Tails from the Shelter 2023
My Life as Executive Director (and Dog Bed)
A Special Message from Liam Hughes, Stray Hearts Executive Director
On June 6th 2022, I took over as Executive Director here at Stray Hearts Animal Shelter in Taos. It has
been only seven months since I pulled into the parking lot that very first day - yet so much has happened
since then.
We restructured our leadership team, started to improve the shelter’s processes and procedures, streamlined our daily
operations as well as tightened the general work culture of the shelter.
It wasn’t always easy. But it was a healthy challenge nevertheless.
And we did it all as a team.
Together, we all survived a COVID outbreak at the
shelter. Together, we weathered one of the largest wildfires in state history. And together, we persevered through countless small
problems caused by an old building (a building which seems to work against us some days!)
Over the months, I have met
countless people who tell me how they adopted their pets from Stray Hearts over the years, and
the love that they have for them.
These stories inspire hope in all of us here at the shelter, hope that
we can help provide a better tomorrow for the animals who are placed in our care.
And now the work really begins.
Over the next year, you can expect to see more Stray Hearts team members in the community, as they broaden our education and outreach programs, bolster our fundraising and events, and ramp up our adoption and spay and neuter efforts.
Additionally, we have been working for the past few months with
other stakeholders in the area to find new ways to address the issues affecting all of the
animals and people in the Taos Community.
This is difficult and challenging work, no doubt about it. But with
continued support like YOURS and others within our community, we can make a difference for all of the
animals.
What we need are more people like YOU who took the time to read all of this and who care
about the animals.
YOU are our ambassadors. Ambassadors who want to see change and a higher awareness brought to animal issues in our town, on both the county and state levels.
People who want to speak up and help be
a voice for these animals who, through no fault of their own, have no voice.
We need your continued help to make that
difference and bring about that change.
And although we are only just beginning, we know it will happen…
To learn more about Stray Hearts Animal Shelter's Foster Program
or to apply to be a foster parent, please click here!
Shelter Stats Comparison
December 2022 Stats
PETS ARRIVING
Strays: 2 cats, 79 dogs (38 are puppies)
Surrendered: 0 cats, 4 dogs
PETS LEAVING
Adoption: 9 cats, 31 dogs
Transfer: 0 cats, 18 dogs
Return To Owners: 20 dogs
PET CENSUS as of Dec 31, 2022
In House: 111 cats, 133 dogs
Pet Highlight
Kendal
Meet Kendal!
Kendal is a sweet girl who has been here at the shelter for quite some time.
She came in with her two sisters who were adopted a while back but she’s still waiting on her forever people to show up.
She barks out of excitement when she sees someone approaching but she’s the most docile and loving girl once you give her a little time.
Please fill out an application to come and meet her!
Human Highlight
Quinn
Quinn is our new assistant shelter manager.
He’s been with us here at Stray Hearts for a while but you may have not seen him as he’s always working hard behind the scenes with the dogs & just about anything else he can help with in the shelter.
If you can’t tell by the way shelter dog Remi is looking at him, the dogs really do love him. We are ecstatic to have him move up in ranks and take more on in the shelter.
Please feel free to stop by, say hello and thank him for all his hard work and dedication.
Alumni (P)update: Sampson!
We've got a happy pup-date for those of you keeping up with the saga of Sampson! For those of you who are unfamiliar, Sampson was brought to us by a good samaritan after being mauled and was in critical condition.
He's in his third foster home and on the fast track to being completely healed, healthy and adoptable. He had a lovely holiday under the tree with his current foster family and even got a festive leg bandage.
Stay tuned for more updates and for Mr. Handsome Sampson to become available for adoption & please remember fostering saves lives!
Donate to Stray Hearts…and Make the Most Powerful Difference.
Donors are essential to the operation of nonprofit organizations. If you are passionate about advancing our mission of saving the lives of our four-legged friends, please consider a donation today.
Stray Hearts is experiencing unique challenges at this time: overcrowding, resources strained to capacity (and beyond), as well as a rise in medical emergencies and needs.
Our ask today is that you continue to give generously, either as a one-time gift, a monthly pledge, or a tribute gift that allows you to donate in honor of someone special.
Regardless of which button you decide to click, your gift is greatly appreciated, valued, and contributes towards fulfilling the incredible and unique labor of love that Stray Hearts carries out every single day in Taos.
EVERY DOLLAR MAKES A VITAL DIFFERENCE.
Other Happenings…
The December Toy Drive!
We are so happy with the immense support from our community with the toy drive we had going through December.
Every animal in our care was able to receive new toys, blankets, kitty hammocks, and bully sticks.
Our foster puppies received puppy pads and all the enrichment supplies we were seeking.
It was absolutely wonderful to see everyone pitch in at the Toy Drives making a difference.
We want to sincerely thank EVERYONE from our youngest Taos toddlers to Taos Middle School to Vista Grande High School students to folks just rolling through town and everyone in between!
Every single donation helps to keep our animal friends happy and comfortable.
Please stay tuned for more public events like this coming soon!
