From a Foster Parent: Katrina

SWEET, AFFECTIONATE CAT, LOOKING FOR A LOVING HOME

Katrina is a black, declawed, loving 9 year old who came to the Albuquerque eastside shelter in June with an upper respiratory virus. Of course, we have no idea how long she has had it but after 4 months, the vet staff thinks that she may never get rid of it and she needs to find an adopter that is willing to accept this fact. The vet says she is not contagious to other cats. She is laid back and playful. She loves interactive toys where she can play with you. She has 6  toes and it looks like she is wearing mittens. She is not afraid of my big dog and seems friendly with cats. If you are looking for an affectionate lap cat, she is waiting for you. I would keep her but my husband says 2 cats are enough. I will pay ½ her adoption fee to anyone willing to accept her chronic condition. Contact me, Sharon Scott, at 263-2818 if interested or know of anyone else that may be interested. 

Nellie: An Adoption Story

Hello there!  Thanks for stopping in today.  Today's story comes from yours truly.  I hope my story of adopting my dog, Nellie, will help you in your decision to adopt a dog.

This is Nellie.  We first met her while at the shelter.  We were getting the oil changed in my car at Rich Ford, and decided to walk to the shelter that day and look at the dogs and cats.  Well lo and behold, there is a very good looking corgi in one of the kennels.  She is sleeping in the kennel which she shared with another dog.  The other dog woke up and wanted to play.  He nipped and poked and prodded at Nellie who did not really want to be bothered.  Eventually Nellie had had enough and started playing back.  At one point she hooked the dog with her paw and we were sold!

Nellie was not quite ready for adoption so we placed a hold and counted the days before we could adopt her.  She was spayed before she came home.  A very tired pup she was.

Well, after only a week after bringing Nellie home, she started showing blood in her stool and diarrhea.  We rushed her to the VCA's 24 hour clinic to have her tested for parvo.  The dog she was with, also a stray, had come down with it.  Being my first dog, a lot of prayers were sent up.  The doctor tested her for parvo, but thankfully she did not have it.

Nellie has come a long way since that scary moment.  She's blossomed into a very loving pup with good training.  She can even jump through a hula hoop.  Nellie's personality has been really good for me - teaching me many lessons.  Dogs are some of the most loving animals I have ever encountered.  They love you unconditionally, and they can teach you lessons about yourself, loving constantly, loving unconditionally, and much much more.  I encourage you to adopt a dog today.  You can provide the care it needs when it is sick, and also give it hope in a way it can understand.  The companionship a dog gives is well worth the effort to feed it and take it to the vet.  If it is not possible to adopt a dog, volunteer at a local shelter or foster.  Make a point to walk a dog at least once or twice a week.  You will benefit just as much as the dog.  Mostly, thanks for reading my story.

 

Foster24Ever: A New Foster Progam from Albuquerque's AWD

Hello! I would like to introduce to you the new Foster24Ever program from the Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department.  This is an opportunity to foster mostly ready-to-go pets, work on your dog skills or, as a volunteer, point out those dogs and cats that would be more adoptable if outside the sometimes stressful shelter.  Read on for the details from Bet, our volunteer coordinator.

ALBUQUERQUE ANIMAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT FOSTER24EVER PROGRAM

Thanks to our wonderful foster folks, the
Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department’s
(AWD) has a thriving foster program for our
young kittens and puppies and our animals in
need of a place to recover from surgery or
trauma. To expand our foster program,
AWD’s new Foster24Ever (F24E) Program is
designed to provide an alternative housing
option for shelter animals who are available
for adoption but declining in behavior or not
showing well in the shelter and to transition
these animals into a permanent home … from
foster home to forever home! The F24E
Program will provide continuous support and
resources to both the animals in the F24E Program and the foster persons to ensure a successful
foster relationship and to prepare foster animals for adoption. The support and resources will
include dog training and behavioral assistance, medical care, suggestions for marketing and
promotion on AWD Facebook page, and offsite adoption events for foster animals.

