Animal Humane New Mexico

I have had the most wonderful experience with the whole center! Mainly the vet and adoption services. Everyone there seems to care and love the animals, even when it's yours. I recently had to put down my beloved dog Maddie, and while it never gets any easier I was glad tohave it done there. Dr Lager is the best, and came to give me some comforting words in a tough situation which meant a lot to me. The staff and techs were gentle and caring. I believe I spotted tears in the eyes of one of the techs. I couldn't have seen my girl off in a better place. I will never go anywhere else, and recommend them highly to anyone who would appreciate genuine, caring professionals , not only with the pets but with the owners as well! Thumbs up on all accounts! Kimberly Sanchez

Best place in town for training. Had a behavior consult with Trevor and it was extremely helpful. I love Animal Humane. It’s a great place to take your pups.

I adopted a little cutie named Fudge, I had to return the pup, because I was working long hours and I was told that my $120 would be credited back to my account, but then Fudge was available for adoption,I had my hours changed,so that I could devote more time to Fudge, I put in the application,and was treated horrible and told that my credit expired in less than 10 days after the adoption.
I basically am heartbroken now, I have no other words, I trained and loved Fudge,not to mention, I helped him overcome his fear of humans and learn to Trust people again,and the people who work in the shelter are heartless,you people can't see a real bond between animals and their humans������������������������������

we got our dog in 2011 for my childs birthday. I never saw my child so happy we still alive now in 2017, but I am getting worried she is getting old... i dont want my child to depressed what do i do. on a happy note bella has been the best thing to happen to our family for 8 years. my husband left almost a full year ago and bella has been there for my daughter and i think u should a dog or cat from the humane society. we love our little bella. thank u.

I adopted my second dog from here. We came in to visit & were asked if we minded sharing a review of our experience with AH. Happy to. We come here for family time even when we are not looking for a dog, just to show our kids how they can help others in need. It's a great place to visit, to adopt, and talk to the great staff and volunteers. They've come a long way in making the shelter awesome.

My wife and I started giving to Animal Humane New Mexico in 2016 after visiting the shelter. We were blown away by the growth of their footprint and the serenity & joy of meeting the cats and dogs. The cats have their own luxury quarters - so private and serene from all the dog activity. You will definitely not walk away feeling sad or stressed in finding your perfect new animal.

I am a dog owner as I have four dogs(3 Cocker Spaniels & 1 Basset mix) and I consider them to be my four legged children. I have used Animal Humanes health Clinic to get one of my Cockers fixed as well as operated on for a hernia on her stomach. Not only did I get exceptional service but the dedication of the medical staff on taking care of my Baby Girl made me believe in Animal Humane. I recently donated a SUV to Animal Humane for their Fund raising. I wish I could donate working there at Animal Humane but my health does not allow me to do this. The facility at Animal Humane is for the well being of the animals which are cared for there. People who are looking for a new adoption can be assured the animals are very well taken care of and will be ready to be adopted. THIS ANIMAL RESCUE IS A NO KILL FACILITY AND I WISH PEOPLE WHO GIVE UP THEIR ANIMALS WOULD TAKE THEM TO ANIMAL HUMANE(pay the fee) SO THEIR DOGS OR CATS WOULD HAVE THE BEST CHANCE TO BE ADOPTED. THATS THE LEAST YOU CAN DO FOR THE ANIMAL YOU ARE JUST ACTUALLY DUMPING BECAUSE CAN YOU IMAGINE HOW SCARED THEY ARE WHEN YOU LEAVE THEM. IF YOU HAVE ANY FEELINGS YOU NEED TO DO WHATS BEST FOR THEM AS THEY ARE YOUR RESPONSIBILITY. ANIMAL HUMANE IS A GODS SEND AS THEY ARE DEDICATED ORGANIZATION TO SEE UNWANTED ANIMALS ARE TAKEN CARE OF IN WAYS. PLEASE DONATE TO THIS FACILITY BECAUSE THEY REALLY DO AN EXCEPTIONAL JOB IN THE CARE OF THE ANIMALS THEY ARE TRUSTED WITH. I BELIEVE IN THEM 100%!
THANK YOU JOE CARRASCO

I need to comment on Linda Lou Funky Finds comment. I volunteer at the Animal Humane center and Retail Store. I can't believe she thinks the prices on the furniture and clothing are high. Hello!!!!!! The money raised at this store goes to save animals, provide low cost vet medical care to low income families, get loving animals adopted to new homes etc.... not a 'profit' in the same sense as her store. I feel her comments were simply to get people to come to her store instead. Why else would she make such a comment.

