I've worked for denkai for 3 years now on and off on different areas of the rescue and the thrift store. I have seen first hand the extent denkai will go to save a life. They put the animals needs above their own
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I fostered and volunteered for denkai for probably 8 years. In that time, I foster failed three times and adopted three of the sweetest girls ever. Then I was very supportive whenever I was fostering, and delighted when I decided I couldn't live without these dogs. Some of these dogs came from terrible situations and experienced a lot of trauma and abuse and neglect. When no one else would help them, Denkai stepped up. They do that a lot in our community champion dogs and cats that no one else can help. The incredible number of supporters that they have really helps to get the word out. I love all my dogs so much, and the three that I got from Denkai have made my life much richer. I'm the dog program coordinator and on the board of the local humane society, and I contact Denkai regularly for advice or help with networking or placing a difficult dog. They never say no. They've also helped us in a hoarding situation. We had the ability to trap the dogs, but no place for them to go. Again Denkai stepped up. Our community is very fortunate to have a resource like them.
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I've worked with Denkai in a variety of capacities over the last seven or eight years. First as a foster volunteer, that is a three time adopter, then as a rescue partner while on the board of a different rescue organization. One thing that can be said about Floss and Denkai is that they are fearless.
They are not afraid to try something new and untried, they are not afraid to think out of the box and try to help animals in ways that are truly impactful and needed. And more often than not they get it done. And if it's not perfect, they don't give up. They try again or come at it from a different angle. They always have a half a dozen irons in the fire and they are feverishly working to get things done and it all benefits animals. Some folks are critical of them because they have staff because they pay salaries so not all the money goes to animals. If they are helping more animals each month than virtually anyone in this area, and paying their people is what it takes to get that much more done, then I don't understand the criticism. As a rescue partner, they never fail to help when I've reached out and asked for help in networking dogs, helping trap and transfer ferals, help for a family struggling with multiple parvo puppies they could not get in to see a vet. I think they're a real asset to our community and if they're detractors are successful in taking them down, I'd be interested to know who is going to feel their shoes and help those many animals each.
Denkai Animal Sanctuary has been a significant influence in animal rescue and welfare for many years. Our family has been involved with the activities of this rescue since 2013. The founder, Floss Blackburn, has provided opportunities not only for the care of animals; but community members too. Providing job's, and a resource for preparing are youth with productive life skills. The founder and volunteers have at times put themselves at risk for the sake of animal welfare. This organization goes above and beyond to educate people about the care of animals; by working along side other community businesses that support animal ownership, products, and medical care. The list of outreach by this organization goes on and on. I'm proud to be associated with this organization.
I have fostered for Denkai for several years and have adopted from the organization as well. They are committed to supporting their fosters and do a great job with communication. I have loved my experiences with them and will always stay on the list for kitten fostering with them!!
I used to be a volunteer when Denkai was located in Greeley, Colorado. Even though its location has moved, Denkai Animal Sanctuary keeps helping animals.
Denkai is an amazing rescue! Their love and compassion for all the animals is incredible. I have volunteered, fostered and adopted a total of four dogs through the years that I have been connected with this rescue.
I am always recommending them when friends are looking to bring a dog into their lives.
Beware. I fostered 11 precious puppies and a sweet mama dog for Denkai and it was a very confusing, frustrating and disturbing experience. Denkai deeply took advantage of me, and I’m very saddened to have to leave this review.
They paid for absolutely nothing, I was reimbursed for absolutely nothing during the 11 weeks of feeding, formula, pee pads, medications, dewormer, medicated shampoos, teething g toys, food bowls, more pee pads, everything. I lived and breathed the well-being of these 11 puppies for 11 weeks and I was given very little direction, no guidance, Tara constantly and condescendingly played games with me via text …mostly regarding when to spay and neuter the puppies (she tried vehemently to do this at 6 1/2 weeks old).
They even promised me that I would have some input in who adopted the puppies, yet they adopted one right out from under me to an adopter that no one had ever met, had never seen the home, knew nothing about them, AND I had already adopted the pup to another adoptor, who had actually visited, and I knew to be an excellent home and fit for that pup. They gave the puppy to the former adoptor because they took payment from the first adopter before notifying me of anything).
One adopter family, that Tara said was “highly approved,” came to meet the puppies, and I wouldn’t send my worst enemy home with these people (no car, took public transportation, had been homeless the previous year, and filled with neck and face tattoos … and many more red flags).
Truly, this experience was filled with one unnecessary drama after another. And I’m a pretty low-key, reasonable person! Some of the decisions and demands that they made were completely unreasonable, not in the best interest of the puppy, and transparently money motivated. No matter how hard I tried get a phone call back from the “owner” Floss, she would not call me to discuss anything. Instead, she would instruct her employees to text me, in a very snide and demanding tone, that I do what they tell me to do or else they would have the puppies removed from my care by authorities immediately.
