The Cheyenne Animal Shelter Foundation Supports Long-Term Community Health and Welfare

Written by: Britney Tennant, Cheyenne Animal Shelter CEO

Recently, two bulldog puppies, Rocko and Elmo, were surrendered to our shelter after a heartbreaking turn of events. These two sweet, beefy puppies came from a local breeder, but when they fell gravely ill with parvovirus, the breeder could not afford the costly treatment required to save their lives. In a desperate attempt to give them a chance, the breeder made the difficult decision to surrender them to the Cheyenne Animal Shelter.

At that time, Rocko and Elmo were in critical condition. Parvovirus is a devastating illness, especially for young puppies, and their prognosis was uncertain. But with the expertise of our dedicated veterinary team and the generosity of our supporters, we were able to provide the care they needed. After weeks of treatment, both puppies began to show signs of recovery. Today, they are healthy and happy, living in loving homes and bringing joy to their families.

Their story highlights the importance of preventative care, especially vaccinations. Vaccines protect individual animals and the entire community by limiting the spread of diseases like parvovirus. Unfortunately, many pet owners struggle to afford vaccines, spay/neuter services, and other essential veterinary care, leading to unnecessary suffering and contributing to pet overpopulation.

To address these challenges, the Cheyenne Animal Shelter is working to expand low-cost and free vaccine and spay/neuter clinics through our Animal and Community Health program. These programs, funded entirely through private donations, grants, and service fees, help reduce overpopulation and lower the costs of animal control and sheltering. This makes the solutions more sustainable and efficient for both pets and the community.

Our most recent vaccine clinic, sponsored by the Cheyenne Animal Shelter Foundation, provided free vaccines and microchips to over 300 local pets. The success of this clinic shows how much Laramie County values its pets and the health of our community. It also emphasizes the need to continue offering these essential services at affordable prices for local pet owners.

The Cheyenne Animal Shelter Foundation plays a crucial role in the success of these efforts. While legally separate from the Shelter, the Foundation supports its long-term sustainability by providing resources to meet the needs of both animals and their owners. Founded in 2006 with a generous gift from the late Marian Rochelle, the Foundation was established to address the ongoing underfunding of the Shelter, which struggled to make ends meet.

Thanks to careful management, planned gifts, and community donations, the Foundation’s principal balance has grown to over $7 million. Interest earnings from this balance now provide over half a million dollars annually to support the Shelter's operations. The Foundation’s work has helped fund capital improvements, ensure financial stability, and offer expert guidance during some of the Shelter’s most challenging times.

Though the Foundation’s support is vital, the Shelter’s long-term goal is to increase revenue so the Foundation doesn’t need to subsidize its work as much. This would allow the Foundation to make larger, more strategic investments in the future.

Looking ahead, we are excited to expand our vaccine and spay/neuter clinics and continue raising awareness about preventative care. We encourage community members to join the Foundation's Legacy Circle program, which honors those who make lasting commitments through planned gifts and bequests. The upcoming Fur Ball fundraiser on April 25th will raise funds for clinical services, and the Foundation’s Board is eager to connect with individuals interested in helping guide its future. More information about these opportunities is available on our website at cheyenneanimalshelter.org.

The story of Rocko and Elmo is just one example of how, with compassion and support, we can create a healthier community. We are deeply grateful to the Cheyenne Animal Shelter Foundation, our staff, volunteers, and supporters. Together, we are making Cheyenne and Laramie County places where animals and the people who love them continue to thrive.