January 2017   

Tattle Tails From the Ranch
2016 Accomplishments



All of us here at Circle L Ranch would like to send out a huge Thank you for all the generous donations this year. With your help we were able to rescue 204 dogs, and many other animals. We also had 200 adoptions in 2016, that is about 40 more than last year. All of this is made possible by you helping us help them. We hope this year we can even raise that number to an all time high. Once again Thank You, Thank You, Thank You. Let's make 2017 the best year ever.

 
Will You Be An Animal Rescuer Too?
*We would like to thank The Orphan Pet for letting us borrow their video.  
.

People often ask why we do what we do or how we can do what we do. If we didn't do what we do, who would? Every life deserves life, kindness and love. Until those are achieved, we will continue to be Animal Rescuers.

If you would like to volunteer at Circle L Ranch and be an Animal Rescuer too (volunteers are needed on the dog and farm side),  please contact Shirley Culliney (Dog Side) at (520) 349-5686 or email: patrickculliney7@gmail.com,  Terra O'Brien (Farm Side) at (928) 925-1926 or email: circlelranch.livestock@gmail.com. Susann Shields (PR and Group Tours) at (928) 277-3013 or email: susannshields@rocketmail.com.
    
Three Stars are Born


"No, wait, two stars, wrong again......three stars were born at Circle L on a cold, rainy day in January 2017. Cheering them on were volunteers Denise and Rex Barton.  Telling their story was Matt Gordon, newest hire at Circle L. So, who are these stars?  Their names are Chance, Cuddles and Princess, all three are Pit Bulls commonly known at the Ranch as "The Katrina Dogs" as they were literally rescued from the Katrina hurricane by a religious order in Northern Arizona.  As the years wore on, some of the priests moved on, retired, crossed that Rainbow Bridge or were simply unable to care for the dogs and were in the process of closing down their facility. That's when Circle L was asked if they could help by taking in some of the dogs.  

Arrangements were made to bring some of the dogs to CLR.  Houses were built fencing put up and it became home to three Katrina dogs , yes, I said Katrina, which happened about 10 years ago, along with three other dogs in need, Heidi, Mama and Rocket, each with their own story.  

Channel 10 news came out to do a story on these special guys.  Cuddles lived up to his name as soon as the camera man and reporter entered his enclosure.  Belly rubs, kisses and looking deep into the camera lens were the games of the day.  He was beside himself with all the attention! More, More!  Me! Me! I'm the poser!!  (He still thinks he's a puppy)  

Chance looked patiently on until it was his turn. He's a little more stately and reserved and wasn't quite so sure about having the camera in his face.  Finally he decided to let his pictures be taken, but only his best side and didn't mind letting everyone know he was just putting up with all this nonsense!  His dignity was being tested, but he put on his game muzzle and walked away like the Prince he was.  Then there was Princess, who's name should have been Queenie, who looks for her Romeo every day, two legged volunteers with treats.  Rex and Denise keep her well supplied, but on this day she didn't know who to run to first.  Her throne was Matt's lap, her subjects were the reporter, cameraman and the rest of the volunteers.  What a day for this beauty who loves attention, loves to run and explore everything around her on walks with her Romeos.  

Every dog at Circle L is special but these three have stolen the hearts of all of us.  They have been through so much and through it all they have remained loving, happy dogs who want nothing more than to have human companions, go for walks, the occasional treats , kind words, but above all their forever homes.  They will give you back 10 fold and are just waiting to prove it. Although they adore humans, and look lovingly into their eyes mesmerizing each one of us, they are not quite so keen on sharing their space with other dogs, needing to be your only companion.  Is that so bad, being selfish and wanting all of your attention?  After all, you will become their King or Queen!

Each one is a star and the Ambassador of their breed.   Please come spend some time with these incredible dogs.  They love visitors!!  Can't adopt? Donate? Foster? Then come out and volunteer, they will enrich your lives, guaranteed you will leave with a smile on your face no matter how bad your day started!