I am a small business owner of a re-sale shop in Alb., and I use to shop at the Animal Humane Thrift store on Menaul.
I would get such a good deal on everything there.
I then would donate 5% of my monthly profits to the Animal Humane Center.

The store recently changed its policies. The prices on their furniture are now double what they should be,
the clothes are three times the price. They are now just another over priced junk store.

I was told they have a new manager, and she has decided to make more profit.

Unfortunately I can no longer shop there,and my donations are few.

Great work with helping animals. A kind and professional organization.

Animal Humane-New Mexico has become a leader in the sheltering field in New Mexico and the region. Recent important initiatives include Meet Your Match adoption approaches to ensure animals and their guardians are well suited for one another, humane dog training, impressive upgrades to the physical shelter, agility training for high-energy dogs, an ambitious "street cat" program, a desperately needed veterinary care program for the animals of indigent individuals, an off-site adoption facility, and increased foster capacity. AH-NM, its talented staff and ambitious programs that are making a difference for New Mexico's animals should serve as a model for other shelters throughout the state.

My experience with Animal Humane New Mexico (AHNM) spans back five years. During that time, it is impressive to review the positive evolution of this organization. Lead by a dynamic Executive Director, it seems as no task is too monumental. What strikes me the most is the multi-faceted approach that AHNM takes to accomplish their lofty goals; innovative tactics to achieve record-breaking adoptions, low cost spay/neuter programs, microchipping and vaccinating pre-owned pets, foster care for special needs animals, responsible pet parenting classes for students, cat adoptions via local businesses, humane dog training and agility classes, state conferences that address all aspects shelter operations and large-scale public events like Doggie Dash & Dawdle. The list goes on. These remarkable accomplishments are made possible by the dedicated management, staff and amazingly tireless volunteers. And just who benefits from these endeavors? All of us, but especially those animals in the shelter still looking for their forever home.

Being a local pet supply business owner, we started as a partner with AHNM on a variety of events and occasionally via monetary contributions. Over time, we observed the tremendous value AHNM brings to the New Mexico community and thus augmented our support to the point of becoming a sponsor for their outdoor training area/agility field. As part of this collaboration, we offer free scholarships to select new pet parents who wish to enroll in a free six-week positive training class at AHNM. For the AHNM shelter dogs, some on our favorite activities include the daily enrichment programs. These programs should be a model for the rest of our shelter operations here in New Mexico.

Recently, I began serving as a board member with Animal Humane New Mexico. I am excited to participate in one of our state’s leading shelters, both in standards and by the numbers. It is an honor to be involved with an organization that gets things done by knowing how to walk the walk.

I have been a board member with Animal Humane New Mexico for about the last 2 years. During that time, I have been impressed time and time again with the quality of the volunteers and staff, the knowledge and passion exhibited by the executive director, and the care and thoughtfulness with which all decisions are approached by the officers and the rest of the board. As a veterinarian, I have worked with many rescue groups over the years, and AHNM is unquestionably the most well-run I have come across. I am proud to be associated with this organization, and to be a small part of all of the good it does in our state.

I have been a volunteer at Animal Humane NM since 2007. I have volunteered in adoptions, the clinic, marketing, mobiles and dogwalker. There has been great growth and improvements since I began. I have found all staff to be professional, dedicated and motivated to provide the best care and best "forever" homes as humanily possible. I read the negative review below and I have to say I am unaware of what this individual is saying. While there is always room for improvements, I believe that Animal Humane NM strives to be the best shelter. The staff are always looking at other shelters and how they have made changes and improvements for the animals they care for and the community they serve. Keep up the great work.

