On the Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota, Ethel M. runs the Wakpá Wašté Shelter with a small but determined team. She relies on the Reservation Animal Rescue® (RAR) program of Partnership With Native Americans® (PWNA) to keep the shelter stocked with essentials like cleaning supplies, blankets, leashes, and food. “We never turn down anything,” Ethel said. “We would like to thank everyone for what they do.” 

The shelter plays a critical role in both animal welfare and community safety. With limited access to veterinary services, many pet owners are unable to spay or neuter their animals. “There are so many offspring of these dogs because so many people don’t get their dogs spayed and neutered, so they come in heat all the time,” Ethel explained. She added that those offspring often form stray packs and said the community sees one or two animal attacks each month, one of which tragically resulted in the death of a young boy. 

Without the shelter, Ethel believes the situation would be far worse. She shared, “There would be so many attacks. We have an overpopulation now. We barely get on top of it. The only way we’re ever going to get on top of it is to have a vet that comes here and does a monthly clinic. The more you get fixed, the better off you are.” 

The shelter houses around 25 dogs and eight cats, with room for litters, but animals don’t stay long. Ethel works closely with rescue organizations to move them off-reservation and into homes. In a typical month, her shelter distributes pet food, leashes, and other supplies to more than 400 residents. 

One of those residents is Kodene O., a custodian at the shelter and a mother of four. She started as a volunteer, and now her work helps keep the facility clean and healthy. “It would affect me badly if I didn’t get the help,” Kodene said. She lives “paycheck to paycheck” and is grateful for the support RAR provides to care for her three cats and dog. She told us, “Thank you for sending [supplies]. It was greatly appreciated; it’s extremely helpful. With the cost nowadays, I’m really grateful we do get donated stuff.”  

Some animals are surrendered because their owners simply can’t keep up. Kodene remembered a man who brought in a litter of kittens because he couldn’t care for them. But thanks to the shelter, those kittens had a safe place to land. 

Despite being understaffed, the team remains committed. With just five full-time employees, they rely on support from the Tribal Health board and local TANF workers. One of their animal control officers, Keonna R., summed it up best: “This is the best thing that ever came to be. I have a passion for animals. It shows me new things every day.” 

Your support helps keep shelters like Wakpá Wašté running — protecting animals and helping families who love them. Donate to RAR today.