Regional Conversations with Animal Care Providers

Western Colorado
In August 2005, the Animal Assistance Foundation (in partnership with Summerlee Foundation) sponsored a regional conversation about animal welfare in Montrose, on Colorado's western slope. Representatives from many western slope communities attended and shared their ideas about how to enhance animal welfare in their region. Another conversation was held in Grand Junction in March 2007 and a two-day seminar on the issues was held in September, 2007 with the additional sponsorship of the Maddie's Fund, PetsMart Charities and Petfinder.com. Following the first meeting, over 30 agencies and individuals formed a coalition called WeCARe (Western Colorado Animal Resources). The coalition's mission is to be a resource-sharing network dedicated to assisting Western Colorado agencies in providing more effective service to animals and communities.

Southwestern Colorado
In June 2008, the Animal Assistance Foundation (in partnership with the Foundation for the Protection of Animals and Summerlee Foundation) sponsored a community conversation about animal welfare in Durango, in the southwest corner of Colorado. There were 30 people in attendance, all enthusiastic about the opportunity to meet one another and connect on common issues. They plan to continue meeting and setting up online communications for the purpose of working more efficiently and more collaboratively, and for supporting one another. Additional trainings are being planned