Good Afternoon,

I am writing to you on behalf of the Precious Life Humane Society, Inc, a diverse group of both Navajos and Anglos attempting to start a humane animal shelter in Kayenta, Arizona, which is right in the middle of the Navajo Nation Reservation. The Kayenta Township has put this project out for bid and our organization is one that is vying for the position. Our Board of Directors are all animal lovers and want to see a humane shelter, started so that we can remove the homeless, abused and unwanted animals from the streets of Kayenta. We are committed to a NO kill policy with emphasis on rescue and rehabilitation, foster care and adoption, low-cost or subsidized neutering/spaying of animals both in the shelter and in the community, and targeted educational programs for the Navajos, concerning the humane treatment of animals. Right now the Township has erected a small 1500 square foot metal building with another one ready to be erected. There are no supplies or equipment provided for the shelter. The Township has designated a one year budget for the start up and running of the shelter, but we are concerned about the inadequacy of the amount.

I am aware that my letter is premature since we are not a working shelter yet, but prior to submitting our bid next week (the week of the 22nd) I am trying to get an indication, if your foundation would be willing to hear more about our mission, goals and programs in the future. At this time we do not have our 501c3, but it is ready to be submitted once we get the ‘go ahead.” We are incorporated with the Navajo Nation and have our EIN#. Our Board is new to the Shelter business, however four of our seven Board members have owned or presently own successful businesses. Five members are college graduates, and we also have a Vet Tech and Veterinarian on our Board. We feel that we are more than capable to organize and run a very successful Humane Animal Shelter, but may need some assistance in various areas, thus my reason for writing you.

At this time all I am asking of you, is from what I have mentioned above, might your foundation possibly be a good fit for our needs and might we be able to successfully receive a grant? We are aware that you do not know exactly what our needs are, and either do we, but we are trying to get a feel as to organizations and foundations that might be willing to work with us. I am aware of the application requirements, procedures of writing grants and their submission, as well as the time frame that the entire process encompasses.

If you feel that there might be ‘hope’ for Precious Life Humane Society, Inc., with your foundation, we would appreciate an e-mail or short note addressing the subject and your willingness to “at least consider our request” along with many others in the future. Since we feel that the budget being offered is not adequate for a years running of the shelter, we are trying to see where supplemental assistance may be available. Unfortunately “time is of the essence”, since next week is our presentation. I do apologize for such short notice, but we recently learned of the bidding date.

Thank you for your time and consideration, and I hope to hear from you at your earliest convenience.

Dee Bates
PLHS Secretary