F24E Program animals will be placed in foster care based on priority, and all F24E Program
animals will be spayed or neutered and current on vaccinations. Criteria for placement will
include a behavioral evaluation, length of time in our shelter, acclimation to the shelter
environment, and previous socialization or training. The F24E Program Team will work with the
AWD staff to determine which animals will be eligible for the program. Any staff member or
volunteer may recommend an animal for the F24E Program and can submit a request via email to
the F24E Program Team. The F24E Program Team consists of Bet Lotosky, Foster Program;
Carolyn Hidalgo, Behavior Program; and Mary Soto, Kennel Supervisor. The request should
include the following information:

 Animal’s name and ID number
 Name of volunteer or staff submitting request
 Reasons for consideration
 Types of enrichment, programs, training, or support the animal received in the shelter

All active and approved AWD foster persons are eligible to participate in the F24E Program.
Dogs with behavioral or social issues can benefit tremendously from learning basic canine
citizenship skills, so foster families will arrange for F24E Program dogs to participate in AWD
dog training classes. If a foster dog would benefit from some behavior modification, our
Behavior Program will provide individual training and written details to continue behavior
modification in the foster home. To promote our foster dogs to potential adopters, our F24E
Program dogs will participate in at least one AWD offsite adoption event each month. F24E
Program foster persons will provide monthly status reports to the F24E Program Team to keep 2

staff apprised of the animal’s progress in foster care and the steps taken to help the animal find a
forever home. Progress reports should be emailed to the F24E Program Team and include:

o Assessment of the foster animal’s behavior in the home environment
o Dates of dog training classes attended and basic manners learned
o Behavioral modification progress, if appropriate
o Dates of adoption events attended by foster dogs
o Promotion and marketing used to find an adoptive home

Contact information for the Foster24Ever Program Team:

 Bet Lotosky – Foster Program
 Eastside Shelter
Phone: 505-767-5632
Email: blotosky@cabq.gov

Carolyn Hidalgo – Behavior Program
Westside Shelter
Phone: 505-764-1160
Email: chidalgo@cabq.gov

Mary Soto – Kennel Supervisor
Westside Shelter
Phone: 505-768-1947
Email: msoto@cabq.gov

Mr. Macky

Hello! Today we are bringing you the word on Mr. Macky, a great dog with a unique situation.  Read on to learn more about him.  Check back often for other featured adoptable pets from the AWD Animal Shelters. 

Stitch: The Tiny Panther

Hello!  Today we have news on a kitten named Stitch with inside information from his foster parent.  

Meet Stitch, a skittish but playful 3-month-old black kitten with a secret patch of white fur on his belly.  He had a rough life as a very young kitten (separated from his momma way too young), so he takes a little time to trust new people.  He needs an understanding family that can give him a quiet spot to get used to his new home.  But once he does settle in, Stitch absolutely loves to play with his toys, especially his toy mouse and anything on a string!  His foster parent says that he likes to think he is a panther, but he is really a sweetheart.  He is a healthy, neutered kitten who is litterbox trained and totally ready for his forever home.  But the little guy is too fearful to make it in the loud, busy shelter and even our Lucky Paws adoption centers.  He is terrified of dogs and very young children, but he tolerates cats, and gentle older children would be fine.  Please help Stitch find his perfect family; we know they are out there waiting for him. 

   

I AM A TINY PANTHER WITH THE SOUL OF A CREAM PUFF

To meet this little fellow in his foster home, please contact volunteer coordinator Bet Lotosky at 505-767-5632

Introducing Tam from the 12 Strays of Christmas

Hello!  Today I would like to let you know of a little ongoing special that is still going.  Although we are done with the holidays and moving on to other things, the holiday special from AWD is still going on!  We have one cat left who has not been adopted from the "12 Strays of Christmas" special.  This opportunity to find your furry friend includes a $12 adoption fee - much lower than the normal fee.  The following is a part of their announcement of the event.  Read on for the details on Tam the cat.  

Chip

Hello! I would like to introduce you to Chip. Many volunteers have worked with him and socialized him with other dogs. He is looking for a true home, but would be glad for a foster home. Here is his story:

