Haven for animals north of Prescott in jeopardy

PRESCOTT, AZ - The future of an animal haven north of Prescott is in doubt as those who run it increasingly struggle with the costs of caring for six dozen dogs, more than 100 goats, 55 horses and a slew of other animals.

Many of the 75 dogs living at the Circle L Ranch have been rescued from humane societies in Yavapai and Maricopa counties, where they would have faced death unless someone adopted them. The ranch also takes back dogs after their owners died, has saved horses and cows from slaughter, and works to find new homes for many of its animals.

The 5-year-old ranch also is home to 20 sheep, five geese and about six chickens.

Dogs at the 40-acre ranch have free reign of three houses. They sleep on small cots, get fed twice a day and go in and out of the houses through a doggy door.

"We started it as a sanctuary for elderly animals, and it has turned into an adoption sanctuary," said Liz Stegmeir, who helps run the ranch. "They live out their lives here."

Stegmeir told the Prescott Daily Courier (http://bit.ly/usbsRA) that the ranch may not be able to operate much longer as annual costs for animal feed, and veterinary care and supplies top $100,000.

Deborah Wilson, a Scottsdale doctor and animal lover, supports the ranch by contributing half of her income.

But costs are rising to care for aging animals and keep up with a mortgage and employee wages, and the ranch owes more than $2,000 in veterinary bills for dogs.

 "We don't get financial support from the community," Stegmeir said.

Stegmeir and others at the ranch are hoping that a deal pending with Prescott-based United Animal Friends to take over the dog side of the ranch will help it stay up and running.

Toby Frost, president of United Animal Friends, said that he's excited about the potential deal because it would give his group an opportunity to save a lot more dogs because of the space that the ranch has for housing.

Wilson said that even if that deal comes through, the ranch will continue to need donations to operate.