The additions of new kennels and a new washer and dryer have allowed Conour Animal Shelter to care for more animals and focus on improving adoption prospects.
For years, Monte Vista and Rio Grande County have struggled with the problem of stray animals despite the best efforts of the Upper Rio Grande Animal Society’s Conour Animal Shelter. With more stray dogs than the shelter could house, staff and volunteers always faced an uphill battle. They were left with too little time to work with the dogs to socialize them and help them become adoptable. So, volunteers with the shelter organized a meeting with Monte Vista community officer Ivette Atencio in early 2023 and suggested a solution: renovating the shelter’s kennels. LOR’s funding helped Conour Animal Shelter build out a new kennel space, adding concrete floors, fences, and other equipment. It also supported the purchase of a washer and dryer for soiled blankets and towels, allowing staff and volunteers to refocus their efforts on preparing the dogs for adoption.
“The dogs that come to us are afraid. Some have been abandoned and abused. And it just breaks your heart,” says Jerene Wilkinson, the treasurer of the Upper Rio Grande Animal Society. “And if we can have the time to socialize them and get them to trust again, then they can make the most wonderful pets.” Watch the video below to find out how Conour Animal Shelter is alleviating the issue of stray animals in Monte Vista.
Filmed and edited by Mike Borjas and Kim Marquez, Kim Marquez Photography.
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