We volunteer for a non-profit, New Mexico Animal Friends, that works in collaboration with Animal Humane and The City of Albuquerque to spay & neuter feral cats for the trap, neuter return program. Animal Humane has led the way for this program to grow by securing funding and providing surgeries for this program. They have been receptive to our needs for daily surgeries and provided our organization, without charge, the space to hold it's own monthly clinic. Animal Humane is truly a leader in both the Trap, Neuter & Return program and the spay & neuter of owned cats to help humanely reduce the over-population of cats in New Mexico.

The culture of Animal Humane New Mexico fosters collaboration for the betterment of the pets it serves. I have found an openness to the sharing of research-based behavior management. This is critically important not only to the lives of pets and those who love them but in keeping adopted pets with their families. I have been delighted with my experience with the staff at all levels of Animal Humane. Jeff Nichol, DVM

Based on my long association with Animal Humane I felt compelled to offer an alternative perspective to the recent post by a former Animal Humane employee/volunteer.
I am an active volunteer for Animal Humane and in the past 20+ years have served in a variety of capacities for the organization—volunteer HR consultant, board member and President, Interim ED, adopter and donor. I have witnessed positive and negative changes in that period which have impacted the care of the animals and the number of adoptions and euthanasia. The most dramatic positive changes have taken place in the last five years, subsequent to the hiring of Peggy Weigle, the Executive Director. Since her arrival she has never wavered in her efforts to improve the well-being of the animals, increase adoptions and reduce euthanasia. She challenges staff and volunteers to come up with new ideas to improve these areas and encourages departments to establish and meet goals in the best interests of the animals. Positive changes in these areas have brought about improved conditions/morale for staff and volunteers and reduced turnover of both. As a result donations and funding have increased, along with community support that further Animal Humane’s good work.
Animal Humane’s ever growing foster program is only one of many programs that address the health and behavior of animals and reduce euthanasia (others mentioned in Peggy’s post). Puppies and kittens (1,380 in 2010), too young or sick to survive in a shelter environment, were placed in foster homes, along with many adult animals recovering from injuries, surgery, medical conditions or behavioral issues. In 2012 the new Foster2Home program will address the needs of more adult animals with longer term medical, stress related or behavioral issues through off site adoptions. The result will hopefully be less euthanasia of more problematic animals, who in the past may not have been adoptable. This program not only gives these animals more one on one care, training, and potential for adoption, but also increases the shelter’s ability to take in more animals and find them “forever” homes. During times when we may get too many animals all at once, e-mails and phone calls go out to foster and volunteer networks, calling for temporary fosters so that euthanasia does not become the solution to the problem.
Under the guidance of Peggy Weigle, Animal Humane has become a role model for all shelters in New Mexico. In addition to the many improvements at Animal Humane, she encourages collaboration among various animal organizations that reduces over population through spaying and neutering and education, all of which address the issue of reducing the need to euthanize. Read Animal Humane’s Annual Report and learn about all their wonderful programs and progress and come visit the main campus and satellites anytime. A picture is worth a thousand words. Talk to Peggy and hear her vision for improving the lives of homeless dogs and cats. You will have no doubts as to her commitment, sincerity, integrity and passion for quality work on behalf of homeless companion animals and Animal Humane.

My relationship with Animal Humane New Mexico extends back to mid-nineties, when we adopted two dogs and became donors. I have served on the board for the past five years, and as board president in 2011. There was a negative review written on this site a few months ago, and I write partially in response to that, but also feel compelled to write simply out of support for the organization. The factual errors in the negative review were addressed by our Executive Director, Peggy Weigle, and I further extend her offer to visit the facility at any time to learn more about the operation. As a board member, with an ethical and fiscal duty to the companion animals, the organization itself, and the communities we serve, I am very proud of our practices and our transparency. I can say with great confidence that the public face of Animal Humane is in complete alignment with its mission and its day-to-day operations. I believe a very real testament to this consistency is continued and increasing donor and volunteer support. Our volunteer numbers have grown to something in the neighborhood of 400 people with more than 50 new applicants being reviewed each month. Another indicator of the soundness and humaneness of the organization is this very large number of dog and cat lovers who routinely observe and participate in the day to day activity of the organization.

