Dawn Duncan Story of Her Fur Boys and Nonprofit Organization
Everyone on My Pets View from Home recognize Dawn Duncan’s furry Fergus, a 9-year-old Schnauzer/Beagle cross and sleek Barney, a 4-year-old hound mix (mostly Redbone and Basenji).
Photo: www.lascruces.com
Fergus was rescued from a small yard that had 21 dogs in it. An elderly woman had two female beagles, and her adult son moved back in with his male schnauzer. None of the dogs were fixed, so each female had 9 puppies within a week. The original owner was disabled and could not care for all the dogs. Dawn and Dennis adopted Fergus and helped with finding homes for all the others. Fergus is very funny; they think he is the smartest dog they have ever had. He is often too clever for them. Fergus is a sneak thief; he looks for anything paper or laundry items, grabs them and goes trotting through the house, grinning. He wants a trade for a treat.
Barney was rescued from the hills of Kentucky and ill with several parasites when they adopted him in Minnesota. They worked to restore his health and to help him get over his fear of stairs and of men with beards or in baseball caps. He is a gentle soul, very attentive to Dawn, especially after she fought to save him from a double loose dog attack that sent them both to the hospital not long after they moved to New Mexico. Fortunately, at the time, she was able to get him into a clinic for emergency surgery (ears and head) right away.
But a year later such services were no longer available in her city or the whole of Southern New Mexico, which led her to take immediate action to make a change in her community and state. The Duncan family moved to Las Cruces in 2019. In June 2021 Fergus had cancer surgery. They brought him home on a Friday, but they discovered early Saturday morning that Fergus was bleeding out. Dawn called Animal Hospital, where Barney had been treated, and found out from the answering machine message that emergency care was no longer available in Las Cruces so they were directed to drive to El Paso, Texas; they quickly loaded him into the car and headed to the emergency hospital in El Paso. They spent the entire day at the hospital. A few hours after their arrival, the staff took Fergus to the back and started an IV. He was saved, but it was quite scary and very touch-and-go.
But a year later such services were no longer available in her city or the whole of Southern New Mexico, which led her to take immediate action to make a change in her community and state. The Duncan family moved to Las Cruces in 2019. In June 2021 Fergus had cancer surgery. They brought him home on a Friday, but they discovered early Saturday morning that Fergus was bleeding out. Dawn called Animal Hospital, where Barney had been treated, and found out from the answering machine message that emergency care was no longer available in Las Cruces so they were directed to drive to El Paso, Texas; they quickly loaded him into the car and headed to the emergency hospital in El Paso. They spent the entire day at the hospital. A few hours after their arrival, the staff took Fergus to the back and started an IV. He was saved, but it was quite scary and very touch-and-go.
This event was what caused Dawn to found Animal Companions of Las Cruces. She, and all in the organization, are determined to establish and sustain 24/7 emergency care in Las Cruces for the sake of all pets and their people. Since their formation, they have been able to work with all 8 clinics in the city, focused on recruiting more veterinarians for them so they can expand their care. They also brought in a tele vet service for the region at very low cost so accessible to all, which lessens those who must drive over the border to Texas. Working non-stop with local government, businesses, and concerned citizens, Animal Companions has garnered the support of over 90 volunteers/donors and raised almost $80,000 in its first year to help the veterinary services. They continue to raise funds, speak publicly, connect with veterinary schools, and educate citizens in order to provide better health care for the beloved animals of Southern New Mexico.
The ultimate goal remains the creation of a new 24/7 emergency hospital for pets in Las Cruces. They have every belief they will reach their goal.
Just think, love of Fergus and Barney started grand effort! ❤️
The ultimate goal remains the creation of a new 24/7 emergency hospital for pets in Las Cruces. They have every belief they will reach their goal.
Just think, love of Fergus and Barney started grand effort! ❤️
More info about Dawn and her wonderful project:
Find Dawn Duncan here - https://www.facebook.com/dawn.duncan.5872
