Humane Colorado

Humane Colorado is a leading community-based animal welfare organization in the U.S. and a national model in Socially Conscious Sheltering.

Each day, vulnerable pets and horses come to our doors in need of warm shelter, loving care, and relief from their pain and suffering. With your generous support, we cared for more than 46,000 animals at our five Colorado centers in the last fiscal year alone, including 17,213 homeless pets at our three shelters, 28,807 pets through our subsidized community veterinary services, and 91 horses at our Harmony Equine Center™. On behalf of all of us at Humane Colorado, thank you for making a difference for so many pets and people in our shared community.

Impact:

When 3-month-old Joan of Arc arrived at Humane Colorado’s San Luis Valley Animal Center this past June, her world had already been turned upside down. She and a few other puppies were found abandoned in a rural area – scared, under-socialized, and in desperate need of care.

Her recovery was long. While in our care Joan battled both ringworm and parvovirus, requiring weeks of quarantine and treatment before she could begin the behavior and socialization programs she needed. Once she recovered, our staff and volunteers gently introduced her to new experiences – soft voices, toys, and the comfort of human touch. Slowly, she began to trust, but her fear still ran deep...until Carolyn walked through our doors.

“It was kind of a spiritual thing,” Carolyn says, when reflecting on what first drew her to Joan. “Maybe I recognized desperation in her that I felt in myself. Because for me, I went from being a completely independent person to someone who just doesn’t function very well.”  When she decided to adopt, she told the counselor, “She’s actually saving me because she needs me.” Today, Carolyn says Zahara feels like she’s always been part of the family. Her playful energy has brought lightness to the house – from chasing grasshoppers in the yard to wrestling with Bruiser, to curling up beside Carolyn when it’s time to rest. Zahara is also never far from Bruiser, following his lead and learning from him every day. Carolyn says he’s been a huge guide for her, almost like a parent or, in this case, a true big brother.

Once a frightened, forgotten puppy, Zahara has grown into a symbol of strength, healing, and unconditional love. For Carolyn, Doug, and Bruiser, she’s proof that even when life takes unexpected turns, love always finds its way home. 

Your compassion and generosity help transform the lives of deserving animals like Zahara and their families. Support our vital work by donating to Humane Colorado today.