Stay tuned, their story will be told live on Channel 10 news in February!  Be prepared for the Royal Woof. Woof!" - Story by Susann Shields

Visit our Booth at The Cortez Street Emporium


OUR NEW VENTURE!
A wonderful supporter has given us the opportunity to have a booth at The Cortez Street Emporium in downtown Prescott (on Cortez Street).  It's a good location within the shop.  We started stocking it on November 1 with wonderful handcrafted items from supporters as well as items left from our silent auctions and given by volunteers.

All proceeds (minus some small expenses) from our sales will go to Circle L Ranch.  It is our hope to grow this into a very nice contribution as people become aware of our mission and want to help.  Our mascot is Hannah - some of you may remember her as Jasmine who came to us with her two tiny puppies; she was adopted into a wonderful home.  We are calling it "Hannah's HOPE Chest.... giving hope and help to rescue."

Please check out our booth to see the many items we have. Not only will you find a nice gift for a friend or loved one, but you will also be supporting the animals of Circle L Ranch.

P.S. We are doing quite well and REALLY REALLY NEED DONATIONS! This is a great opportunity to make some dollars for us every month and a great chance to get our message out to the community.  Featuring different items is important, things that will attract:  anything western, Prescott, antiques, copper or glassware, unusual. We also need a sponsor or two for our monthly booth fee which can be a donation to the Ranch.

The Cortez Street Emporium 
115 N. Cortez Street, Prescott, AZ               Hours: 10:00am-5:00pm Monday-Sunday    
 Our New Year's Resolution - Find a Family of Our Own



Jax

This is Jax, used to be Ripley. He was returned after two years. He is about 2 1/2 years old now. Great dog, seems to be getting along fine with the other dogs.
928 273-7005





Stan

Stan is about 12 years old although he doesn't look or act like it! He came to us from Yuma Humane Society. For more information about Stan or to set up an appointment to meet this sweet senior, give us a call at 928-273-7005




Diamond

One of six puppies that came to the ranch with mom Heather. They are about eight weeks old so are not quite ready to go yet. If you are interested in meeting one of these pups, please give us a call to set up an appointment at 928-273-7005. All of our dogs require home checks.





Heather

Heather is the mom of six puppies. She is about 2 years old. Shepherd, maybe hound mix? She is a bit timid but very sweet. To set up an appointment to meet Heather please give us a call at 928-273-7005
Adoption Days & Upcoming Events
 
Dog Adoptions - Every Saturday from 11:00am - 2:00pm at Pet Headquarters in Prescott Valley and Whiskers Barkery 3rd, 4th and 5th Saturday of each month (unless noted on website).

Things We Need

As you know, we greatly appreciate any donations made to the Ranch. Here are just a few items from our wishlist. 

Dog Items:
- Donations for Spay and Neuter of puppies.
- Donations for teeth cleaning of our senior residents.
- Gift Cards (Home Depot, Lowes, Hobby Lobby, Michaels, PetSmart, PetCo).
- Support by shopping for unique gifts at our bazaar booth. 

Pig Foods:
- vegetables and fruit (Squash, lettuce, broccoli, carrots, apples). 

$$$
Monetary donations can be submitted on-line at circlel.org.
 

Dutchess - Royalty Remembered 



Royalty comes in all shapes and sizes. For us it was Dutchess. She was about 17 years old and had lived here at the rescue for about 9 years. If she could talk she'd tell you some of her great stories and adventures while here. She got to enjoy being in the spot light last month while riding in the two Christmas parades. On January 10th we said good bye to our Royal Dutchess. She has given us many years to treasure. Happy Tails on the bridge old girl. You will be missed in our homes but never forgotten in our hearts. 
   
Thank You from Our Farm Animals


Thank you to everyone who comes out to spend time with the animals.  We know how much they appreciate the extra attention you give them. Not only have you made a difference to the animals lives, but we have enriched the lives of people as well.  
 
A group of seniors from Alta Vista came out to take a tour and feed the animals. Their smiles were heart warming as they got to interact with Gizmo, Laura, Simon, Elsie and Elvis and others.  
 
Several Austistic children also came out with their counselors.  I always believe success can be measured in repeat customers, as a result of their visit, the head counselor has asked if threeof the older children can return to volunteer!
 
Several at risk young adults are coming out to work with the horses. 
 