Chip (A1680606) is a very sweet although shy 9-month-old, neutered male English foxhound puppy.  When he arrived he was quite shy, and it appeared he had never been on a leash.  After just a couple times coming out with volunteers, he was eager to come out and handled walking through the gauntlet of barking dogs better.  He can be a bit shy with new people while putting on the leash, but with those he has spent even just one time with, he now is eager to come out and is good with the leash.  He is a typical puppy with a bit of energy but he is not a wild boy.  He jumps up with initial excitement, but he is learning “off” and is catching on.  He is very people oriented once he has spent some time with you.  He enjoys affection.  He is very smart and is learning the cue for sit.  He is one of the dogs in our Shy Dog Program, and we had thought he had made a lot of progress, so were graduating him.  But now he is getting rowdy and excited in his kennel from lack of an outlet for that puppy energy.  We have asked other volunteers to work with him and they report that he is a bit shy the first time out but the next greatly improved.  He has attended a couple of play groups.  When approaching the play yard he was very eager and after entering he immediately began playing. He had a great time playing with the seven other dogs in the group that particular day.  Another of our shy dogs, Lady Gibson, is one of his favorite play buddies.  Like most puppies, he is enthusiastic and plays with a bit of pawing/touching.  One of the dogs in his last play group was not enjoying that type of play; she corrected Chip, and he paid attention with no escalation.  He slowed down his play to be a bit softer or just stayed with the rowdier players.  He should do well with most other dogs.  It seems he just needs an environment like a home where he can build a bit more confidence, guidance, and patience through puppyhood and get his chance for adoption.

Lenny

Hi! Welcome to the blog written in support of dogs and cats at the Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department. We have a few bios for dogs written by Julie Grimes. If you are looking for an adoptable dog read on!

Lenny (A1677150) is a 1 year old, male, Rottweiler mix. His coloring is the only resemblance to a Rottie. He is very small only about 30-25 pounds. He has a very slight build, long snout and tail. Lenny was surrendered to us when they adopted him and their four other dogs attacked him. As you can imagine he arrived very shy and a bit shell shocked. Lenny is eager to come out and quite good on leash. He knows the cue for sit well and is eager to please. He enjoys being petted and is an affectionate boy. He can get active in his kennel when dogs walk by. Perhaps this is due to his unfortunate experience with the four other dogs. Once he is outside he is calmer and enjoys walks. He can be startled by some movements and may be a bit shyer around men. To try and help his comfort with other dogs we have brought him to the play yard with only one very soft dog with good social skills. He didn’t seem interested in play but enjoyed socializing & sniffing the other dog. He behaved well with no lip lifts or growls.   He does become very timid around a group of dogs. We think very playful rowdy dogs would be scary for him. He does not get noticed and we think the Rottweiler designation is inaccurate and may be hindering an adoption due to many landlord rules. Lenny could greatly benefit from a calmer home.  When he is taken out for a walk he always takes care of business immediately although we do not know if he is house trained.

Emmy

Emmy (A1594259)is a 3 year old, female, Border Collie mix. Emmy was surrendered when her owner moved. She has had a very hard time in the kennel environment and we think she was grieving from not being with her owner. She is a highly intelligent and sensitive girl like many of her breed. She was extremely fearful when she arrived but now is very eager to come out and be with people. She must have been a constant companion to her owner and she is happiest shadowing someone. She used to be quite good on leash but since she does not get out often she jumps up for attention.  She responds to “off” & “no” but just needs this on a consistent basis. While out with someone she craves being touched. She can be quite a gentle girl and enjoys sitting next to you or putting her paws up on your lap for a hug. We think Emmy had been an only dog. When brought to the play yard with another soft dog she was not interested in play but seemed to enjoy sniffing and greeting. She got a bit jealous when the other dog butted in for attention. She could be an active girl but also just a constant companion. She is suffering in the over stimulated environment of the shelter and this makes her anxious and nervous at times.  A home environment should help her with the loss of an owner as well as being anxious for attention.

Sweetie

Sweetie (A1667171) is an 11 month old, female American Foxhound mix. She does not bark but has a unique vocabulary and makes some unusual sounds. A customer asked if she may have had her vocal cords cut at some time but we think it is just her way of speaking. Poor girl has been adopted I think twice and returned for moving?  It appears she was just left alone in the backyard while at both of these homes.  When she first came to our shelter she was painfully shy even with people. She warmed up to people quickly and was very fearful of dogs. She participated in a couple play groups before she was adopted back then. She was more interested in people, somewhat uncomfortable with other dogs and not playful.  Her second time again she was not with us long before she was adopted. She is a very striking looking puppy and a sweetheart. This time she was surrendered she only shy initially around the noise in the kennel but desperate to be with people. She is frustrated by not getting out more than once every couple of weeks and so jumps up for attention and can even nip at your hand if you are not fully attentive to her. On those occasions when we have enough volunteers to get her out more often she shows improvement and does not jump up or grab your hand. She could greatly benefit from being in a quieter environment of a home. Being in a home she will be around people more and get attention daily. We hope this will decrease what seems to be desperation to be with people. While in her kennel she has not been destructive. She lies on her bed but when someone approaches she starts her chortling/speaking. We do not know if she is house trained as she does not get out often so has been forced to use the outside of her kennel. She has participated in play group this time around and still seems to have no interest in playing with other dogs. She is a little sensitive when dogs approach and are very tactile pawing her or pouncing on her. She will give them a correction but lets it go. We have noticed she bonds quickly to people and may be a bit jealous when another dog tries to horn in on the attention. This too is something that is hard to help Sweetie with in a shelter environment and not on a daily basis.

