The animal rescue and welfare newsletter from Bridging the Worlds
Devoted to the Love of Animals, and the People who Love Animals
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Bridging the Worlds
An animal rescue and rehabilitation sanctuary
A 501(c)(3) non profit public benefit organization
P.O. Box 9109
Santa Fe, NM 87504
(505) 501-1887
www.bridgingtheworlds.org
(Thoughts from David, our Business Manager)
Our first newsletter went out three months ago, and it was gratifying to hear how well it was received. We started getting feedback within minutes, and I knew we had done a good thing. That made me high. Please, don’t hesitate to send us feedback. It feeds our spirits when the work seems endless.
This has been an extremely eventful year for Bridging the Worlds. There are twice as many dogs in sanctuary here today as there were a year ago. Hundreds have passed through on their way to new homes during the year. I’ve been reviewing the email exchanges I’ve had with Beverly during the past year. Heart rending stories of animals in need, and she stepped up every time to help them.
I once suggested when money was tight that she needed to pay the mortgage before taking in any more dogs who needed major medical care. She wrote back that of course the mortgage needed to be paid, but she wasn’t going to let a dog with a broken hip lie and suffer just because we didn’t have money. It was her gentle way of telling me to just do my job and figure out where to get some more money, because she’s doing her job of taking care of the animals.
That was humbling. I pride myself on being a “performer”. But I had momentarily succumbed to worry, and asked her to back off rather than stepping up myself.
I can now admit that when I first offered to help out at BTW, I didn’t have the first idea of what to do or how to do it. But that’s the power of an idea whose time has arrived - it just pulls you in and tells you what it needs for its own growth. My business has always done that - taught me what I needed to know. There’s never an impasse that can’t be surmounted. But my business was always about me, to benefit my own personal goals. It has opened some amazing doors for me to be as invested in the cause of other living beings as I am in my own personal goals.
I’m telling the truth when I say some of the best fun I’ve had all year has been solving problems for BTW. There’s no way to just give up, because there are lives on the line. We have to figure things out. That’s life on the cutting edge as far as I’m concerned. A little nerve wracking at times, but it gives me a purpose larger than myself.
Something I want to offer as you head into spring: Find time to do something you don’t believe you can do. It doesn’t matter if it’s difficult, or even if you fail. Don’t worry about the opinions of others. Because while you’re trying, you’re learning and creating. Life feels really alive when you do this. And you just might succeed.
Report from our Director on recent activities.
Another uplifting, busy, successful Adoption Day at Trader Joe's.
ADOPTED: Baron, Peach, Diablo, Marlowe, Flint, Spirit, and 3 Lab mix puppies. Fourth adopted puppy, Pi, came right back slobbering in fright because his Bull Mastiff new brother screamed NO and attacked him. He doesn't seem to be harboring negative thoughts to share with his therapist in 7 years, when he's 49! It's good to be alive and a puppy!
Again, we had wonderful help. I was so busy from the very first moment, that I pray you'll forgive me if I miss your name here: Thanks a million Linda, Dianne, Paul, Naomi, Zoe, Sheila, Katye, Beth Ann, Barbara, Santa Fe H.S. students Mona, Michelle, Ashley, and Whitney, and Santa Fe Prep. student Jessie.
It was a festive day! Every time I looked up from the paperwork, I saw the body language of joy!
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Bridging The Worlds has undergone a period of explosive growth.
Last year, our first full year as an official non-profit, we took in 196 dogs. Most of them, 157, were scheduled to die at various shelters around New Mexico if we didn't take them in under our Second Chance program. Twenty-seven were strays found by people who couldn't keep the dogs. Twelve were owner surrenders.
We had 145 adoptions and transferred 8 dogs to Boulder, Colorado. About half of our adoptions come from our web site and listings on other web sites. We adopted dogs to people in Colorado (Durango, Colorado Springs, Denver), Austin, New York City, Los Angeles, and all over the state of New Mexico. We have two mobile adoptions a month in Santa Fe.
Thanks to our Max Fund, we were able to fix two broken legs and a dislocated leg. Sasha and Santiago have recovered completely and found good homes. Paladin has recovered and is still looking for his permanent home
We don’t use chains or cages. The animals have room to run and play. We will never kill an animal to control population. We advocate spay/neuter programs to prevent unwanted population expansion and abandonment. We advocate humane care for existing animals, and will help find a good home for any dog who is not receiving proper care. For more information on what we do, how we do it, and how you can help, visit our website: www.bridgingtheworlds.org
We don’t want to be unique. We want to be a model that gets copied.
