking for a small animal, stop by.

The event will be held at the PetSmart on Powers (between Carefree and Constitution) at 2965 New Center Point.   Event hours are  approximately  10 am to 7  pm Friday and Saturday, and  Sunday from 10-6  (subject to change).

If you can volunteer some of your time, you’ll get  the satisfaction of knowing you’ve helped pets find loving, responsible homes!  (And you’ll get some grateful licks and nuzzles, too!)

To find a PetSmart in your area who’s participating, go to PetSmart’s  site.

Heartfelt thanks to PetSmart, PetSmart Charities, and Hill’s Science Diet for their support and animal rescue efforts.

Colorado Springs Pet Adoptions every Saturday from 11-5 at the PetSmart across from Chapel Hills Mall – 7680 N. Academy Blvd. (except for September 12th, when the fair will be from 10-7  at the PetSmart on Powers Blvd.)

Please visit the San Luis Valley Animal Welfare Society’s website, where you can find out more about the organization and see their partial  list of adoptable pets.

Please remember to spay and neuter; there aren’t enough homes for them all.