A wonderful couple and listeners to the Saturday morning KKOB show and the Terrie Q’s Adorable, Adoptable pet segment heard about Patches and came in to meet him. It was love on all sides and they adopted Patches. They went out to purchase supplies for their new companion and Patches is now in a loving home.
Ana has been working as a helper for our staff conduct safer tests and enjoying play group but she is still hoping her family will come in soon.
East (ID# A 1688529) is a 2 year old, male light golden brown American Pit Bull Terrier mix. He weighs 55 pounds. East is a bit of a shy guy in the kennel and around noisy areas. He loves to be with people so once out away from the kennel noise he has some playful energy. He enjoys a spurt of running around the play yard or chasing one of his favorite volunteers. Then he just wants to cuddle giving and receiving kisses. He enjoys taking walks. He does not get a chance to get out for a walk every day but in a home with daily walks he will ease on leash. The free training classes that come with every adoption would be great for you and East. The classes are a perfect time to help that bonding process. They are also beneficial for dogs that can be a bit shy because learning skills builds confidence. We also think East will be easy to house train once he learns your routine. He will need a secure yard. You do not want this boy to escape. Of course he could be your indoor companion. Any new companion will look for that easy escape route over or under a fence/wall or gate. They do not know their new environment yet. Most just want to be with us. When left out for a period of time they get board and lonely for his person. This sweet young dog is waiting for his perfect match at our Eastside shelter. He is a popular boy with our volunteers. If he is not in his kennel he is out taking a walk with a volunteer so ask around to locate him.
Sharpie (ID# A 1147006) is a 4 year old, male black & white Queensland Heeler mix. He weighs 55 pounds. Sharpie came to us when he lived with other male dogs one of them were neutered. There was too much testosterone and some skirmishes so off to the shelter he came. This is just another reminder to please spay and neuter your pets….early in their lives. Sharpie was a bit shy and shell shocked when he arrived. Although he is still a bit timid in the kennel due to the noise once out he is a happy boy. Sharpie walks quite well on leash and really enjoys taking a walk. He is a sturdy boy in great shape. Although fairly mellow he could be a good hiking or jogging companion. Sharpie is eager to please and knows the cue for sit quickly complying with your request. He loves to be someone’s shadow following them around the play yard. We also can picture this regal boy living on a ranch. We can see him riding around with his dad/mom checking the pasture or following them around while doing chores. Sharpie has several fans that regularly take him out. They report he likes to sit/lean into your knees looking up adoringly. He may sneak in a kiss too. I took Sharpie out for a St. Patrick’s Day morning walk. He quickly took care of business and then sat next to me with head up to the sky, eyes closed enjoying the sun coming up. He had the sweetest grin on his face. His coat is so very soft and he has stayed shiny and clean since his bath a few weeks ago….perfect for petting. Sharpie is quite a striking looking dog. Sharpie may suffer from the “black dog syndrome”. He is larger, with black eyes and primarily black coloring. Sometimes people are unsure of black dogs. Some of us have three black fur-kids. Once you get to know him you will see he is just a sweet fairly gentle boy. He might prefer a quieter home with older children. He does not seem overly interested in other dogs and due to his early experiences might prefer being an only dog.
The Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department is starting a pilot program called Companion Readers. The program will allow children to read to sheltered pets who are waiting to be adopted.
The Companion Readers program will provide a relaxed, non-judgmental and pet-friendly atmosphere, which will allow children to practice their reading skills. Having a child practice reading in a relaxed environment will build self-esteem, and connect reading with something pleasant.
Benefits of the Program include:
- Improving the child’s reading skills
- Building a child’s confidence
- Learning compassion for furry friends and how to be a good pet owner
- The animals will learn social skills that can help them get adopted
“This program is a great opportunity for our children and our sheltered pets. By practicing their reading skills with our dogs and cats, children are learning the great skill of reading our loud which they are able to carry forward as they become parents so they can read to their kids”, said Mayor Richard J. Berry .
The Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department has just completed the most successful six years in its history. During that time we reduced intake dramatically, from 26,667 animals in 2009 to 18, 380 animals in 2015. Euthanasia has plummeted, from 10,347 animals in 2009 to 2,242 animals in 2015. We recently had the lowest population of animals ever in our care – 396 which lead to about a 35% decrease of animals in our shelter.
Some of the programs/policy changes that have made a difference include:
- Trap/neuter/return of feral cats
- Increased spay/neuter for public animals
- Not euthanizing animals for treatable diseases
- Intervention (offering folks resources, including behavior advice, so they don’t have to surrender their pet)
- Shy Dog Program/Fraidy Cat Program
- Creation of a foster program for at-risk animals, including puppies and kittens
- Creative marketing
Check out just one of the pictures from the pilot program. What is sweeter than seeing sweet little Mimi the adorable pocket pittie enjoying having kids reading to her. By the way Mimi is available for adoption at our Lucky Paws Location in Coronado Center Mall.
