The Denkai Animal Sanctuary announced Sunday that the LOR Foundation has provided a $29,995 grant to the sanctuary to establish an affordable spay and neuter program in Montezuma County.
“Denkai is proud to announce that, thanks to the generous support of the LOR Foundation, affordable spay and neuter will soon be available in Cortez,” Denkai Director Floss Blackburn told The Journal. “After years of planning and searching for funding and veterinary assistance, Denkai will be establishing the first brick and mortar clinic of its kind in the area.”
Blackburn said the recent shortage of veterinary services in the area has left residents and pets in a difficult situation when they are in the most need of help. She added that Denkai has been working to combat this issue by hosting monthly pet wellness clinics that allow pet owners to access low-cost vaccinations, worming, microchips and more with the help of Ponderosa Pet Mobile Vet.
“With the recent grant of $29,995 from the LOR Foundation, Denkai will be able to expand its services to include low-cost spay and neuter surgeries in the area,” Blackburn said. “Over the next six months, the organization plans to offer an expanded range of clinic services to meet the needs of the community.”
While the LOR grant is a big step, Blackburn said there is still a “significant” amount of grant funding and fundraising left to do, as the total goal to cover the cost of veterinarians, veterinary technicians and administrative staff is $200,000.
Despite the additional fundraising required, Blackburn said that “Denkai is committed to providing basic surgeries with the initial grant from the LOR Foundation. As the organization continues to expand its equipment and capabilities, we aim to make a lasting impact in the community.”
The animal sanctuary also expressed its thanks to for the support of area veterinarians that have been working to help provide care in the county.
“Denkai is grateful for the support of multiple veterinarians who have recognized the need in Montezuma County and the surrounding areas, and have stepped up to help in various capacities. We are incredibly excited to bring this much needed service to our local area, and we believe it will have a tremendous impact on the prevention of unwanted litters, TNR programs for feral cats, and disease and parasite prevention in pets throughout the region,” Blackburn added.
According to the budget details provided by Blackburn, the total funding remaining after the LOR grant is $170,005.
These funds provide for the veterinarians, vet technicians and administrative staff in the clinic ($100,000), medical equipment ($50,000) and medical needs and disposable supplies ($50,000).
Donations can be made through various avenues, including cash, PayPal and Venmo.
Cash and check donations can be sent to 970 County Rd. 126 Hesperus, CO 81326. Those who wish to donate another way can email info@denkaisanctuary.org.
More information regarding clinics and other information about Denkai can be found on their website at www.denkaisanctuary.org.
Veterinarians who wish to work with Denkai or who have veterinary equipment they wish to donate can email Blackburn at info@denkaisanctuary.org or by calling (970) 217-1457.
