Executive director for Hoof & Paw Tonya Stephens told the Forum the local animal shelter in Naturita has close to 30 cats that need homes at this time. She said some are a bit too young to be adopted just yet, since they’re being bottle fed.
And, to add to the mix, while doing patrol Sunday for the Hanging Flume 50k race in Uravan, another cat showed up. Stephens thinks likely the cat was abandoned; she’s very domestic and wants attention.
“And I have a small hunch she is pregnant,” Stephens said.
A tiger kitty with white patches, Stephens will post her picture online in an attempt to locate the owner, but Becca Mendisco, local deputy, has offered to foster the cat for a bit — and luckily too, since the shelter is running out of cat crates for homeless felines at this time.
Stephens will get the cat — whom she’s named “Nium,” short for uranium — a proper vet visit this week. It’s safe to say that Nium will need a forever home soon.
Stephens agreed adoptive pet parents and volunteers are needed at this time. She’s been posting pictures of cats who need a home for the last few weeks. Pet food donations, especially kitten chow, are something Hoof & Paw continuously need.
And the dogs?
A few days ago, the shelter in Naturita had 11 dogs in a six-dog space. Two canines — Ace and Ranger — were adopted Saturday though.
“What a blessing that is,” Stephens said, of the two dogs who went together and happen to be brothers.
Representatives of Hoof & Paw have been participating in the Ridgway Farmers Markets and also events at Chow Down in Montrose. They typically take dogs who need adopted to these types of things.
Someone recently brought up to Stephens the idea of doing an open house for pet adoptions in Naturita, something she is open to. Yet, she said an open house takes planning and volunteers.
“But I think it would be a good thing,” she said.
Anybody who wants to help with such an event should contact Stephens.
The Forum asked her about any grants that are forthcoming to help with expenses. Hoof & Paw just received a $4,000 grant from the state for overpopulation mitigation. The funds are to be used for spay and neuter clinics now through August of 2025.
Additionally, Hoof & Paw has applied for a grant through the Telluride Foundation for a shed, something that would help house empty crates and other equipment on site and keep things clean and out of the weather.
Another grant in the works, currently being written by Susan Kelley, is a West End Pay it Forward Trust grant for the purpose of establishing a roof over the dog runs. As they are now, the dog runs don’t have shelter, and Stephens said it can get challenging during the rain and snow. The dogs get wet, their bedding gets wet, and she wants to be able to take better care of the animals and their items.
“The roof will be really appreciated,” she said. “It’s not expensive. It’s just a frame with tin.”
Stephens reminds all that the Hoof & Paw Thrift store supports the animals, but no animals are on site there. Anyone who wishes to meet animals for adoption should make an appointment.
