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Haven House celebrates new pet shelter
Rio Rancho Regional Chamber of Commerce members support Haven House and "For Pet's Sake" team.
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Haven House, a shelter for domestic violence survivors, celebrated the addition of its pet shelter section with a ribbon cutting July 12.
The shelter idea started a while back but faced funding issues because Haven House operates as a nonprofit. Leadership Sandoval stepped in and started the "For Pet's Sake" project.
"For Pet's Sake, you have answered a prayer and fulfilled a very important need," Haven House board member Michelle Bennett said.
Board President Seth Muller specified that before the pet shelter became available, at least 70 clients went without help because they couldn't or wouldn't leave their pets.
"Earlier this year, we had a lady that went to the shelter and ended up having to put her dog in a shelter, but it was a kill shelter," he said.
He further explained Haven House worked with Watermelon Mountain Ranch to temporarily house the dog,and when the shelter project was done, they moved the dog there.
"It's already reaping the benefits for the program, the facility and all the clients," he said.
According to the "For Pet's Sake" Leadership Sandoval team leader Brianna Moreno, the new pet shelter area has space for dogs and cats. There are five dog kennels with five dog houses. There are cat stack condos in a separate section. The total value of the project was $23,524. Donations for the project helped make it happen.
"It was just super heartwarming to see the pets, the kennels, the cats, the cat stuff," Moreno said.
She added that after hearing the story about the pet rescued from the kill shelter, she feels this was the right thing to do.
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On behalf of Haven House, Bennett received plaques from Mayor Gregg Hull, County Commissioner Dave Heil and Rio Rancho Regional Chamber of Commerce President Jerry Schalow after the ribbon cutting.
Haven House accepts donations at Jalene Berger All State and will now accept pet supplies and food there.
Muller also reminded everyone of the "Purple of the Poles" event in October for domestic violence awareness month.