This sanctuary never did a single home check, didn’t seem to much care where the puppies ended up, as long as the adopter was paying.
So beware, especially as a foster, I feel deeply taken advantage of and very sad to have to leave this review.
We adopted a beautiful pure white Husky with white eyes from Denkai. She has such a gentle soul and super lovable. They made the process so easy. A great big thanks to Tara and the other staff for their help.
I have been a volunteer for Denkai Animal Sanctuary and can say, without a doubt, that they have a heart for the animals and the community! I have been a foster, adopted a pup, and donated my time to help animals in the community. Denkai acknowledges needs in the community and addresses them. They recently started a spay, neuter, and vaccine program at low, to no cost, for a community that desperately needs this service. They also rescue animals in need, obtain veterinary care and place them in forever homes. They pull animals from kill shelters and find fosters and adopters for animals waiting for homes. I have been a part of the veterinary and grooming world for over 40 years and admire the work that Denkai does. They love the critters!❤️
I adopted Bianca. She's an amazing dog. Whenever I feel down she will come check on me and lay with me until I feel better or get me to play with her. She is full of energy and makes my life interesting. She is my life. I love her so much. Thank you Tara and Dallas for letting me adopt such a wonderful dog.
I put in an application to adopt precious the beginning of September. I then received a call on the 13th and the gal stated that I was approved for the adoption!!! YAY… or not. I was contacted the next day from a lady named Tracy. She told me that unfortunately she had an adopter that she was unaware of. Ok… I let it go at that point. I was then contacted on the evening of the 20th by a gal named Dallas who at the time had precious in her home. Dallas asked if I was still interested in adopting precious. I was so very excited for this news. Come Thursday and I didn’t hear from Dallas with the adoption contract. I contacted her and she informed me that unfortunately she no longer worked for Denkai any more and then gave me the information for a gal named Alaina. I contacted her and she was so sweet. I got the contact on Friday. Filled it all out and submitted it back. She said she would get back to me once she spoke to her boss (who was on vacation at the time) to get permission to use a vehicle to meet me somewhere so I could pickup precious. Later Friday evening I was contacted yet again by Tracy stating that she “told me” there were a FEW adopters ahead of me!!! WHAT?!?! I have now been contacted TWICE stating that I was approved and for whatever reason Tracy stopped everything and LIED to me. There were never any other adopters before me. If there were, she would be with them at this point. They wouldn’t now be looking for fosters!!! I begged Tracy not to do this. That precious would be going to a great and loving home. I told Tracy that precious was going to be paired with my autistic daughter. Once precious got settled we were going to get both precious and my daughter special training so precious could be a service animal and be with her forever human. I had vet care already set up for her… everything. Tracy still didn’t budge. So, I then contacted Floss! Unfortunately, Floss was on vacation. I texted her on Friday evening letting her know what was going on. I didn’t get a response. Yes, I knew she was on vacation (last 2 days). However, you would think that being the owner and there was an issue you would do something about it. Especially, when Floss was the one that gave Dallas the go ahead to approve me to adopt her. Seems pretty cut and dry to me. Only would have taken 10 min out of her vacation. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. I messaged her again on Saturday. At which point she contacted me and stated that she would look in to things first thing Monday morning. Monday comes around and it’s now 3PM and nothing from Floss. I totally understand she just got back. They are getting ready for the clinic they are running for their community (awesome they do this). Again, just shoot me a text, give me a quick call, something. This time she tells me she’s trying to get through all of this information and she will get back to me “maybe tomorrow”. Well, it’s now tomorrow (27th) and I’m starting to loose my patients at this point. I sent Floss another text at around 11:30am. 4pm rolls around and still no response. So, I texted her and told her that I feel that I have been super patient at this point and that I will be writing reviews and calling the news letting everyone know that I feel they (especially Tracy) are discriminating against the fact that I have 5 special needs people in my home and 3 dogs (2 of which service 2 out of my 3 autistic children). Surprise!!!! I sure got a response from that text with in 30 min. This time she’s now stating that she takes this text as though I am no longer interested in adopting Precious (this wasn’t a priority to her anyway) and that if I proceed with my THREAT that she will be “forced to take legal action for defamation of character”. There are no threats from me…. Only honesty and KINDNESS. Precious and our family could have all been together by now. Precious would be getting so spoiled and loved on like crazy right now. Unfortunately, for whatever reason Tracy filled me with nothing but lies about other adopters and Floss brushed me off and then used Precious as a pawn
the shipped a GSD with a broken leg to a foster. They said they would take care of her leg and have surgery. Now the dog has been with the foster for 3 days. They won't respond to her calls. The dog has no meds no food. This place needs to be shut down I posted on their FB page and they blocked me... They are the worst. I'm calling to report them and their improper handling of dogs. WHo transports a dog with a broken leg and then not have a vet set up to do surgery? cruel and unusual punishment.
