Cats, dogs, horses - even emus - taken to new Brighton digs

By Mike Patty, Rocky Mountain News
October 28, 2002

ADAMS COUNTY - Maxine Mager said Sunday she felt like Noah.

Together with about 15 volunteers, Mager moved more than 100 animals to their new home about a dozen miles east of Brighton.

"We have been moving them all day using trailers, trucks and cars," Mager said. "Everything from chinchillas and ferrets, to cats and dogs, and emus and horses."

For the past 13 years, Mager has operated Creative Acres, a shelter for sick, unwanted and rescued animals near 136th Avenue and Interstate 76. The property was bought by a developer, however, who gave Mager until the end of this month to remove the animals.

"Thanks to a lot of help and a lot of donations, we were able to find a new sanctuary," Mager said. "We had to. We are the only no-kill, free-roam sanctuary in Colorado. I couldn't let these animals die."

Mager takes in animals from police, veterinarians, other shelters and people who no longer want or are able to care for a pet.

She said Sunday that her menagerie seemed to have made the trip in fine shape, and the animals were taking to their new 44-acre home.

"They all seem pretty happy," she said. "Some even kicked up their heels when we turned them loose. The problem now is finding room for everyone before winter. We also need to continue to raise funds. It will cost about twice as much to run this new place."

Mager said the moral of the story is tenacity. "These animals survived because of people refusing to give up," she said. "It wasn't easy, but we couldn't let them die. It took time and effort, but we made it work."

Donations to the Creative Acres Animal Relief Fund may be made at any branch of US Bank or sent directly to Creative Acres, P.O. Box 1143, Brighton, CO 80601.