The three-horse color guards opened events at the ribbon-cutting for the LASER Animal Shelter in Chino Valley. (Photo by Ray Newton)
Cooperation between two Chino Valley organizations resulted in establishment of a LASER facility in Chino Valley at 2208 Equestrian Way.
LASER stands for Large Animal Shelter and Emergency Readiness.
Cooper Anderson, director of the Chino Valley Equestrian Park, said. “The new shelter was huge for the community. It will help during the summer to expand our hours. It also will help in the winter when it gets dark early.”
He said money was raised by pledging support to double use of facilities. During the previous year, the equestrian park sponsored 45 events with thousands of attendees.
During the dedication program, Chino Valley Equestrian Park raised even more money through a silent auction, raffles and gift sales to earn more money to support the new facility.
The program began with a three-horse color guard and the singing of the National Anthem, followed by a parade of more than 20 equine breeds, including horses, donkeys, mules, ponies and miniature horses.
More than 200 invited guests attended the Aug. 16 event. It was sponsored by the Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce, Loretta Stewart, CEO, and co-sponsors Findlay Buick/GMC and Safeway.
Cathy Heath, local resident and secretary and LASER board member said, “These LASER facilities will allow us to shelter horses, miniature horses, mules, donkeys, goats, sheep, chickens, pigs, rabbits and even llamas and alpacas. In fact, it wasn’t long ago that we provided protection for some animals that needed to be evacuated during the Crook Creek Wildfire just south of the Prescott National just 10 miles south of Prescott.”
LASER has another shelter at the fairgrounds in Prescott Valley.
Those wanting more information can visit the website at www.laser-shelter.org or call LASER President Spike Hicks at 928-713-1331.