Having spent many years volunteering in various animal welfare capacities, I can say with confidence that Animal Humane New Mexico is a standout private non-profit shelter. This is not easy work by any means. It is emotionally fraught, and tough decisions always have to be made. But I know of no other organization in the state whose staff and volunteers are as knowledgeable and dedicated to animal welfare as those who work at Animal Humane New Mexico. The organization has no doubt blossomed under Peggy Weigle's executive directorship. Thanks to her leadership, a progressive board, and the excellence of her staff, the organization has attracted a cadre of volunteers who help with animal exercise and socialization, implemented a cutting edge behavioral department, and regularly sponsors innovative and fun off-site adoption events that successfully rally the community. It's also the only shelter I know of that utilizes Meet Your Match in the adoption process and offers post adoption puppy and adult training classes. All in all, a model shelter and a model adoption program.

From Peggy Weigle, Executive Director, Animal Humane | New Mexico

There are too many erroneous statements regarding our operations to let the post below stand without a response. Since 2007, under my leadership as Executive Director of Animal Humane | New Mexico, we have demonstrated a consistent progression towards reducing euthanasia, so I take strong exception to the claims made in this posting. I invite all readers to review these numbers and our progress in saving companion animals lives and let you decide for yourself how we are conducting our services for homeless animals.

In 2006, Animal Humane euthanized 1,424, or 27% of the animals sheltered that year. This included many healthy animals, euthanized for age, color, or length of stay. This was the state of affairs when I arrived as Executive Director in September 2006. Starting in 2007, we began setting goals to both increase adoptions while at the same time reducing euthanasia. In just one year, euthanasia was down to 935 animals or 17% of intakes, a reduction of 34%. We invested in a mobile adoption vehicle to further increase adoptions, thereby saving more lives. By the end of 2009, euthanasias were down by 55% to 644 or 13% of intakes. Of those 644, only 72 were healthy pets, so we realized the goal of adopting 100% of healthy pets was within reach.

To achieve this goal, Animal Humane’s Board of Directors authorized more investments to save lives. We opened a new adoption center at 9032 Montgomery Blvd. NE and later that year, opened a third adoption center in Corrales. These two centers accounted for an additional 1,300 adoptions in 2010. Thanks to those investments, and other programs which I will describe shortly, as of this writing, we have achieved 100% adoption of healthy pets and have maintained that achievement for 22 consecutive months. In fact, so far this year, our euthanasia rate is running 45% below 2010 numbers and is at only 10% of total intakes. We feel this is quite an accomplishment from our 27% rate in 2007. With that said, we will not be satisfied until 100% of all healthy and behaviorally/medically treatable pets are adopted at our facility.

While it is true that sometimes dogs are euthanized for kennel cough and cats for upper respiratory infections (URI), it is because the animal is not responding to treatment. Often these pets have been in treatment more than once, twice, even three times before we make the painful decision to euthanize. It is never done for “space.” These are the animals whose immune systems are compromised. We continue to improve our sanitation and handling protocols to reduce the spread of disease. A case in point; at the beginning of 2011, we began a concerted effort to reduce stress in our cat population, stress being the major contributing factor to cats becoming ill with URI. The incidence of URI in our cat population is down from 50% to only 10% of total cat intakes. The even better news is only 6% of those with URI have had to be euthanized this year compared to 34% the previous year. So I challenge the notion we are euthanizing cats and dogs with URI and kennel cough for space.

The post also cites our May 2011 intake numbers being greater than our adoption numbers as proof we are euthanizing for space. Yes, we took in 482 animals and adopted only 355 in May. However, our animal holding capacity far exceeds the intake number. At any given time, we have the capacity to house at least 400 animals. We have 195 cages/kennels at our Main campus, plus 40 additional spaces at our two adoption centers totaling 235. In many cases, kennels had litters of puppies so the capacity was closer to 255. In addition, last May we had 146 animals in foster care for a total capacity on a given day of 400. With that much capacity and our goal to save every healthy pet, why would we euthanize for space? Further, since the creation of our behavior department on my watch, we have rehabilitated countless behaviorally challenged dogs and cats that have gone to successful new lives. And, thanks to our free Behavior Helpline and Meet-Your-Match programs, our return rate in contrast to the number stated in the post is a mere 6%, well below the national average of 10%. We have been tracking all these numbers in detail since 2007 and will happily make them available to anyone who wishes to review them.

