Tonya Stephens told the Forum over the weekend that she and other Hoof & Paw volunteers successfully completed a rescue mission, picking up 13 of 30 dogs from a single property in Gateway. Stephens was notified of a party who needed help. The party wasn’t intentionally neglecting animals, but for them things had gotten out of hand after they’d experienced a death in their family in the last few years. Stephens said the party was overwhelmed with animals, but wasn’t sure what to do, and they weren’t aware or trusting of resources available.
Last Friday, Stephens with Kivi Bowersox, Danielle Pond and Malea Berg prepared for the mission with their personal vehicles and 10 dog crates, while networking with area veterinarians, shelters and groomers. They had no idea how many animals they’d be taking from the property — or how they’d be received.
Stephens didn’t sleep the night before. There was so much to organize and, for her, pray about. She wanted to be sure and let the party know she was only there to help.
Arriving in Gateway to meet with the family though, Stephens said it was a “God” moment. There was no altercation. The party was emotional, but willing to let go of some animals.
Hoof & Paw took 13 dogs away. Still, they’d like to get more out of there, leaving just six, and representatives of Mesa County Shelter and Roice-Hurst Humane Society, of Grand Junction, will help with the remaining animals on site. All dogs will be spayed or neutered to control the pet population at the property. All dogs are also set to receive their shots.
After the mission, four puppies went to Second Chance, of Ridgway, and four adults already went to the Mesa County Shelter. Hoof & Paw in Naturita now has two puppies, and Montrose Animal is taking two puppies. They also have another dog, which belonged to the party’s late wife. That dog needed badly groomed and will receive services, thanks to Nell’s Grooming, of Moab. It also needs spayed, and that happens this week.
Stephens is grateful for all of the support: the area shelters who were standing by to do what they could, along with vet clinics and the volunteers who gave of their time. Stephens said she also appreciated the help of Heather Cammisa, who was instrumental in advising Stephens in how to approach the Gateway situation. Cammisa, of Ridgway, is a Hoof & Paw champion, has adopted a few dogs from Hoof & Paw, and readily gives other forms of support.
Stephens is also just happy the party said “yes” to the intervention.
“They were willing to get help,” she said. “I was told they wouldn’t get help, but they did.”
On Sunday, Stephens was still breathing sighs of relief.
“It was definitely something way bigger than I’d ever dealt with,” she said. “The heart that went into it, and everyone being prepared, there was so much time and preparation … I’m very grateful to God. It was a successful mission.”
