You gave Cowboy a “Happy Tail”
Stubborn. Headstrong. Obstinate. These were some of the words that came to mind regarding Cowboy, a 12 year old palomino-mix horse. His owner had him for just one year, but was overwhelmed by Cowboy’s bad behaviors and unwillingness to change. He would run over his handlers, rear and toss his head, not stand still for grooming, wouldn’t be bridled or led, and was anxious being handled. It was clear to see that Cowboy distrusted humans, and had no desire to obey. He was surrendered to us in September of last year, shortly after Cowboy enjoying time with his new family the opening of our Equine Center in Chino Valley. Supporters of YHS understand the importance of mutual respect between animals and humans. Your generous donations made it possible to fund and staff our Equine Center so that abandoned horses could be sheltered in a nurturing environment while receiving valuable training to prepare them for adoption. It’s probable that Cowboy had never experienced that ideal situation where horses and humans work together in mutual regard. So Lucy Berg, our Equine Program Director, along with her volunteer team of experienced horse handlers made a plan for Cowboy. They worked with Cowboy in short shifts so he didn’t get overwhelmed. The trainers used only positive reinforcement to reward good behaviors and they never punished Cowboy for not knowing what he hadn’t yet learned. Cowboy slowly learned that he could control his environment and the outcomes by choosing good behavior. Cowboy’s trainers also spent time with him, grooming him, and specifically NOT asking him to do anything. These “hang-out” sessions helped Cowboy to learn that people weren’t constantly requiring him to work. Because of friends like you who believe in giving second chances to companion animals in need, Cowboy was able to shake off his obstinate attitude and transform! He learned to trust people, and make good choices — improving his behavior significantly. When he was ready for adoption, Cowboy was in high demand. Five interested parties applied for Cowboy’s adoption! Without generous donors and volunteers like you who faithfully believed in and supported our dogs, cats, and horses in need like Cowboy , he may have ultimately been discarded as a useless horse. His initial bitterness toward humans could have driven an exasperated owner who tried and tried with no results to their wit’s end, leaving them in frustration and regret, and leaving Cowboy with a bleak future. But thanks to you and all our friends who never give up, sharing the conviction that no animal is a lost cause, Cowboy has transformed into a great family horse and has found his forever home!
You gave Sierra “Mew” Hope
On the street, alone and suffering from an injury to her leg, Sierra, the 3-month old kitten’s outcome looked bleak. A kind passerby noticed the little ball of fur on the road and rescued Sierra, bringing her into Yavapai Humane Society. She was safe now and removed from the ever present danger of oncoming vehicles. But her leg was badly broken. We could comfort her, feed her, and keep her warm. But no matter what, we couldn’t save her broken leg because of the severity of her injury. We used our STAR (Special Treatment And Recovery) fund made possible by donors like you to operate on Sierra, ultimately amputating her broken Sierra on adoption day with limb. This little one was a tough girl and proved how resilient even a baby with new mom Robin animal can be. She grew stronger and quickly learned how to adapt to her new way of movement and life on three legs. Sierra now plays like any other kitten, and doesn’t let the fact that she is missing a leg get her down! Without your help to sustain the STAR fund, our budget couldn’t normally support intensive treatment and surgery like Sierra needed. Your donations saved Sierra, and they will go on to save many other deserving pets in need like her. Because you believe that pets shouldn’t be denied a future simply because their medical treatment may cost more than others, Sierra was given a second chance.