SEQUIM — Critterhaven Animal Sanctuary, the Sequim-area nonprofit that cares for needy livestock as well as common domesticated pets, is facing a cash crunch that leaves its leaders worried about meeting expenses through the spring.
An e-mail saying “urgent help needed” went out to supporters last week.
The shelter is run on private donations and the personal resources of Susan Stahlin and Bob Bashaw, the husband-and-wife team who run the place — and right now they’re worried about being able to meet the animals’ needs, Stahlin said.
“People are good,” she said. “They do what they can.
“We are very grateful to the people who do anything.”
Average costs are $3,000 a month for food, medicine and equipment at the sanctuary, which is located off West Silberhorn Road outside of Sequim.
In addition to the four acres owned by the couple, they also have “invaluable” access to three acres next door and a low-cost lease on 24 acres in Jamestown.
Care for variety of animals
They care for an astonishing variety of animals — pigs, goats, horses, donkeys, cows, chickens, birds, dogs, cats, iguanas and a “houseduck” named Graham.
Some animals were abandoned. Others were rescued from bad treatment, or given up by owners who could no longer care for them.
The difficulty, said Stahlin, is that they have no constant funding source.
The shelter can be reached at 360-683-4681.
Information is also available online at www.olympus.net/personal/critterhaven.