By: Judy Hamontre, AVHS Vice-Chair “We have developed a bond with and a love for our Aussie, Ellie, deeper than any dog that has ever been part of our life because of the intimacy of the communication style forced upon us.” This is how Sarah and her husband Bob describe their lives with Ellie who is deaf and visually impaired. They adopted her as a pup in 2018, knowing she had special needs and would need specialized care. “Life with Ellie had its challenges, and we had to learn to adapt. We......

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By: Judy Hamontre, AVHS Vice-Chair This past year, the programs and services provided by Ark-Valley Humane Society helped change the lives of 1,546 cats and dogs. Siren loudly meows to you that hers was one of those lives changed for the better when she was found and brought to Ark-Valley Humane Society. Siren was found under the stage at the Lariat in Buena Vista. Kind rescuers disassembled the stage to safely extricate her and brought her to our AVHS shelter. Sadly, she had a spinal injury that left her unable to walk.......

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By: Nikki Ritter, AVHS Executive Director Snow has begun to blanket our valley as scents of hot cocoa, wood fire stoves, and hearty meals fill the air. With the cold winds of winter nipping at our heels, I would like to share our gratitude to those members of our community who brave this cold weather, making the dedicated journey to come to AVHS to volunteer and foster. In 2023 we saw our volunteers and foster families step up to help the shelter in big ways. As we worked through our staff transition......

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By: Judy Hamontre, AVHS Vice-chair & volunteer Cat owners, admit it, you talk to your cats, even creating dialogue prompted by questions you believe they are asking you. (We dog owners do that, too.) Talking with our pets is a way we bond, show love, and pay attention to what is going on with our furry friends. It is healthy for both animal and human. Every morning I am greeted by photos of a dear friend’s cat, Penelope. I reply with what I believe Penelope is thinking, what she is saying if......

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By: Judy Hamontre, AVHS Vice-chair & volunteer The day after Christmas my 7 year old lab boxer mix, Gracie, was particularly reactive to the sound of the wind and hurried inside from her potty breaks and romps in the backyard. She did not want to go for a walk. (Neither did I). Then I started seeing posts of similar responses from friends’ dogs, even those who love the outdoors, no matter the conditions. The winds were steady and strong with gusts that threw debris about. Wind chills were in the single digits.......

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By: Judy Hamontre, AVHS Vice-chair & volunteer In November, six adorable puppies were transferred to AVHS from Underdog Animal Rescue and Rehab in Moab, Utah. Sadly, they had been abandoned, left on the side of the road in a cardboard box labeled “Free Puppies.” Fortunately, they were found, rescued, and eventually moved to our shelter. Once here in BV, they needed to be named. Reminding one of our staff of the kittens abandoned in a similar way in the Disney film Oliver and Company, she suggested they be named for the film’s lead characters.......

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By: Judy Hamontre, AVHS Vice-chair & volunteer Thanksgiving day this year I watched the National Dog Show. It is a happy way to digest that big turkey dinner. The dogs display such personality as they prance around the ring. The number of different breeds continues to amaze me, and I always learn such great bits of trivia about “man’s best friend.” I became so fascinated with the information NBC’s show statistician, Steve Kormacki was reporting, that I thought this would be a great article for The Mountain Mail. I hit “record,” started......

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By: Judy Hamontre, AVHS Board member & volunteer One of my most heartwarming pet experiences was my time with Pip, a miniature schnauzer I adopted when she was 13. My friend feels the same about her years with Miranda, a Maine Coon, age 12 when adopted. Both pets were seniors, and both proved to be lovable, loyal pets who filled our lives with joy. We were rewarded to know we were providing love to an age group that is often overlooked. Their time at shelters is usually longer, making their risk of euthanasia......

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By: Judy Lore, AVHS Volunteer columnist It’s that time of year for planning all those holiday meals. We need to be aware of those foods our pets should not be given. The last thing we want to have to do is call the vet because our Fluffy or Spot is having some problems. But…in case you can’t get in touch with your vet, you can call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435. Do you have your vet’s number entered on your phone or handy to get to? You might want......

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By: Judy Hamontre, AVHS Board Member & Volunteer Autumn colors are fading, wind blown leaves carpet the ground, and a new season of thanksgiving begins. It is a time to celebrate families and friends, cherished pets, our beautiful valley, and our caring community. It is the perfect time for us, the Staff and Board of the Ark-Valley Humane Society, to celebrate all of you, our supportive community, by hosting our second annual Open House, “Paws for Thanks,” Sunday, November 5, 12:00-3:00PM, at the Buena Vista location, 701 Gregg Drive. You do so......

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