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Opportunity for business owners. Find out how philanthropy can increase your income instead of decreasing it.
Become one of our philanthropic business associates. Let us show you how to:
Increase your profits and prosperity while contributing to the cause of your choice.
Make meaningful and lasting impact on this world we share
Not be left with a feeling of burden, guilt, or dissatisfaction.
To discover the increased profits and benefits to you for using the proper system of giving to help others, click here
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Oso Oro (Golden Bear) is a 6-month-old Golden Retriever mix who arrived with a lopsided, swollen face. Xrays showed that his lower left jaw was broken and separated. The gap between the front and back ends of the jawbone has allowed O.O.'s face to become distorted. The injury happened many weeks before he came to us -- we don't know how (the story we've been given is implausible).
As we saw last year with Sasha, Santiago and Paladin, "old injuries" begin to heal on their own but rarely properly, resulting in painful and crippling compensation. You could leave it alone and the dog would get by -- even in pain O.O. was a cheerful little guy with resentment toward none. The surgery to repair old injuries is lengthy, more difficult, more costly, too. But I shiver at the thought of a "free floating" jaw bone!
Dr. Hinko operated on Feb. 25th, and by 3 pm Oso Oro was safely back with his foster mom Jane Dickinson, eating soft foods, forbidden pull toys, and doing fine. His jaw has been stabilized with a plate, screws, and wire that will be "incorporated" and remain for O.O.'s lifetime -- his adopter must expect delays taking him through metal detectors, but otherwise this great young dog faces an active, pain-free future. Since the injury occurred so long ago, his facial muscles have adapted to the wonky jaw, so his face still looks off-kilter. Dr. Hinko expects that it will slowly realign and that his face will look more normal in 6-8 months.
It's the day after surgery, and I tell you this story in joy, even as we now face a $1300 vet bill. If you believe in Oso Oro, clap three times! And please consider whether you can offer a gift to help us pay his (already discounted) bill. Then we can be ready to change the pain for the next hurt one and the next. Click here to donate on line.
If you'd like to adopt Oso Oro, please call Beverly: 505-501-1887. Now that would be a REALLY happy ending.
Navajo in the snow. Whisked off death row at a crowded shelter, this sweet young male is so pretty we can hardly take our eyes off him. Patiently waiting for the family he knows is on the way soon.
Barak -- you'd never guess from that smile that Barak was reportedly traumatized in some unknown way. He's slowly coming out of his shell now and learning to interact with people and dogs.
Aslan -- this tiny newcomer was scrawny and sick. We spoon-fed and cuddled him back to health and vitality. Now he's addicted to cuddling!
Carolina pups -- so called for their resemblance to the breed of Carolina Dog. These 3 siblings of Aslan arrived thin and hungry, too, but stayed well. Vivacious now, and gaining weight.
Amarilla was so sad when she arrived, we wonder if this lovely Husky recently lost her people . . . and how. She longs to be Special in a devoted family with fewer dogs.
Leopardieu -- rescued from death row to run in the wind with friends, this tender-heart loves life, especially lap-time, nap-time, and meals. Gaze into those eyes and rest your soul. Leopardieu has already found his new home in Colorado Springs.
Hummer -- rescued from life on the streets in time to avoid a traffic tragedy. She enjoys her doggy play pals and the humans who constantly tell her how beautiful she is!
We know that everyone wants your money, and that can get tiring. So we’ve come up with a great plan that will allow you to painlessly give us financial assistance if you want to. If you can’t do it right now - we all have tight months - believe me, we know about that and understand. We send our best wishes for prosperity to come to you.
Like all businesses, we need a steady cash flow to stay alive and do our work. Unlike most businesses, we don’t have anything to sell, so we rely upon the good will in the hearts of people who believe in our cause.
But we don’t need a lot of money from one person (OK, that would be really nice too), so much as we need a little bit of money from a lot of people.
We’re doing a drive to get 1000 members to donate as little as $10 a month, up to $25 a month if you’re in a little higher income range. For me that means I only have to skip that fancy espresso drink and dessert once a month (not every day, God forbid) to make a meaningful impact on the world.
If 1000 people are giving $10 a month (through automatic monthly withdrawals, so you don’t even have to do anything or think about it ever again once you sign up), that’s $120,000 a year. At $25 per member, that could be as much as $300,000 a year. That may sound like a lot, but that is actually our current annual budget. Rescue and rehabilitation can be expensive work, especially when they come to us 20 at a time. We’re rescuing over 12 times as many dogs as we did just one year ago.
