Blair Vanderpool, vice president of the Rio Grande County 4-H Council visits with Sage, a beautiful dog rescued several years ago as a puppy from Afghanistan. Sage has been at the shelter since her owner surrendered her in the summer.

MONTE VISTA— The four-leggeds at Couour Animal Shelter in Monte Vista had a few eager young faces from the Rio Grande 4-H Council peering into their enclosures on Jan. 4. Though the visit was part of the required community service for the 4-H’ers, animals in need are a cause near to the kid's hearts, said Amy Henschen, who is the 4-H Youth Development Extension Agent for the San Luis Valley.  
The day brought wagging tails from the dogs and laughter from the kids, several of whom have dogs adopted from Conour. The visit also seemed to bring understanding about the gravity of the situation for the dogs and shelter. The shelter is completely full with a waiting list of people wanting to surrender their dogs, said Conour’s co-manager David Vialpando.
Youth in attendance included Savona and Garret Thompson, Blair Vanderpool, Amelia Pacheco and Kyra, Liam and Callie Griffin. The kids and Amy Henschen— the 4-H Youth Development Extension Agent for the San Luis Valley— also presented Conour with $100 check.
Not only does the shelter need people to come in and adopt, they need volunteers to help with things like kennel cleaning and dog walking ---and also opening up their homes to fostering some of the animals, Vialpando said. The shelter also needs things like food, blankets, dog beds and money to help with the necessary supplies, veterinary care and day-to-day operations.
Conour Animal Shelter is located at 2825 Sherman Ave. in Monte Vista. It is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit slvanimalshelter.com or call 852-3366.