Community Newsletter
Monthly Animal Nonprofit Organizations Impact on Navajo Nation
July 2024 Report
The July 2024 Navajo Nation report highlights a successful spay/neuter and wellness clinic in Gap, AZ, community engagement efforts, and transport of pets to rescue groups. It also recognizes local leaders' participation in the Best Friends National Conference and the ongoing work of the partner organization, Soul Dog, helping pets on the Navajo Nation.
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In July 2024, Best Friends Animal Society hosted a spay/neuter and wellness clinic in Gap, AZ, where they provided essential veterinary care and altered pets for local families, including those who faced transportation barriers. The team also facilitated the transport of dogs and cats to rescue organizations, ensuring these animals could find loving adoptive homes. Community outreach efforts included participation in the Navajo Nation Trail Ride, where staff shared information about available services and connected with key community members. Additionally, the report highlights the involvement of Navajo Nation leaders at the Best Friends National Conference and the valuable contributions of Soul Dog, a long-time partner in rescuing and supporting animals across the Navajo Nation.
Vaccine, Spay/Neuter and Wellness Initiatives
In July, Best Friends Animal Society held a successful spay/neuter and wellness clinic at the Bodaway-Gap Chapter House in Gap, AZ. Over the course of two days, the clinic provided vital services, including spay/neuter surgeries and vaccinations for local pets. The team also went above and beyond to assist families who lacked transportation, ensuring their pets could receive care by arranging transport and waiving fees. Additionally, they provided care for surrendered puppies, who were later altered, vaccinated, and placed with a rescue organization to find adoptive homes.
Satellite Foster Program in Phoenix, AZ
We’re thrilled to announce that we have three eager foster homes in Phoenix ready to welcome their first pups! The excitement is building as we prepare to place these lucky dogs in loving, temporary homes where they can thrive. Stay tuned—these pups will be settling in with their new foster families very soon!
Transport and Direct Lifesaving
In July, Best Friends Animal Society transported 125 dogs and cats to receiving groups, bringing the year-to-date total from Best Friends alone to 1,496 animals.
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.
Community Engagement
Joni Lapahi and Jen Reid represented Best Friends at the Navajo Nation Trail Ride in Window Rock, AZ, where they shared valuable information about spay/neuter programs and the services Best Friends provides. During the event, Joni had the opportunity to connect with Chief Justice Joan Jaye and engage with various community members. Meanwhile, Jen helped transport a dog with a broken leg back to the sanctuary, where he is now receiving the care he needs.
Hometown Helper: Lindsay Ortega
A Decade of Dedication at Soul Dog Rescue
Lindsay Ortega has been an integral part of Soul Dog for over 10 years and has taken on the role of Development Director in the past year. Soul Dog, which you can find at souldog.org and on Facebook at Soul Dog Rescue, has made a tremendous impact on the Navajo Nation over the past 15 years. Through spay/neuter programs, wellness services, and ongoing support, they've helped nearly 44,000 animals.
Each year, Soul Dog rescues between 1,800 and 2,000 animals, working through their extensive foster network and their shelter in Ft. Lupton, CO. The organization currently supports about 75 foster homes and holds approximately 24 clinics annually across the Navajo Nation and the Ute Mountain Ute in Towaoc, CO.
Under the leadership of Executive Director Shelby Davis, Soul Dog has also mentored many individuals who have gone on to start their own rescue organizations. With a dedicated team of about 20 staff members, including shelter and veterinary professionals, Soul Dog continues to make a difference.
Lindsay shares that one of the most rewarding aspects of their work is being able to help the most vulnerable animals, particularly those battling severe conditions like distemper, parvo, and TVT.
In Other News
Cultural Lessons for Lifesaving: Insights from Navajo Nation Leadership
Navajo Nation Vice President Richelle Montoya and Brandy Tomhave of the Native America Humane Society delivered a powerful presentation at the Best Friends National Conference, titled Respecting Cultural Lessons to Increase Lifesaving in Tribal Communities. Their participation and willingness to share their knowledge are deeply appreciated. While she was taking questions, the Vice President stated that she believed that the Navajo Nation could get to be "No Kill".
Navajo Nation Animal Control to Start Collecting Data
Norman Begay, Navajo Nation Animal Control Manager, signed up for Shelter Luv software at the Best Friends Conference, so the Animal Control Department could start collecting data and better target their services to hot spots where services are the most needed.
Upcoming Event
The Navajo Nation Fair is right around the corner!
September 2 - 8, 2024
Navajo Nations Fairgrounds
New Billboard!
A brand new billboard has gone up just outside of Tuba City, encouraging pet owners to take advantage of low-cost spay/neuter services. The message urges folks to schedule an appointment today and directs them to visit navajonationpets.com for more information. Be sure to check it out and spread the word! Best Friends Animal Society is hoping to bring more resources to Tuba City.
Ahéhee'
Together, we're not just making a difference;
we're transforming lives and building a stronger community.
Visit navajonationpets.com for more information
