DENKAI ANIMAL SANCTUARY
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I too have experienced the change of hands of this facility not just once but 3 times. Aside from the financial aspect, the people who try and or excel at these facilites, their hearts are in the right place. I have seen some very selfish humans come through those doors to give up animals. The reasons are many, but some should be ashamed of themselves. The man hours are endless in this type of work with upkeep, care of the animals and the day to day issues that occur. All of the staff has done the best they can with what they have and what is donated. It can be a little chaotic at times, but so is grocery shopping. The main thing is the well being of the animals.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I have been a volunteer, with my husband for over 4 years. I have watched the change of hands and improvements that have been made at both facilities. There have been 100's of hours put into the facility grounds and buildings. Sadly the key to any non-profit if funding and volunteers. The owner has dedicated all of her time and life to building this organization from nearly nothing to where she is today. Just think one persons dream, has saved lives. What did you do today?
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
The change I would make is to recruit more loyal volunteers that are dedicated to the care of these animals and the time to help with events. We do have a handful of these individuals and they have gone beyond in effort. The youth, to be more involved. Local school leaders in Greeley, Windsor, and surrounding areas to commit involvement and education.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Quite well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
What one change could this group make that would improve your volunteer experience?
To be able to serve and have more time.
Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)
Yes, new friends, community involvement, community awareness, and the education of young children. Our church youth have had the opportunities to serve, our missionaries, and scout troops to earn their Eagle Scout awards. For me the knowledge of working with businesses and the functionality of a non-profit. The planning and execution of activities and fundraising.
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
Grateful that we, my husband and I, could make a difference not only in the animals lives, but those around us.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
I heard about Denkai through the newspaper. I started volunteering a few months ago. I have found it to be well-run for a non-profit shelter. I have volunteered consistently at animal shelters for the past 15 years, so I have good experience with both the Humane Society and a similar non-profit.
The organization is well-managed, and does a good job of selecting dogs, not just breed-specific rescuing. The majority of dogs that do have behavorial problems have been at the shelter too long, or have typical problems which all shelter dogs may face.
The volunteer assistance is a little too free-form, do what you want to help, but that is because there really is not much help.
The assigned duties to clean up kennels and feed are permanent positions so that they are done everyday.
The kennel does a good job managing food and medicine, and caring for its animals. The vet is there consistently checking all animals. These animals definitely receive more medical care than I've seen at other shelters.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Animals that are unadoptable have been specifically worked with so that they become adoptable.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
The changes I would have made a few months ago have been undertaken. Volunteer duties have been made a little less free-form. If they had a million dollars, I would re-do the kennels and enclosures, and wash facilities.
Hi,
I couldn't get on your web-site so thought I would write a request this way.
Do you ever get any Bashkir Curly's or Curly Mustangs.
Thank you...Beth
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
no
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
a ok
I've read some of the negative reviews - "disorganized mess" etc. - and agree that volunteering at Denkai had it's problems. But please do not judge this by a chaotic transitation period when Denkai was taking over K-9 Bed & Biscuit. Denkai has been running the shelter for only 11 months and in that time has placed over 70% of the animals who had been with K-9 for years. Placement time for new arrivals is usually only a few weeks. Denkai has saved many, many animals who would have been killed or died out on their own. As of Jan 1st - I'm the new volunteer coordinator and promise to keep volunteers informed and interested, so please consider volunteering with us. We need the help and it's a good cause.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
They have placed more animals in a shorter period of time, rescued animals from shelters in other states.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
As the new volunteer coordinator I will be making changes. Volunteers will be kept more informed, much needed projects will be organized. I will actively be seeking new volunteers for all committees.
I have enjoyed volunteering with Denkai for nearly 5 years now. I have helped with basic animal care, many public outreach events, adoption events & fundraising.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I have seen first hand how Floss, her staff & volunteers have all worked kindly & patiently with a variety of abused or neglected animals. The goal is always to give the animal it's best opportunity to get a new loving home. Animals are given quality veterinary care if needed. They are given time to heal emotionally & physically.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would like to see more public outreach activities in order to let more folks know about this unique northern Colorado organization.
I have quit as a volunteer. Denkai is a disorganized mess. The volunteer events have been a joke. No messages sent out, no tools, or materials. The volunteers seem to be poorly treated, the volunteers often do not come back. Also, they do not have any team leads or coordination of effort. They do not train volunteers.The director has two facilities and does not seem to be able to delegate responsibilities and tasks properly. The isolation unit is filthy, and they are turning into a habitation for a staff member. The directory should step down and allow some one with real management skills to step in.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
breaking my heart. There are far too many good animals in the shelter and are being under served. With proper care and advertising they could place more animals, have more volunteers helping, improve the facility, and better the quality of life of the animals.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
The director should step down.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
No
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A little
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Badly
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
No
What one change could this group make that would improve your volunteer experience?
The director should step down
Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)
It broke my heart
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
sad
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
It is with great pleasure I donate as much as I'm able to Denkai Animal Sanctuary. Their work in the community is fabulous. I'm impressed with the dedication and devotion every team member has shown, working towards a common goal of saving "lost" and homeless animals. I'll continue to do what I can for this organization and am happy to do so. It is an honor to be associated with Denkai no matter how small a part I play in the big scheme of things.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
n/a
More feedback...
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
Floss Blackburn, the president of Denkai has a very similar vision to mine. She is a dedicated person devoting over 100 hours per week to the daily chores, management of the facilities, staff and volunteers, and ensuring that the animals are cared for not only physically but emotionally and mentally as well. She is constantly developing new programs to reach new people with the mission of Denkai, which is to promote a healthy environment in which people and animals can interact and connect through applied, environmental and educational programs that cultivate mental and physical health.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
advocacy of animal welfare, personal growth, and effecting changes within my own community and state for welfare practices.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
like to see it grow and become a leading force nationally for animal welfare, environmental awareness and sanctuary for not only animals but also for at-risk youth, victims of domestic violence and child abuse.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
The education it is providing me in more than just animal welfare, but sustainable agriculture practices and the healing power that working with troubled humans and animals provides.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Enthusiastic and eager!
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Truly change the world. That may sound extreme- but I really believe that with a nickel this organization would make a difference somehow. with a million bucks the state of WY would have a sanctuary, and 10 million would enable so much more!
Ways to make it better...
I was able to be immersed in it more often! If I could live at the sanctuary and rehabilitate animals all day, every day.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
The need. There is such a need that it will not be met anytime soon. Meeting the needs in each area is challenging enough- but the overall need in two states is exceptionally high.
One thing I'd also say is that...
Every person I have ever met who has looked at the business plan and the vision of Denkai has been amazed and enthusiastically become involved. There is a wonderful energy in the holistic philosophy of Denkai.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
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