If you are a resident of Chaffee County, you may recall a referendum in last year’s election pertaining to the humane society. Thanks in part to a grassroots campaign effort by Buena Vista residents, county voters approved a measure that has provided the Ark Valley Humane Society (AVHS) with much needed tax dollars, which now cover the organization’s operating costs. Up until the passage of the mill levy, says Alice Lively, Lead Animal Care Technician at AVHS, the organization had come close to closing its doors on several occasions due to a lack of funds. Thankfully, that is no longer a risk and the organization is now soliciting donations for an expansion fund which would help to accommodate the increased volume of pets coming through the society’s doors; last year the number of animals received totaled 600 while this year that figure is already at 700.

Thanks to the organization’s improved financial stability, AVHS is now able to direct private funds (which are still much-needed) to programs aimed at curbing pet overpopulation. In particular there is an overpopulation of cats locally, according to Alice; the humane society is currently holding 30-40 kittens. AVHS has developed several programs aimed at sterilizing local dogs and cats. For pets that have a home, they offer low income spay and neuter vouchers to ensure that cost doesn’t prevent local families from sterilizing their pets. In addition, if a pet is impounded, the owner is charged a pet overpopulation impact fee and given a spay or neuter voucher when the animal is claimed. For stray animals, the humane society has a trap-neuter-return program whereby strays are trapped, brought to the shelter, sterilized for free and then released in the same location in which they were found. All of these programs play an important role in curbing pet overpopulation, a problem which can contribute to the spread of disease, create sanitation issues in public spaces and adversely impact local wildlife populations. All told sterilizing your pet does a service to the whole community and the humane society strongly recommends you do so. It certainly makes their job easier and ensures that they are not overburdened with incoming pets.

Beyond programs aimed at curbing overpopulation through sterilization, the AVHS provides an essential community function in its adoption programs. Impounded pets, 85% of which are ‘owner surrenders,’ are held for 5 days before they are put up for adoption. There is an adoption fee, but as the AVHS website points out, adoptions are a better deal than a ‘free’ pet once you take into consideration the cost of immunization and sterilization, services included in the adoption fee. AVHS currently has 23 cats and 17 dogs listed on its website as available for adoption if you are looking for a new pet. In addition AVHS has adopt-a-thons every several months at which all adoption fees are waived.

AVHS also holds regular fundraising events. This month the “The Fabulous Furr Ball” will be held at Mt. Princeton Hot Springs in Nathrop and will include a silent auction, music and food. This annual holiday gala will take place Saturday November 17th at 6 pm. Tickets are available now at the AVHS location in Buena Vista. Show up to get some holiday shopping done and support this invaluable community service organization. You can also help out by making dry pet food donations or volunteering your time. Visit the website at www.ark-valley.org or call the center directly at 719-395-2737.

The animals featured in the photos have all found good homes through the shelter. In order: Tele, Gus (as pilgrim), Bodie, Bruiser.


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