Our policy and practice regarding surgeries is that animals must remain on campus at least 24 hours after their surgery. From time to time, incisions can open up if an animal licks the surgery site or becomes too active. With over 8,500 surgeries performed each year, some animals will suffer post surgical complications. We track fatalities and our results are comparable to the best private veterinary practices. That said, we strive to have no post-surgical complications and routinely examine and modify our protocols to achieve that goal.

And finally, yes we are planning to renovate the campus. Why? To improve the housing for the homeless pets we serve. The goal of this project is to create housing that is equally excellent for every dog and cat on campus, regardless of whether they are available for adoption , in treatment, quarantine, or in stray holding. The reality is our current facility, which includes buildings that are 30 years old, does not provide a supportive, stress-free environment for every pet. That is why we plan to upgrade our facilities. Our model is to provide housing that is equal to the quality of our Robbie Jones Memorial Cat House. Better housing means happier, healthier animals and a more welcoming campus for the adopting public. This investment is indeed an investment in animal care.

I thank anyone who has read this far and invite you to come visit our campus, unannounced, to see the care and quality of our work and our commitment to saving animals.

I volunteered at AHNM for over 3 years, and I was an employee for several months. The animals do receive excellent care, and the volunteers are absolutely wonderful. The staff that actually work with the animals and care for them are all fantastic and they truly care for and love these animals. That being said, the higher ups (which includes the director, Peggy Weigle) aren't being completely honest in what they tell the media and the public. AHNM recently proclaimed that they adopted out "100% of their healthy animals", which is true...to a point. Many times animals were euthanized for space, and were listed in the computer system and on file as being euthanized for a common illness (kennel cough for dogs, upper respiratory infections for cats). When confronted about the falsifying of the records, Peggy denied the allegations and said that those animals were euthanized for health reasons. When the employees who actually euthanized the animals were asked about it, they were confused as to why Peggy was saying that, as the animals who were euthanized and listed as being unhealthy did not show any signs of illness and were in fact euthanized for space. Again, when Peggy was confronted with the allegations, she denied it and several employees (including myself) ended up leaving because she refused to tell the truth in order to maintain AHNM's "good image". I still keep in contact with several employees and volunteers there, and the news isn't good. Peggy is still telling the media and the public lies, and is spending more money on "upgrades" to the facility than for the care of the animals. In the veterinary clinic, we had several issues with Peggy and Diane Day (the adoptions adviser at the time) wanting spay and neuter surgeries rushed because they wanted litters of puppies at adoption events. Puppies were spayed/neutered the day of the event, and on transport to the event, their sutures opened and several of the puppies intestines fell out. We ended up having to euthanize most of the puppies. There have also been several cases of dogs or cats being euthanized by "mistake", and healthy, adoptable animals being euthanized in order to make room for transfers from other shelters in order to improve AHNM's "good name". When looking closely at AHNM's adoption/intake records, more animals may have been adopted out, but over half of those animals ended up being returned and euthanized for various reasons. In May 2010 the intake/return rate was higher than the adoption rate, but later on that year it was publicly stated that AHNM had adopted out 100% of its healthy animals. In the end, while I completely support the volunteers and lower-level staff of AHNM who truly love and take care of these wonderful animals, I will no longer support Animal Humane New Mexico with donations, advertisements, etc. until Peggy Weigle is gone or the truth comes out (which according to several current staff members and volunteers, may be happening very soon).