So instead of trying to find one major donor, we’re hoping to distribute the cost so it doesn’t burden anyone. (We’re looking for major donors as well so we can afford to do much needed repairs and upgrades, and we constantly need to replenish our emergency medical fund.)
If this makes sense to you, click here, or call us at (505) 501-1887
Donations may also be mailed directly to:
Bridging the Worlds
P.O. Box 9109
Santa Fe, NM 87504
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For information on reducing abuse click here.
Adoption hotline: To adopt a healthy rescue dog click here, or call us at (505) 501-1887
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Mary Wright, for business loan
Pond Foundation, for donation of legal fees to establish BTW's 501(c)(3) status.
Larry Taub, Attorney, for legal services in the creation of our NPO.
David Pease, Accountant, for assistance in creating our Charitable Remainder Trust program.
Laura Moore, for her patient and knowledgable responses to our (sometimes frantic) cries for help with a VERY wide range of doggy dilemmas, from ring worm, starvation, and gum disease to encounters with porcupines, spiders and snakes, or a Mountain Lion!
Jennifer Bennett, who forwarded our last newsletter to 100 friends.
Straw Revolution, for creation of website, webmaster services, graphic design and printing all our literature and adoption posters.
Kendra Warren, Singing Scissors Pet Grooming, for discounts and donations of therapeutic grooming services.
EMA Foundation, $2000.
Anonymous Foundation, $5000.
Paula Torres, donation of 1993 Jeep Summit Eagle.
Quentin Nardi, donation of 1993 Ford 4 x 4.
Dave Stephenson, for donation of labor to design and build our maze of fences and gates.
Danielle Ferreira, for proceeds from sale of her animal art at the ArtsCrawl event in Albuquerque, NM.
Railton Cabbell, for helping us to forward our development of a fund raising event.
Tony Lopez, who donated use of backhoe and the services of his employee and backhoe master, Martín.
Friends of Rescued Animals, donation of spay/neuter funds.
Jane Carson and Karen Kleeman, donation of spay/neuter funds.
Katye Smith, for encouraging donations at our Adoption Days.
Cash donors: W.S. Merwin, Larue Welker, Railton Cabbell, Laura Barnard, Lynn Harrison, Cindy Martinez, Linda Kocher, Lynne deGerenday, Wendy Bevins, EARS Club of Santa Fe H.S, and Steven Frantz for donation on behalf of his sweetheart Dana Dean, in lieu of Valentine's Day flowers!!
And Welcome to all who have joined us as Charter Members or through our 1000 Member Drive!
To ALL of our supporters, We love you. Our work would be impossible without you.
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Special thanks to the organizations who help make this statewide rescue possible.
Alaskan Malamute Rescue of New Mexico , Albuquerque, New Mexico
Animal Rescue Mission, Inc. Alamagordo, New Mexico.
Doña Ana County Humane Las Cruces, New Mexico.
Española Animal Shelter Española, New Mexico.
Paws and Claws Artesia, New Mexico.
Quixote Humane Los Lunas, New Mexico.
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Dr. Phil Hinko, DVM, Animal Clinic, 1500 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, NM 87505 Phone: 505-982-9821.
Sangre de Cristo Animal Clinic, 3015 Cielo Court, Santa Fe, NM 87507
Phone: 505-471-6594.
The Critters and Me pet store, 1403 Agua Fria, Santa Fe, NM 87501 Phone: 505-982-5040.
Lambriar Vet Supply our online source for vaccines, top spots, etc. We have been told that Lambriar is affiliated with a huge ring of puppy mills.
Mobile One Truck and Auto Repair, 2886 Trades West Road, Building F, Santa Fe, NM 505-473-4600.
Straw Revolution, website development, hosting, webmaster services, graphic design, printing, building design and construction, renewable power, mainenance. P.O. Box 9109, Santa Fe, NM 87504. Phone: 505-501-0248.
Kendra Warren, Singing Scissors Pet Grooming, 1908 Chamisa, Santa Fe, NM 87505. Phone: 505-982-3429.