I was personally involved in a recent Denkai rescue on the Navajo reservation. Floss Blackburn spent 2 days organizing 5 pallets of dog food and a van for Dr. Kelly Upshaw and her team. Floss and her staff adopted 15 young reservation puppies for whom the Navajo needed fostering, vet care and adoption service. In the time I've have watched and supported this CEO and charity founder, Floss Blackburn, she bootstraps and struggles and effectively produces positive outcomes for animals in need. Floss' heart is truly in the right place and her actions demonstrate that her animals and staff supersede personal advancement. A great NGO to support.
I wish I could give this "charity" no stars. The executive director is clueless and not organized in the least. She accepts money from donors and there is no oversight whatsoever. She never sends out receipts or keeps any records of either donors or animals. There is no screening or follow-up with fosters and adopters and many, many animals have fallen through the cracks. Now she's starting a new nonprofit in rural Colorado and I fear for the animals she tries to "help."
I have also heard of this move to Yellow Jacket, which is in Montezuma county. Montezuma is in the completely opposite corner of Grover which was where the sanctuary was recently located. This is very concerning since most of the donations and volunteers that have helped in making Denkai as big as it is where focused in Weld county on the complete opposite of where the CEO, Ms. F B, wants to relocate the organization.
Seems that Denkai is now going to grow vegetables? and graze cattle? The truth is that the vegetables are really HEMP!? And grazing cattle does not sound like what the organization"s mission statement claims that the organization is all about. She now has moved on from her VP boyfriend and will start a new restructured Denkai with a former youth in crisis that is now her new VP boyfriend. This seems to be a repeating cycle for the CEO. It is very concerning as to what is really going on with the organization.
If your heart is in helping animals and troubled youth please consider asking questions and getting real proof before donating to a cause that may not match what you are trying to achieve. Would like to get some proof of what exactly is the plan for the New Denkai before donating financially or physically. I find it very saddening that the people of Northern Colorado have been deceived and misinformed. Please share what you can and make sure no other good hearted volunteers and donors are taken with this organization.
My company extended credit and delivered propane to Denkai in December 2016. The account aged out and we were promised payment by the end of April. This never happened. Now F---s has purchased real estate in Yellow Jacket and is relocating, and skipping out on her bill. We will be pursuing legal action against Denkai and F---s. I would discourage anyone from doing any business with these individuals or their organization.
Loved it when I started volunteering and fostering through Denkai. There was a great coordinator who was caring and kept that program going. Then, f.b. (the founder) got rid of her and from what I was told from everyone I talked to, it was only because she would make suggestions on ways to improve and f.b. doesn't like that. After that, everything went downhill fast and all the programs ended, then the clinic closed. It's too bad that one person who gets a big ego like f.b. can destroy a potentially lifesaving rescue as now there isn't anything around that is to that level.
I volunteered and fostered with Denkai for close to a year. I wanted to help the dogs. As time went on more and more money was given but it was never enough, your help was never good enough. The founder was never around and now they closed there doors after how many years! Staff that had been dedicated to them given no explanation. I will never donate or volunteer for this organization. You cannot even find current financial info for them which is very shady. They need more money but where is it going? They want to live debt free so that the founder, her boyfriend who was the VP of operations and they're baby on the way can live without working for it!
Review from Guidestar
I volunteered with this group on numerous occasions. The staff was not only discourteous, they were downright mean to the animals. And when they adopted out animals, they did virtually NO background checks on adopters. The head of this group claims that she doesn't take a salary but their financials show that there was in excess of $100,000 after expenses. What happened to that money? I know that the head of the group took vacations and was rarely there in person when there was an adoption or transportation event, although she claims she worked many hours a week. I also donated to them on several occasions and never got a thank you or a receipt. I think this is a very shady group and would never donate anything else to them. There are just too many other wonderful rescue groups.
Review from Guidestar
I had a horrible experience with Denkai. Jenna is extremly rude, she gives you the run around about adopting a puppy. She has no business dealing with the public, she should be on pen duty. They are always begging for donations, but yet treat you horrible when you go to adopt a dog. I will never deal with them again.
Today I went into denkai hoping to look at puppies to find our next family dog. As soon as I walked into their facility I felt judged. (I have piercings and tattoos and was scrubbed out) They were extremely rude and treated me as if I had no clue what I was talking about! I gave them specific needs in what I was looking for and they laughed and handed me a pre adoption form and shooed my daughter and I away. Didnt let me see ANY dogs. They wanted me out of there ASAP. The puppies I seen online were extremely cute and my daughter fell inlove with one of them. Yet due to the extreme rude and judgemental manner we will not be adopting from them.... EVER!
