Hometown Hero:
Cindy Yurth
President, Blackhat Humane Society
Cindy Yurth currently serves as the President of Blackhat Humane Society, a role she has held since 2005. Blackhat Humane operates as a strictly volunteer-based 501c3 non-profit organization, spanning across Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico. The organization relies on approximately 15 active foster homes to support its mission.
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In 2005, Cindy and her husband relocated from Logan, Utah to teacher housing in Chinle, Arizona, where Cindy had previously worked for 17 years at the Navajo Times and her husband had a tenure of 18 years as a music teacher at Chinle High School, now retired. They subsequently moved to Durango, CO in 2021, where they continue their dedication to fostering animals.
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With no previous experience with the Navajo Nation and animal rescue, their involvement began when they encountered a sick puppy on their doorstep upon moving to Chinle. This encounter marked the start of their journey with Blackhat Humane, eventually fostering 145 animals in their home over the years.
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Since January 2024, Blackhat Humane has facilitated approximately 200 adoptions into loving homes and currently supports about 60 animals in foster care across the three states. They actively promote their animals through platforms such as Petfinder.com. The organization hosts weekly adoption events in Prescott and conducts events in Flagstaff, where even the mayor of Flagstaff has adopted an animal through Blackhat Humane.
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Cindy Yurth and her team at Blackhat Humane continue to make a significant impact in animal welfare across the region, embodying their commitment to rescuing and rehoming animals in need.