Chunk

Hi All! This is Chunk! He is a Siamese cat with a possible mixture of lynx in him. 

Chunk is a neutered 1 year and 4 month old cat. I visited with Chunk the other day and spent a good 20 or so minutes with him, and honestly I found it quite hard to pull myself off the floor to continue on with my day. Chunk is a fun cat. He liked to explore, but then he liked to be on my lap and flop over so I could scratch and rub him. While we were visiting, we had some people come by the bonding room. I asked them if they wanted to pet Chunk which they did. When I picked him up while they came in, he didn't fuss and let me hold him for a bit. He let the visitors, a mom and two small children pet and play with him. 

Chunk is a solid cat. Pretty well tempered and very much a cat. Just ready to explore and be around people. If you would like to visit Chunk and/or consider adopting him, he currently resides at PetSmart on Eubank. His ID# is 1652340. Bring it to the personnel at PetSmart and they will help you find him. Although, since there are not as many kennels at PetSmart, it may be easier to find him. I hope you enjoy your visit.

Franky

Hello! This is Franky (A1652346). He is a 3 year old, neutered, domestic short haired cat. He is a stray cat and has been at the shelter for about 2 weeks. His coat is like a tuxedo. Franky is pretty calm. Like all cats he likes to sniff and explore his surroundings. He is a tamed, post-ferral cat. I.e. He used to live on his own in the wild but has succeeded in being domesticated. He certainly appeared very happy to have me around and rubbed me a lot.

 

Franky is a sturdy cat. He also has a very handsome and low pitched meow. He currently resides at the East-side shelter on Lomas between Eubank and Wyoming. If you are looking for a cat to be your companion, come by for a visit. Bring his ID number to the lobby personnel so they can locate him for you. He will be dressed well for the meeting and will be glad to meet you!

Emma Lou

Hello! I would like you to meet Emma Lou. She is a dil calico domestic shorthaired cat. She has been at the shelter since June 8. I met Emma Lou the other day. She is a very confident cat. There was no insecurity or hesitatation in her step. She seemed well adjusted to people.

Another thing about Emma Lou that caught my attention is her fur. She is incredibly soft! She is quite the feline. She walks about as one who has seen the world and knows what she thinks about it. Although she has met many people in life, she is not afraid to meet new people and assimilate to their lifestyle. She seemed like the ideal cat for any family. She has patience for small children but is interested in doing her own thing if she has to be alone for a while.

If you are interested in meeting Emma Lou, she is currently residing at the eastside animal shelter on Lomas. Take her ID# (A1046885) to the personnel at the front desk, and they will point you to her kennel.

Duchess

Hi! This is Duchess, a stately American pitbull terrier mix. She is one and a half years old and has been at the shelter since February.

Duchess was glad to get out of her kennel as all dogs would be, and she was very amiable. She was glad to walk. She enjoyed being scratched, and she enjoyed sniffing her surroundings including my camera.  

Duchess also knows how to kick up her paws in stately fashion like a noble. If you would like to meet this fine lady come to the Eastside shelter on Lomas. Bring her ID# 1636828 to the lobby for assistance in finding her kennel.

Minnie

Hi! This is Minnie. She is a grey and white domestic long haired cat. She is about 2 years old and has lived at the shelter most of her life. Minnie is ready for adoption-ready to share in life, love and rubs with you.

Minnie is a personable cat. Since she has lived in a kennel most of her life, she probably needs to get used to living in a house. She might hide at first, but as with most cats, she is capable of warming up to you and your home. She would do best with a family with mature adults and kids.

Minnie although a very long term pet at the shelter was very eager to come out when I came to her kennel. She was very glad to rub my hand and receive a good scratch behind the ears-nor did she fuss when picked up to go to the bonding room. Minnie currently lives at the Eastside Animal Welfare shelter on Lomas. If you would like to meet her. Take her ID# A1594319 to the personnel in the lobby and they will point you to her kennel. She would be glad to meet you.