I've volunteered at Denkai for about 5 years - fostering dogs, helping with fundraisers, helping at clinic and adoption center - and while things don't always go perfectly their heart is in the right place and everyone tries very hard. A few bad reviews mentioned dog transports not coming in on time and having to wait for dogs to show up - unfortunately this is commonplace with transports. They are traveling long distances with a bunch of rescue dogs and timeframes can change based on traffic and the needs of the dogs. Dogs that are suppose to come in may get pulled at the last minute for health issues or last minute adoptions and Denkai does not know until transport arrives. Yes, money is always tight and staff is always too few people working too many hours and chaos reins when a transport comes in with 20, 30 or more dogs but, please remember these dogs are getting a second chance at life and a forever home because of Denkai.
I have volunteered with DenKai since May 2010. They have changed locations and staff numerous times during the past 4 years, and things haven't always run perfect. But that said, this organization saves hundreds of animals every MONTH and offers low-cost spay and neuter services for families who otherwise might end up with unwanted puppies, due to their inability to afford a vet bill.
They also offer low-cost vaccinations and general veterinary care.
I have fostered about 50 of their rescued dogs and it is a rewarding experience each and every time. Giving these pups a chance to live in a home and receive socialization and training provides the eventual adopters of these animals with such a gift!
Consider volunteering your time or opening your home to a foster pup! You won't regret it!!!
Alright, extremely disappointed. My puppy who was adopted through denkai, recently went in for her spay. When she was released she did not receive a cone and received minimal pain medication. Three says later she ended up popping a stitch open. Because it was late at night we had to take her to a twenty four hour clinic. The veterinarian who took care of her was not impressed by the stitch job and was disappointed by the fact that shedid not receive a cone or more medication. She patched her back up so we could take her back to denkai at eight am so that they could fix her back up. Well we got there at eight fifteen and there was no body there. Door locked, no answer on the phone, and nobody in the parking lot. Their website claims that they are open at eight am but this does not appear to be the case. Needless to say that as I am on my way to a trusted clinic in longmont, I have no trust out respect for this organization.
I was called at last minute to foster pups,had to wait 2 hours before they arrived, they called to many foster and adopters ,was not happy that used gas and set for 2 hrs and then turned away empty handed, felt that after hearing bad story with experience with this place would not recommend this shelter or offer my services to them
2 weeks ago I responded to an add about a dog that needed a home. This pup was in a shelter in Texas and was supposed to be in Eaton in 2 days. It was one thing after another when I called to find out if she ( the pup) had arrived. I was finally told the pup would be there last night at appx midnight and I could come when they opened this morning. I was there at 8:00 still floss had not arrived with the van of dogs she had picked up in Texas. Was told it would be 2 hrs. Came back in 2 hours and myself and 2 other people who were waiting for their adoptions to arrive, were told it would be another 2 hours. They had spend the night in Colo springs and from 8 till 1 is 5 hours and no way does it take that long to drive from Colo springs to Eaton. Floss knew people were waiting. Low and behold finally she arrived, but to my dismay they brought me the wrong dog! I am devasted, I looked at the picture of the pup I was supposed to get countless times in the let 2 weeks. How could they have made such a mistake?
I have been a big fan of Denkai for about 3 years now, since they helped me in being able to rescue 2 horses from auction where they would have been sent to slaughter. The founder is just awesome in her devotion and management and her vision. Every effort is made to help animals with special needs to become a likely adoption candidate. The compassion displayed by the Denkai staff is amazing.
I have had experience with Denkai Animal Sanctuary since 2007. Horses and dogs. The facilities are always disorganized and a mess. They take on too many animals and they put press out there that they need money and do things, the money comes, but the things are not getting done. Sadly if people were following up, they would see they are basically donating to pay for the founder to travel around and waste money and make false promises. The animals that get adopted out are never followed up on. I mean EVER. The horses are rarely trained. They had a nice bed and breakfast facility that they ran into the ground and in the end they were giving away all of the dogs. I saw a horse get injured by some kids trying to load it into a trailer that day too. I have had some interactions with the founder Floss Blackburn and asked her bluntly why she is not doing things to the Grover facility that she has in her "master plan" that she actively markets to the public/media.... and she basically gets nasty, then will not email you back or correspond with you again. I have wondered if she is really a legitimate 501 3C, or if she has just gotten blind board members who she can pull the wool over their eyes to get away with stealing peoples money that donate with the conception it will actually go to help the animals and not be used for her "vacation" or wasted on her kids/family/current boyfriend. I even was made aware that the founder, Floss Blackburn went to an auction in WY where the Cloud Foundation was trying to buy a herd to keep the mustang herd family together, and Floss Blackburn was trying to bid on the horse to take it away from them. Be very careful with any donations that go to this "Sanctuary", I would consider others that are always doing more of the right things.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.