COMMUNITY PROFILE Why DAR transformed into a thrift store as well had a lot to do with generating external income for the cause. “We take a ton of hard cases, we have a cat right now getting ready to get two knee replacements,” Merritt explained. People who are aware of DAR drop clothing goods off without being asked. The clothes are provided without the need for much outreach. The organization started collecting donations ahead of time, before their official opening of the thrift store component. According to Merritt, “It just shows up. I don’t know how these people find us. It’s nice stuff. We throw away stuff way less than I thought we would.” She runs the foster program, working with fosters regularly, scheduling vet appointments, trainer appointments, and so on. The intention is to prepare animals for adoption which can be a difficult process as many are not ready to be placed in a home or adopted. “Once we get more systems in place it will be easier to grow within the space itself, be more efficient.” There are many developments with the organization moving into the building mid-COVID. “Everything is a work in progress, trying to navigate new aspects, it’s been a learning process. It’s been fun. I’m exhausted but it’s been fun,” Merritt explained. Although her name is in the title, Merritt is quick to give credit where credit is due. “I am Demi, but it’s all of ours,” she said. “We have a huge team. The board of five does the major decisions. They’ve been working on it the same amount as me for eight years. We also have 10 to 15 volunteers that go so far as to work from home on all the little details.” Getting everything in order is no easy stretch, and there are always new challenges presented that the team is constantly working to improve. There are different people on the staff tasked with different responsibilities. Anybody can be trained on the basic services – DAR offers microchipping and deworming methods in-house. For more complicated medical needs, DAR has specific vets that they partner with, even one right next door. “If it’s basic, we can get on top of it right away, but unfortunately, a lot of them do come in sick,” explained Merritt, and contrary to what one would expect, kittens often come in the sickest. Prior to taking care of the animal, fosters are now required to go through training as many of the animals come in ill, and the care required is often underestimated. Bad health associated with any animal is always a challenge; however, that doesn’t hinder DAR’s desire to help, in fact, it is further incentive for them to step in. “When we go through kill lists or something, we like to take the ones that we think are going to be the least likely to be helped,” said Merritt. Currently, there is a bonded pair of orange tabby cats at DAC that had drawn blood every day at their previous shelter. This shelter reached out and specifically asked for help. Describing the pair, Merritt said, “We are making progress but there have been battle wounds.” The potential for roughness inside the two cat rooms on site is not unfamiliar, and the staff who work with the animals know exactly what sort of personalities they are dealing with. As Merritt explained, “We tell our new cat leads, ‘You may get bitten, you may get scratched, here is the first aid kit.’ We detail who you can just force pet, who you can’t, and so on. They’re all very complicated little creatures.” DAR also encourages fosters to take animals that are less adoptable. The engagement with the volunteers, employees, and shoppers helps to boost socialization with humans and other animals. For those interested in helping DAR, there are plenty of volunteer opportunities, and you can find sign-ups that explain various requirements and duties. Outside contributions of kitten food and kitten litter, as well as dog toys, are always appreciated. Simply shop at their location at 5895 E. Evans Ave. #102. All help is welcome. You can find more information at demisanimalrescue.com. ■ CREDIT: CAT EVANS CREDIT: CAT EVANS May 2022 DENVER VOICE 9
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