This week, on All My Children Wear Fur Coats, Jenneth Begay and Shyler Lowley shared the unique challenges of operating a Navajo animal shelter and explained how Rez Solutions & Animal Shelter is dedicated to reducing the unwanted, abandoned, roaming dog and cat populations in the Navajo Nation.
Jenneth Begay and Shyler Lowley, veterinary technician and veterinary aide, respectively, with Rez Solutions & Animal Shelter are working under the guidance of Dr. Kelly Upshaw, the founder of the organization. Jenneth and Shyler provide a variety of veterinary services to the Navajo Nation, including vaccination clinics, spay/neuter clinics, and Coggins tests. Jenneth highlighted the limited access to pet healthcare on the reservation, pointing out that only four veterinary clinics serve an area roughly the size of West Virginia. Of these four clinics, most do not provide services for large animals.
Jenneth outlined the hurdles that come with running a rescue organization on a Native American reservation. Rez Solutions lacks access to running water, requiring water to be transported to the facility daily. The organization is also operating from a building in need of renovation, located in a remote area far from the nearby towns of Window Rock and Fort Defiance. Despite these limitations, Rez Solutions works hard to provide much needed pet care to the Navajo Nation.
Jenneth and Shyler discussed Rez Solution’s commitment to educating the public on responsible pet ownership. They inform all their small animal clients about the dangers of parvovirus and strongly encourage keeping puppies and kittens indoors until they are fully vaccinated. Rez Solutions also places a strong emphasis on sterilization, recognizing it as essential to promoting long-term animal welfare and population control. Additionally, the employees engage in community outreach, including a recent presentation to local high school students about career opportunities in veterinary medicine.
Jenneth delved into the “One Health” approach that Rez Solutions employs in its operations. She explained that the Navajo culture holds animals in high regard, with a deep respect for companion animals deeply ingrained in its traditions. Jenneth reflected on the wisdom passed down by her elders: to treat animals kindly, for in the end, they will care for you in return.
If you would like to learn more about Rez Solutions & Animal Shelter, or to make a donation, please visit RezSolutions.org. Follow Rez Solutions on social media at Facebook.com/RezSolutionsAnimalShelter.
Planning ahead? A Pet Trust ensures your furry friend is always cared for. Get the details at ACT4Pets.org!