Another group of handicapped children came out, their enthusiasm was thrilling. They kept high-fiving me!  LoL!
 
Due to your generosity and many others, Circle L was able to sponsor a family for Christmas.   
 
We made the front page of the Arizona Courier with a story about the pot belly pigs which lead to Channel 10 news doing a story, which is leading to other good things!  
 
These are just a few examples of the effect animals AND people have on others.  
 
A special thank you to Amy and Terra for all you do to benefit the animals, and to Gina, Nancy, Shirley and Donna who have helped me with the above tours. To Wade and Shannon for all your help with the pigs, Jackie for all the help watering and cleaning tanks, Karin for helping clean pens and getting that halter on Starlight!  I could fill another e mail with all the things you do!

I am looking forward to our continued success in the New Year. My motto, "Think Big, Act Bold!"  (stolen from someone I admire)
 
Volunteers Rock! Circle L Rocks!!  
A Dedicated Volunteer
Linnea Stimpson

In May 2015, after working in a challenging, fast paced, "wear-many hats" financial environment for 35+ years, my husband and I, along with our 8 year old miniature wire-haired dachshund, moved from California to Pronghorn Ranch in Prescott Valley.  Retirement was here at last!  

Soon after settling in, I met Susann Shields.  Susann walked her dog by our house every morning; we would chat and enjoy daily conversations on a wide variety of topics.  It wasn't long before we became good friends. We talked about wanting to do something with our free time, but what to do? We decided to volunteer, but where?

Then we discovered that we both had a love for animals; so back in July 2015, we made our first trip to Circle L-a no-kill animal rescue and sanctuary.  In it, we found a place that touched our hearts, a place where we felt we could make a difference in lives of the horses and, later, with dogs.  The horses immediately stole my heart... hook, line and sinker.  

I've been around horses since I was young girl in Illinois.  My uncle had a beautiful American Saddle Bred named Trixie; and in my early teens, my parents bought a 2-1/2 year old Palomino   named Tangerine - "Tangy" for short.  When she was wet, her coat was the deep orange color of a tangerine and her mane and tail were bright white.  Tangy was a Morgan, Quarter horse Thoroughbred, 17 hands high and loved to prance around with her white tail perked up in the air.  She had a great personality, spirited, yet gentle.  Regardless of the Midwest rain, shine, sleet and snow, I always looked forward to going to the barn each day to spend time with her; I'd groom her from head to hoof, talk to her, feed her and clean out her stall.  Tangy lived for 30+ years, and for many of those years we boarded her with a family that bred, raised and showed Morgan horses; they taught me a lot about caring for horses.    

Volunteering at an animal rescue and sanctuary, is not only a life changing experience for the animals you are helping, but for the volunteers as well.  Due to unexpected circumstances, I found myself unable to physically help at Circle L for the latter half of 2016, and it was very frustrating for me.  Not only did I miss my four-legged friends; I felt I was letting them down.  Then I realized there were other ways I could help.  In order to assist Circle L with their fund raising efforts, I started making crafts to sell.  Then, I reserved vendor craft space at the Pronghorn Ranch Christmas Craft Show; 100% of the proceeds from the sale of our items went directly to Circle L.  

Since all items sold at the Christmas Craft Show were required to be handmade, I put out a call to my friends and neighbors - residents of my new community - and they responded with an outpouring of time, talent and, yes, love, that was overwhelming.  Their remarkable generosity was both heartwarming and humbling.  Thanks to their kindness, the funds raised will shine a ray of hope on the lives of countless animals in need of help.  It is an incredible feeling that has left me inspired, motivated and longing to volunteer for Circle L again in any way that I can.

My husband and I continue to enjoy our retirement and are grateful to be living in such a wonderful community.  We absolutely love and adore our current doxie, Jake.  He's very expressive, affectionate, yappy, and playful. The 3 miniature wire haired dachshunds we had before him were all loving and playful with great personalities as well. Doxies Rule!   
 

Join Our Mailing List!
Hi, just a reminder that you're receiving this email because you have expressed an interest in Circle L Ranch. Don't forget to add circlelnewsletter@gmail.com to your address book so we'll be sure to land in your inbox!
 Stay Connected:   Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter View our videos on YouTube