We love being in the small and supportive community of Ridgway, Colorado. In addition to sheltering, feeding, finding homes for, and loving our pets, we must ensure everyone is safe. The security of our pets, people, and property is our responsibility.

We’ve had several threats to our property, pets, and people in the past few months. These include verbal threats, evidence of after-hours intrusions, and the appearance of a mysterious severed deer head near the clinic. We’re grateful that nothing serious happened, but we have concluded that it’s time to increase and improve our security. We are grateful for the support of law enforcement in Ouray County, but we have acres of land and are in a remote location. Things can happen quickly, and our staff, volunteers, visitors, and the pets we care for need to know we are doing everything to keep them safe.

The sad reality is that we need security cameras and a reporting system on the ranch. Unfortunately, it will be a big expense. This comes on the heels of some other unexpected expenses and losses of revenue (no adoption fees for nearly a month). We are asking our supporters to give now and give generously.

Our goal is to set up security cameras in multiple locations around the buildings and property perimeter. The new system will allow our staff to summon the fire department and/or law enforcement at the touch of a button from each of our buildings.

In addition, several of our staff computers are very outdated and need to be replaced. The staff uses them daily to update our records, share our adoptable pets, order supplies, and keep in touch with other team members. So, after the security system is purchased, we will put dollars toward new computers for our hard-working people.

Finally, in our clinic, our old X-ray machine has quit. Unfortunately, it cannot be repaired and needs to be replaced. A new X-ray machine is an important part of ensuring a future for our community veterinary medical program.

We’re asking for community donations. A very generous supporter has kicked off this fundraiser with a matching challenge of $15,000. With this, we are halfway to our goal of $30,000. We also welcome any local businesses who sell and install security systems to reach out and consider helping with an in-kind donation of equipment or installation.

To donate, visit our website or mail to: PO Box 2096, Ridgway, CO, 81432

 

Stew is a big, young, tabby cat with beautiful white feet, belly, bib, and a white stripe on his nose. He’s a lover boy who enjoys, if not demands, attention and petting. He will reward with loud purrs and snuggles.

For thirty years, the Animal Resource Center and Shops of Second Chance Humane Society have been serving Ouray, San Miguel, and Montrose Counties. Our adoption hours are from Wednesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. You can view our shelter pets and services online at www.secondchancehumane.org. Connecting Pets, People, and Community While Saving Lives.