Dear Supporter,

     The James P. O’Hearn Memorial Fund was conceived earlier this year to honor the memory of a young man who loved animals.  The fund’s purpose is to assist individuals in the Four Corners area who rescue an injured, abandoned, or neglected animal.  In June of 2004, the fund began accepting applicants for one-time grants of up to $300.00.  Since that time, 18 individuals assisting 20 animals (plus 12 unborn puppies) have been approved for grant monies.  The fund started with $5,000.00 in June of 2004, has received $475.00 in further donations and paid out $1,586.84, leaving a balance of $3,888.16 on October 31, 2004.

                 There have been so many wonderful stories in the first six months of the program.  Among those are two that I’d like to share with you.  The first, that of Shadow and Yikes!, is told by the rescuer, Amy Duffy: 

“My son has always been a challenging kid, but he has a real fondness for animals.  This summer he found 2 seemingly abandoned kittens outside our house.  They were wild and very skittish.  We tried leaving some food out for them, but the other neighborhood animals always seemed to get it before the kittens would come out from hiding.  My other children somehow got them to come into the house and we were able to wrap them in blankets to keep them from scratching and biting us.  Then we were able to hand feed them.  They were nothing more than little bags of bones then.  My oldest son and I did some research on taking care of feral kittens.  We did all of the recommended therapies with the kittens and were able to get them necessary veterinary care through the James P. O'Hearn Memorial Fund Grant.  Without the help of the grant and the San Juan Animal League, we would never have been able to afford their care and recovery.  Because of the help we received, my son and I have been able to turn these wild kittens into loving family pets.  My son should be given great credit also in the care of these kittens.  The whole experience has given him a sense of responsibility that he never previously had, and improved self-esteem.  Being able to give life to these kittens has greatly empowered him, not just at home, but at school as well.  In fact, I think the kittens have been spreading the word.  It seems every time I open the door, there's another abandoned animal waiting to come in. 

Our kittens, now named Shadow and Yikes, are very playful and get into everything.  The other night we were watching the news on tv and the news ticker was running across the bottom of the screen.  Yikes decided it was something he could chase, so he went after it.  It was so funny watching him jump up and try to catch it on the screen.  All the while, Shadow was jumping up trying to catch Yikes' tail.  They have so much energy that you would never believe they were once wild and starving to death.  Even our veterinarian is amazed at their progress.  Thank you San Juan Animal League, namely Kristen and Lynn, for giving the kittens an opportunity at a new life.

                 Shadow and Yikes! before                                                 and after some TLC

                 The second story is that of the very pregnant “Puppy”.  Puppy wandered onto Stacey Bales’ porch in October.  When she did, Puppy chose very wisely as Stacey and her family took her in and looked for the pups they thought she had already borne.  Not finding any puppies, Stacey took “Puppy” to the vet, who had not trouble finding them, still in the womb.  A few days afterwards, “Puppy” had 12 puppies.  Sadly, one pup did not make it but the other 11 are doing well.  Stacey will find homes for the puppies, but “Puppy”, now called “Momma”, will be staying with Stacey’s family.  This will be her last litter though, as she will be spayed as soon as the pups are weaned.

“Puppy” et al.

                 On behalf of the animals rescued and all those left needing help, the San Juan Animal League Board of Directors would like to thank you for your generosity.