His name was Fang.

It was an appropriate name for this skinny, matted cat who arrived at the Shelter in late November. The cat had been outside for a while, but clearly wasn’t thriving. He was already neutered and declawed, but we never could find a microchip, nor was he wearing a collar or tag. He curled into any willing person’s lap, placing his soft paws along a chest or collarbone. It was obvious this gentle cat, with the long incisors protruding from his upper jaw, had been a loved companion at some point. Sadly, we never were able to find his person.

More than 4,000 animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, turtles, pigs, peacocks, giant lizards and more found their second chances at the Shelter this year. Another 1,200+ benefited from low-cost or free resources like vaccines, microchips, spay and neuter, grooming, training, and life-saving surgery. It’s incredible to look back over all of those numbers and remember, nose-for-nose, the face and story of every single one of those animals.

At the end of a year that included record-breaking numbers of owner surrendered pets across the country, a half-dozen local hoarding cases, including the largest in our organization’s history, and a deadly, community-wide outbreak of devastating disease among cats and kittens - the Shelter has come out stronger and more capable than ever before.

Just before Christmas, Fang was adopted. His new family adores him. His once thin, dry, and matted fur now glistens with health - and he has made himself completely at home with their children and other pets.

Whether reuniting separated families, supporting owned animals with basic resources, coaching overwhelmed owners through challenging behaviors, housing animals whose owners are hospitalized or homeless, or working to help animals onto their next home, the Shelter’s work is a tremendous privilege. People experiencing homelessness, food shortage, substance abuse, domestic violence, and other hardships are united by the love and companionship offered by their pets. It is our goal to make a healthier, kinder, more gentler community by working to serve these pets and their people regardless of their circumstance.

Looking ahead, we have our minds and hearts set on expanding those resources and providing an even wider safety net for pets and people. Creating better access to affordable veterinary care, aggressively managing and promoting community cat welfare, improving public policy, and working to expand community partnerships so pet owners may secure housing are all on the list. As a Socially Conscious Animal Shelter working to enhance the welfare of our entire community, I am deeply encouraged by the path I see taking shape before me. A path which would not be possible without your continued support and encouragement.

And so, I wish to end this note with my gratitude.

For the happy outcomes for thousands of individual animals just like Fang.

For your time and generosity.

For this place we call home together.

Thank you my friends, for supporting the work of the Cheyenne Animal Shelter over the past year - and for all that I know you will do to support us moving into and beyond 2023!