My name is Sarah and I used to work for Animal Humane. While I do not work there any longer, I still serve as a volunteer on the Doggie Dash and Dawdle committee. I've been volunteering with Doggie Dash for three years now and I an honestly say that there is no other event in Albuquerque that I look forward to more.
Yes, a lot of hard work is put forth every year to make this incredible event happen; but no matter how tired, cold, or worn-out I am, watching people with their dogs flood the entrance becomes a more gratifying experience every year. To know that there are people out there who care as much for animals I do makes me feel like a part of this great community. Knowing that the staff and volunteers at Animal Humane strive to do everything they can to find the perfect forever home for each pets helps me sleep easier at night. I always tell people who feel sad or sorry for the pets at Animal Humane, that they are receiving some of the best care and love.
I'm in charge of Dash Bash, the carnival for people and their pets. I love when people stop and tell me what they participated in the year before, and how excited they are to try bobbing for hot dogs and to receive a professional pet portrait.
My most favorite memory was running into an Animal Humane graduate at Doggie Dash. Her name is Gila and I did her in-take when I was a part of the Adoption Staff. She came to the shelter on a sweltering day in the summer. To make matters worse, she had ridden in the trunk of an old sedan and came to us overheated and filthy. She was under socialized and the product of some horrible backyard breeding. Not sure if she could handle the stress of a kennel, we said a small prayer and hoped for the best.
She was still at the shelter when Doggie Dash came around and we included her in the rent-a-dog program. Still a little shy, the staff at Animal Humane put their faith in Gila's little spirit and sent her off.
She met her forever parents that day and a couple from Santa Fe ending up falling in love with her and eventually adopting her. A year later, I ran into Gila and witnessed the sweet and out-going dog she had become. No longer shy, she shined and wagged her tail.
Without the care, dedication, and the little faith each employee and volunteer has at Animal Humane, Gila could have easily fallen into a darker hole than from where she came.

In June, I had the privilege of taking part in Animal Humane New Mexico's 24/7 Adoption Event. Campus stayed open for 60 straight hours and with the enthusiastic help of 70 staff members and more than 100 volunteers, 112 formerly homeless pets found new forever homes! It was amazing to see the happiness and dedication in EVERYONE who was involved.
An event like 24/7 is just one of the many reasons I am so proud to be a volunteer for Animal Humane New Mexico!

I am so pleased to serve on the Board for Animal Humane|NM! This is an organization that is truly about making the world a better place for our furry friends. AH|NM offers wonderful, diverse programs meant to help current owners keep their pets, as well as programs established to facilitate adoptions of The Best Pet Ever!
I've had the pleasure of using the Behavior Hotline in an effort to curb some aggressive behaviors that my dog was exhibiting. The counselor that helped me was very friendly and knowledgable and respectful. Never once did I feel silly because I needed help. In fact, I felt better informed and more understanding of what my dog was experiencing, which helped me change my approach. It really was very helpful!
As I'd said above, AH|NM is very effective at facilitating adoptions. I had the pleasure of working the recent 24/7 event. The motto for this event was "We won't go home until they do!" Literally, for 3 complete days, AH|NM was open for adoptions. We had people arriving at all hours of the day, and found forever homes for 112 pets. It was an amazing event and so much fun to see so many happy families leave campus with such love and joy (from both the human members and the new furry members)!
I truly love this organization and am so grateful for what it does now and what it will do in the future. We, the Board, are in Long Range Planning sessions that will establish the direction of Animal Humane|NM for the next 10 or more years. For me, it's very satisfying to see animal care progress in such a positive direction.

I have been a volunteer at AHNM since 2002, and have seen the organization evolve into one of the highest quality shelters I have known. Due to the dedication of the leadership, staff (76) and volunteers (410), in 2010 we reached our goal of adopting 100% of the healty pets (4,812) in our care! AHNM has implemented a number of programs to support its mission of improving the lives of companion animals through sheltering, adopton, community education, providing quality low-cost veterinary services to families in need, and programs that reduce pet overpopulation. All of the programs are too numerous to list here, but you can see them at the Web site: www.animalhumanenm.org AHNM does not receive any government funding. It is supported by fees for services and donations. But even with these limited resouces, AHNM continues to strive and innovate to reach their goals, and the results are impressive. It is an incredible organization and I wholeheartedly support them and their mission!

