The restrictions on businesses caused by coronavirus pandemic is hurting a local animal shelter.
The Denkai Animal Sanctuary relies on revenue from its Adoption Center and Thrift Store at 209 W. Main St., Cortez.
But the thrift store is not considered an essential business under an executive order from Gov. Jared Polis, so the sanctuary has lost its main source of revenue, said director Floss Blackburn.
“We had to lay off two employees,” she said. “We’re struggling to meet our operating costs and animal care without our thrift store open.”
The thrift store is still accepting donated items and is also offering sales online.
Getting adult dogs spayed and neutered so they can be adopted also has become a problem because Colorado does not allow veterinarians to do the surgeries.
New Mexico allows the spay neuter surgeries, Blackburn said, but at a higher cost.
Denkai has kicked off a fundraiser to help cover costs of animal vaccinations, spay and neuter procedures, and heart worm testings. Fundraising goals include acquiring enough vaccinations for donation to other animal shelters in need in the surrounding area.
“Those of us in animal welfare know that without access to vaccinations, animals die of parvo at an alarming rate,” Blackburn said. “We can save lives by donating vaccines through this fundraiser. This is a people crisis and is a crisis for animals as well. Their lives still matter, and their worlds have not stopped turning, so we are asking for the public’s help.”
Donations can be through the Denkai donation page, Denkai Facebook Page, PayPal (info@denkaisanctuary.org), Venmo (Denkai Animal Sanctuary) or mail a donation to Denkai Animal Sanctuary, 22633 Road 17.6, Yellow Jacket, CO. 81335, or by phone at (970) 217-1457. Contributions are tax-deductible.
