Community Newsletter
Monthly Animal Nonprofit Organizations Impact on Navajo Nation
March 2024 Report
This March report showcases the inspiring progress achieved in creating safer and healthier environments for both people and pets across the Navajo Nation. Thanks to partnerships with nonprofits and collaborative efforts with animal control, we're making meaningful strides in enhancing communities.
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The March report for the Navajo Nation Delegates focuses on transporting animals to partner organizations, starting a new foster care program in Phoenix, running a successful spay/neuter clinic, and planning future events. It also mentions working with local groups and getting more staff involved in animal care projects.
Spay/Neuter and Wellness Initiatives
The March spay/neuter clinic in Tuba City was a great success, thanks to support from Best Friends. Although the mobile unit, a van equipped to perform spay/neuter surgeries on-site, was unavailable because it was being updated with a new logo and information, the team managed everything smoothly. They adapted by using a box truck to conduct the clinic in a MASH-style setup, efficiently spaying or neutering 120 dogs and cats. Additionally, they provided wellness checks and vaccinations for numerous animals. This event was made possible by the fantastic teamwork Best Friends Sanctuary Experience staff and dedicated volunteers, all coming together to ensure the clinic ran smoothly and effectively.
Low-cost clinics provide lifesaving support for pets on the Navajo Nation.
See upcoming clinics near you.
Satellite Foster Program
Best Friends Animal Society is working hard to start a new foster program in the Phoenix area by the end of this month. This program is designed to help save more lives at shelters on the Navajo Nation. By creating a better foster system, there will be more time to complete important steps like giving a second vaccine, deworming, and flea/tick treatments, which some of our partner organizations require before they can take in animals.
Phoenix was selected because Best Friends already works with several partner groups there. This allows them to use their current transport program effectively. Best Friends is always looking for volunteers to help transport dogs and cats to Phoenix. Best Friends provides the supplies and gas cards to the volunteers who are willing to transport dogs and cats.
Recently, the Best Friends team visited Phoenix to meet with various organizations ready and able to assist with animal intake, medical care, and emergency boarding. They held productive meetings with several local groups including the Arizona Animal Welfare League, HALO Animal Rescue, and Heidi’s Village.
Transport and Direct Lifesaving
In March, a team from Best Friends Animal Sanctuary transported 133 dogs and cats to receiving groups which brings their Year To Date (YTD) total to 1039. Their Sanctuary in Kanab, UT accepted an additional 12 in March for a YTD total of 114.
Various organizations on the Navajo Nation play a crucial role in pet rescue by facilitating the adoption process for unclaimed shelter animals. Their primary objective is to find loving homes for these pets and provide them with a second chance at life. Learn more about these groups.
Staff Spotlight: Lorraine Homer
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My name is Lorraine Homer. I am from Hidden Springs, AZ, and I worked for Best Friends for 20+ years. I started in Maintenance and have been there for a long time and I recently moved into the Navajo Nation Outreach. I love supporting our Navajo Nation Program efforts by assisting with transport for dog and cats from the Navajo Nation to Best Friends Sanctuary. and I also assist in the preparation for and participate in hosting our spay, neuter, and vaccination clinic. My sister often volunteers with me at the spay/neuter events.
My clan is:
Maternal Clan is Kii Yaa 'aani - Towering house people
Paternal Clan is Tachii nii - The running into water people
Maternal Grandfather - Tl izii Lanii - Many Goats
Paternal Grandfather - Ma ii Deesh gishznii - Coyote people
Economic Impact of Non-Profit Work
on Navajo Nation
When nonprofit groups assist the Navajo Nation, their presence economically benefits the community as they lodge in local hotels, dine in restaurants, and shop, circulating money back into the area
Lodging Contributions: In March, Best Friends covered expenses for 56 hotel rooms across three nights at Navajoland in Tuba City.
In The News
Navajo Nation Vice President Richelle Montoya will be on a panel with Brandy Tomhave at the Best Friends National Conference. The conference is attended by animal welfare professionals from all over the world and is a chance to learn how to help pets in the community. This year there will be a session which will include a discussion around Tribal Sovereignty. Learn more about the conference here.
Brandy Tomhave has joined the Native America Humane Society as its Executive Director. Brandy lobbied in D.C. for the Navajo Nation for years before lobbying for Best Friends Animal Society. She is replacing N.A.H.S. Executive Director Diana Webster who has retired. To learn more about The Native America Humane Society check out their website https://nativeamericahumane.org/.
Important Resources
The Spay/Neuter Resource Map: a simple guide to find spay and neuter services. It helps animal welfare groups and pet owners locate places for these services, including contact details to get in touch easily.
New Mexico Spay/Neuter Resources Directory: offers a list of affordable and free spay/neuter programs across New Mexico. Click your county for details. Please verify with the organizations for updates.
Ahéhee'
Together, we're not just making a difference;
we're transforming lives and building a stronger community.
Visit navajonationpets.com for more information
