At Yearout Energy, our primary mission is to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability. However, during a recent project Gallup McKinley County Schools (GMCS) and Diné College, we found ourselves in the heart of an unexpected and heartwarming endeavor. This is not the typical story you’d hear from us, but it’s one that showcases the extraordinary impact people can have when they go above and beyond their duties.
A Sustainable Project with Unexpected Rewards
Our project for GMCS involved upgrading the HVAC and mechanical systems at eight schools. Tse Yi Gai High School, the most remote of these schools, was the first to undergo these renovations which included:
- HVAC System: Replaced with a modern VRV Condensing Unit-based system, featuring individual classroom controls.
- Lighting: Upgraded to LED with occupancy sensors in classrooms and teacher-controlled switches for hallways.
- Power Conditioning: Installed to protect HVAC and lighting from power fluctuations.
- Lightning Protection: Added across the roof for building and equipment safety.
By the end of the summer, Tse Yi Gai will still be the most remote school in the GMCS system, but it will start the school year as one of the nicest and most modern. This comprehensive scope of work is being replicated across the other seven schools, with Yearout Energy completing the project after two years of construction. Diné College is also a Navajo Nation project that Yearout Energy has been working on over the past three years.
A Heartwarming Rescue Mission
During our time on the campuses, we encountered several stray dogs struggling to survive the harsh winter. These dogs had stories of starvation, dehydration, frostbite, and various medical issues. What they all had in common was the compassion they received from our mechanical crew and Chris Conway, who spearheaded the effort to save them. Chris recalls, “I planned to catch up on my reading while staying at such an isolated place as Tse Yi Gai and save money because there was nowhere to spend it, but that plan went by the wayside, and to say in the least, everything went to the dogs.”
On the coldest nights, Chris and the team brought the dogs inside to protect them from freezing. Over time, with regular care, these dogs regained their health and vitality. Thanks to Chris and his wife Lorraine’s dedication, and the invaluable support from the Black Hat Humane Society, these dogs found loving homes.
Chris expressed immense gratitude towards Lorraine, saying, “I have to greatly thank my wife Lorraine for her patience, support, and help with spending Sundays marketing several of the dogs, and her donating our yard over many weekends so we could get the necessary vet care that several of these dogs needed.” Lorraine’s support was instrumental in ensuring these dogs received the attention and care they needed to recover.
The Black Hat Humane Society, led by Cindy Yurth, also played a crucial role in this rescue mission. Cindy, who has been working to improve the plight of stray dogs for decades, helped foster three of the dogs and put them through a six-week intensive training program before marketing them for adoption. Cindy’s background as a reporter for the Navajo Times and her deep understanding of the local community were invaluable. She emphasized, “When you adopt a dog from Black Hat, all of the basic commands, recall, socialization with other dogs and groups of humans is taken care of. During the training period, they also make sure that all of the dog’s medical needs are taken care of.”
There are an estimated 250,000 stray dogs on the reservation, which spans 27,000 miles and three states, and only a handful of veterinarians serve the communities contained within those borders. COVID-19 also had a significant impact on services on the Navajo Nation, leading to an increase in stray dogs as resources became scarcer. The challenges of caring for these rescue dogs, especially during the winter, were immense. Chris noted, “Marketing dogs and finding suitable owners is difficult, but well-cared-for dogs are more appealing to potential adopters.” Despite the financial burden and high mortality rates, the team remained committed to their mission.
Cindy Yurth highlighted the importance of spaying and neutering stray dogs in the desert to control the population and improve their chances of finding permanent homes. She shared, “Fostering stray dogs and ensuring they receive proper training and medical care is essential. It’s an uphill and ongoing battle, but every success story makes it worthwhile.”
In an interview, Chris and Cindy shared their experiences and the challenges they faced. Chris mentioned, “Had any of these dogs been left behind when construction ended and the crews left, they would not survive.” Cindy added, “Education and training for foster families are crucial, and long-term commitment is necessary to ensure the dogs find permanent homes.” They both emphasized the emotional and financial strains involved in caring for these animals, but they also highlighted the immense satisfaction of seeing the dogs thrive in their new homes. Chris reflected on the bond formed with each dog, noting, “Each rescue required not just resources, but also emotional investment and patience. Watching them transform from vulnerable strays to confident, healthy pets was incredibly rewarding.” Cindy pointed out the ongoing need for community support, saying, “Continued awareness and support are vital. Every dog saved is a step towards a better future for all stray animals on the reservation.”
Momma Dog, now known as Connie, is currently up for adoption.
This heartwarming story is a testament to the power of compassion and community. While our primary focus at Yearout Energy is on sustainable energy projects, the rescue and rehabilitation of these dogs at Tse Yi Gai remind us that our work can have unexpected and profound impacts. We are incredibly proud of Chris, our team, and the Black Hat Humane Society for their dedication and selfless acts. Their efforts have given these dogs a second chance at life and happiness.
As we reflect on the completion of our project at Diné College, we remain inspired by the resilience and kindness shown by our team and partners. This experience has enriched our journey and highlighted the importance of going beyond our professional duties to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Donate to Make a Difference
If you’re inspired by this story and want to support the ongoing efforts to rescue and rehabilitate stray dogs, consider donating to the Black Hat Humane Society or volunteering your time. Together, we can make a difference, one dog at a time.