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Polaris is wonderful. So smart, mature, psychic! I'm amazed! -- Marcia, Lyden, NM
North Star is a royal rascal, tremendously clever, a great joy and very quick study. She seeks me out and stays with me, even when all the other dogs are out playing. I can't teach her tricks fast enough to keep her entertained and I can't get my shoes on fast enough to keep them from being stolen and carried out to the back yard. She's such a great little girl, but I wish she'd stop stealing the Potbelly Pig's blankets. --Karon, Tijeras, NM
Novia (now Maggie) has absolutely exceeded every one of our expectations. We have all had a lot of fun hiking up the mountains and going to the dog park. She is exactly the kind of companion I wanted for my hikes. She just makes everything more fun. She is very well behaved around people and dogs. Thanks for all your work, it has made Emily, Maggie and I all very happy. -- Scott, Santa Fe, NM
Spirit is doing great. His new name is Otis. He's wonderful with the kids, and has brought out the puppy in our other (5 year old) dog. They wrestle all the time. He's been a great addition to our home. Thanks for all you do in finding these dogs new homes. Chris, Santa Fe, NM
Trinity, or Triskele, as we now call him, is having an absolutely fabulous time! My other dog Gandalf and he have been rolling and running non-stop in the mud and snow. The kids love him; Gretchen thinks he's beautiful! Thanks again! -- Brian, Walsenburg, CO
Katharine is Annie now and she is amazing! When she is ready to go outside in the morning, she stealthily climbs up onto the bed, lays her head on my shoulder and kisses me on the cheek. She is the sweetest thing in the world. She is definitely the alpha female in the group and the complete clown of the bunch; we never lack for entertainment. Her favorite past time is pretending she's a pillow for the grandsons as they all lie by the fire. Can't thank you enough for Annie. She's a dream come true! --Teri, La Luz, NM
Cruz wanted me to send a donation to thank you for saving him -- I wanted to thank you too. He's been with me for over three years now and I love him more every day. --Lori, Santa Fe, NM
Thousands of beautiful, healthy, intelligent, life-loving, and affectionate dogs die each month because there aren’t enough homes. Spay/neuter is one very effective way to reduce the number of pets that wind up living at large, or in overburdened shelters where they may be euthanized. If you plan on breeding your dog or cat, please reconsider. Even if you have arranged for homes for all the puppies or kittens, there are other equally wonderful puppies or kittens that desperately need homes, too. If you want to experience the miracle of life and watch them grow from tiny, helpless things into competent, rollicking frolicking dynamos, consider adopting or fostering a mom and her newborns. We took in several mothers last year from shelters around New Mexico. One had puppies just one day old. Contact us or your local shelter to find out more about this. You will save lives and help solve the problem of overpopulation. If you have your heart set on a pure breed puppy, contact us, a local shelter, or a local breed rescue group. You’d be surprised how many pure breed puppies and adults are euthanized every day.
At Bridging The Worlds, we feel strongly about spay/neuter. Not only does it help reduce the number of homeless animals, it’s also healthier to spay or neuter your pet before it reaches puberty. While spay/neuter can be done on animals as young as 8 weeks old, we usually wait until they are 3-5 months old. Young dogs recover quickly. Older dogs benefit from spay/neuter, too. It reduces the risks of cancer (a major cause of death in dogs), reduces aggression, males tend to “mark” their territory less, and most dogs will have less of an urge to wander off.
There is a growing movement in the animal rescue community toward “no kill” policies. We do not euthanize healthy animals to make room for other healthy animals. We are working to educate the public on the problem, and solve it. It begins with spay/neuter. But even more important is advocacy for humane treatment of these dear animals. If we can put ourselves out of business by ending the cycle of over breeding, abandonment, and inhumane treatment, that will be a glorious day.
Breaking News! Gathering our 2004 year-end figures, we verified spay/neuter of 128 BTW adoptees. According to the population pyramid our 128 verified spay/neuters have prevented another 2,000 puppies needing rescue in the next year, 16,000 in the year after, 65,000 in the third year, etc. The sixth year figures would be 8,576,000. Clearly, the figures do not account for euthanasia by traditional shelters, deaths from cars, disease, starvation, other dog packs, etc. Still, the first year number is astounding -- even if it were only half that much.
For a low cost spay/neuter clinic near you, click here or here. If all else fails, call your local shelter -- or us.
Wish List Note: to help with any of the following, or see our complete list, go to our website, www.bridgingtheworlds.org , or call us at (505) 501-1887
Money. Can’t buy food without cash.
A new 4 wheel drive vehicle to replace our aging Bronco. It's wearing out fast.
Materials for portals and a new dog kitchen/laundry room/dog wash/feeding station multi-purpose building.
A Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT) is a way you can:
For more info, click here or contact David Pease, , The Accountant with Heart, to create a CRT or for other accounting services. 1925 Aspen Dr., Santa Fe, NM 87505. Phone: 505-471-3680.
Can you contribute goods, services, or gift certificates to be used for fund raising? Details on our website about how to use philanthropy and joint ventures to increase your business
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