By Kevin Denke, The Brighton Standard Blade
December 7, 2002

Moving, in itself, is no easy task as many people would attest, but try moving with over 100 animals.  That was the task facing Maxine Mager at the end of October as she tried to find a home for Creative Acres Animal Sanctuary, which was forced to leave its original spot at 136th Avenue and I-76 when a developer bought the land.  That battle may be far from over as Mager has enlisted the help of an attorney, doing pro bono work, in the appeal process.

While the court case may linger on, Mager has shifted much of her attention over the past month and a half to perfecting a new habitat, 12 miles outside Brighton for her beloved animals.  It wasn't easy to leave their original spot but Mager had little choice.  "We didn't 'try' to make the best of a bad situation," she explained.  "We did make the best of a bad situation." 

What has distinguished Creative Acres in its 13 years of existence from other animal shelters is a commitment to not euthanize any animals.  Mager takes in animals that have been abandoned, abused or near death and does her best to nurse them back to health.  Her sanctuary is a virtual animal kingdom with everything from cats to emus to ducks to ferrets.

The animals are not just for Mager's enjoyment though, she adopts animals out once they are well and she also shares them as an educational resource with high-risk children and people with special needs.  Her animals also serve as a bright spot in the day for the sick such as cancer patients.  Mager has a pretty good idea why the animals are so effective at warming the hearts of the sick.  "They (animals) don't ask for anything and they make you laugh," said Mager.  "It's unprepared emotion."

While it has always been Creative Acres giving the help, it is now Creative Acres that is in need of the help.  It has been a scramble since the move for the shelter to get on its feel again.  Many local businesses stepped up the help the facility including Ideal Fencing which put it thousands of dollars worth of fencing to keep the animals safe.  ASD Construction and Wayne's Electric have donated a great deal of their time and effort, free of charge, to make the house ideal for the animals.  The local Albertson's and King Soopers have also set up donation barrels in support of Creative Acres.

Still, there is work left to be done, including the building of a new barn which Mager believes is essential to the welfare of the animals she helps.  The cost for a new barn could be over $1 million.  More immediately, she is in need of a generator, hay and feed for animals such as the horses.

Mager calls the support she has received so far "amazing".  "I didn't believe I'd get as much support as I've gotten," she said.  Donations to Creative Acres can be made at several places.  Valley Bank and Trust is taking donations at any of its branches including its Brighton branch and US Bank is also accepting donations at its bank branches as are branches of Wells Fargo and First Bank.  You can also write to Creative Acres, PO Box 1143, Brighton, Co 80601.