Soul Dog Rescue is organizing a fundraising event for the Towaoc Animal Shelter.
The shelter is in a double-wide manufactured home near the Ute Mountain casino.
The goal is to raise $5,000 for six outdoor, cemented dog runs with fencing and shelter. New animal housing inside the building also would be installed with the donations.
So far, $3,100 has been raised on the YouCaring.com website under the heading “Flip the Ute Mountain Ute Animal Shelter.”
“In just 10 days, we have received 62 percent of our goal,” said Soul Dog director Shelby Davis. “Our goal is to complete the dog runs before winter weather is here. The shelter is in immediate need.”
Soul Dog volunteers in the Four Corners have conducted spay and neuter clinics in Towaoc for the past six years.
“With the public’s support, we can make a difference for the Ute Mountain animals,” Davis said. “This is an exciting time for the Towaoc community and our beloved animals.”
Part of the Soul Dog Rescue mission is to assist reservation communities with dog and cat services.
In 2014, with cooperation from Native American communities, Soul Dog sterilized 1,400 animals on reservations and rescued 814 animals that were transported to shelters and put up for adoption.
The Telluride Animal Foundation donated $1,000, and the Foundation for Protection of Animals pitched in $1,000 toward. The event will continue through November.
Any amount helps, says Jacqueline Vaughn, who donated $104.
“There is so much to be done in this area,” Vaughn said. “Please did a little deeper if you can. Who’s next?”
To donate securely, go to http://www.youcaring.com/nonprofits/-flip-the-ute-mountain-towaoc-animal-shelter/241811
jmimiaga@cortezjournal.com