The Navajos were traditionally farming people. They raised crops of corn, beans, and squash. Navajo men also hunted deer, antelope, and small game, while women gathered nuts, fruits, and herbs. Traditional Navajo people do not go fishing, since it is not acceptable to eat fish in Navajo religion. After the Spanish introduced domestic sheep and goats, the Navajos began raising herds of these animals for their meat and wool as well. Navajo sheepdogs became valuable because they would watch and protect the livestock all day while the animals grazed. These smart, loyal dogs don’t have to be a certain breed…any dog can be a sheepdog on the Navajo Nation! Sadly, the widespread poverty, poor roads and lack of veterinarians (4 vets for an area the size of West Virginia) have all combined to cause a crisis of overpopulation.
Starving, sick or injured dogs and pups are the norm at gas stations, grocery stores and tourist attractions on the Rez. These are the dogs that Good Dog Rez-Q saves.
Foster Care
Rescued animals come into foster care & are made part of the foster family. Animals receive at least two vaccinations, de-worming & altering if old enough. Foster dogs are introduced to other dogs, cats, livestock & the UPS man. Housebreaking & leash training are also on the agenda. When the dog is ready for adoption, potential adopters fill out a three page pre-adoption application. Once that is approved a home visit is made. If everything looks good at the home, the adoption happens.