Princessa

Hi! Meet Princessa! A fine princess indeed. Princessa came to the shelter as a stray. She is a five year old spayed German shepherd mixed dog. Her black nose is a characteristic of a German shepherd, but her fur and other aspects deem her a mutt. She may have some golden retriever in her by the looks of her coat. Princessa is what you call shy but sweet. She may seem to hold back, but she has a big personality on the inside. Her sweet side did show up, however, when I met her the other day. After walking about a bit, she came up to me and curled up between my legs. She also leaned her head against me. 

Princessa, being the princess she is, would do better in the presence of mature dignitaries and not young folk. Being a stray dog isn't the easiest life, but with some good direction and training, Princessa would make a great dog, a fine princess and successor to your dog throne. If you would like to meet Princessa, come to the Eastside animal shelter on Lomas. Bring her ID# (A1558327) to the personnel at the front desk, and they will lead you to her poor chamber where she is currently resides.

Fostering

Hi! You might be wondering which special pet am I going to tell you about today. Today I am going to tell you about ALL of them, well, maybe. Right now there are hundreds of dogs and cats safely waiting for a home at the Eastside, Westside, and Coronodo Mall shelter sites. You might say that's where they should stay or that owning a pet is not for you, but you might like to be hero, swoop in for a small time, do the heroic act and then leave. Well, you can do just that. Fostering a pet is just like that. You fly in like Superman (Iron Man or Captain America if you like) and rescue the pet for a while to your home. After a short period of time, you return the pet to the shelter having loved it and socialized. Having done your heroic act, you return home, or decide to be a hero and do it again.

Fostering is not hard and requires a decent space to let the pet rest. There are dogs and cats to foster-puppies and kittens too. Fostering times generally range from 1-6 weeks. To foster, you can call the animal shelter at (505) 768-1975 or stop at the Eastside or Westide locations. Right now, we have a big need for fostering kittens. This is breeding season for cats, and there are lots of momma cats with kittens lots of kittens without mommas. These little felines need a place to rest that is not so cramped. Sometimes the momma cats just need more space to take care of their litters. Socializing them and getting them used to a house environment is also very helpful. If you like to help people, you also can tell the staff what the kittens are like or write a small note about their personality and such which in turn will help potential adopters know which kitten is right for them.

So maybe you would like to help out. Come foster a little kitty or special pet or spread the word. We hop you jump on board to help the shelter pets of Albuquerque.

Godiva

Hi! Whenever you think of Godiva chocolate, what do you think about? Do you think of a dark creamy delight that tastes good in your mouth? Or maybe you think of the smooth feel of the chocolate in your mouth. What would you think of having this kind of Godiva?

Godiva is a 4 year old, female, domestic long haired cat. She's a mixture of dark, milk and white chocolate. She is a normal cat. With a little time she will get to know you and then would love to go home with you. She would welcome some love and comfort. You might find that she will be a delight just like Godiva chocolate.

Godiva (ID# A1632745) is currently at PetSmart off of Eubank.

Isis

 Hi there! Meet Isis, a 2 year old domestic long haired cat. She is healthy and her front paws are declawed. We met Isis shortly after she arrived at the shelter on May 9. She is an owner surrender due to her owners moving. She seemed quite comfortable in her kennel but a little unsure of her new surroundings in the bonding room.

Although a little bit fearful or unsure, Isis seems like a normal cat. Cats are very environment oriented. Their security comes from sniffing everything in the territory and know what is going on. Cats are very capable of learning a new place, a new owner, and becoming quite comfortable.

Although Isis was an Egyptian goddess of fertility and motherhood, this Isis is spayed. Her long black hair is beautiful and would need to be groomed often. Isis currently resides at the Eastside shelter off of Lomas. If you would like to meet her, bring her ID# A1643744 to the lobby and the personnel will show you where she is.

Brent

Hello! Meet Brent, a three year old shorthaired cat. Brent may be three years old, but he has a lot of kitten playfulness in him. Brent is very energetic and inquisitive. Brent did not give off the 'lap cat' impression, but being a tom cat he would enjoy a warm lap from time to time.

Brent's ID# is A1639055. If you would like to come visit Brent and see if he is the right cat for you, bring the ID# to the personnel in the lobby and they will direct you to Brent's kennel. Brent is currently at the Eastside animal shelter and would love to go home with you.