I am so happy to have the opportunity to tell you what a wonderful organization Animal Humane New Mexico is. I have been a supporter of the organization for many years and all my four legged friends have been residents there prior to living with me. So, I feel qualified to say that this organization excels in all areas. They are beloved in the community for their commitment to small animals having the support of the local news media, many business establishments and countless friends like me. They use their funds efficiently, having recently completed a new “Cat House,” opening a new, hugely successful, satellite location in another part of town and more recently another satellite in still another location! AHNM was actually approached by the owner of one of these locations and asked to become a resident, at a reduced rental rate, because of their reputation and commitment to animals! They have a medical facility run by dedicated professionals, own and run a successful Thrift Shop and are in the process of planning and building a new dog play area (park). Their employees are totally dedicated to the betterment of the animals as are their loyal volunteers. They provide low-cost medical urgent care services to low income pet owners and have a Pet Food Bank for owners who want to keep their pets but are financially struggling. For those wanting to adopt a “friend” for a four legged member of the family, they encourage the “Meet and Greet” concept. I’ve done this several times and heartily recommend this method to bring a new doggie member into the family. Their employees come and …stay! Just another indication of good management practices! Once you’ve entered the doors to AHNM, you become a family member of this well run, happy organization!

Although I was a board member of Animal Humane|New Mexico, I had resisted adding an additional pet to our home for years. Once the Cat House opened up at the Virginia Campus, my resistance was won over. The Cat House offers four individual rooms with outdoor patios for the cats to play in and show their real personalities to potential adopters, and also to show how well they get along with other cats. As I already had one cat at home, it was important that the new cat had good social skills. After visiting all four rooms in the Cat House, a beautiful gray cat, who had obviously been "on the lam", won over my heart with his sweet nature. The set up of the Cat House allowed me to visit with a variety of cats at my leisure, and find one that was just right for me. As I was leaving town the next day, Animal Humane|New Mexico made arrangements to take care of "Scout" until I could get him to my house. Dr. Neal went over some concerns I had about introducing Scout to my current cat - time well spent. I am grateful to Animal Humane|New Mexico for being there to take in strays like Scout, who once they are placed in the right home are valued members of the family who are taken care of the way every animal deserves to be taken care of.

In my four years of work with Animal Humane of New Mexico, I have seen a perfect combination of a driven and compassionate team of professionals who have made themselves, their expertise and their facility available for caring for cruelty cases in New Mexico. They have treated, trained and housed animals from all over the state from hoarding cases and animal fighting cases. They have an excellent director who has taken this organization to new levels as soon as she came on board. She has elevated their work with the media, fundraising events and work with other local rescues and advocacy groups. When I worked with local law enforcement to coordinate a raid on a New Mexico property that was posing as a "rescue" and was housing over 93 sick, starving and injured dogs, AHNM was the first to immediately offer to take in as many dogs as they could. Their veterinary staff is top notch and triaged every dog that we brought in. One of those dogs is one of the best success stories we have had from a cruelty case. Lilly came in severely malnourished and likely wouldn't have survived without their immediate care and is now thriving in her foster home. Animal Protection of New Mexico and all others involved with Lilly's case are so grateful for AHNM's quick ability to act and assist in cruelty cases as well as the tremendous work they do every day for the animals that they take in. Thank you AHNM!

I hve been involved with AHNM for many years as a vendor, donor and adoption coordinator with a breed rescue organization. They are in the top 3 of non profits I have been associated with. Their community involvement, from the Doggie Dash and Dawdle, Artists for the Animals, Newsletters, Adopion Clinics and so much more, promotes their mission to the fullest. The entire staff is remarkable and dedicted to the animals. AHNM, is quite frankly, a remakable organization and one that makes our community proud of their accompishments.

I have been on the Board for about a year and a half. In that time I have found the organization to be exceptionally well run by the staff. The Executive Director is very professional and extremely knowledgable about running a shelter, and she clearly cares very deeply about the mission of the organization - to find homes for cats and dogs that are homeless, to provide veterinary care for low-income pet owners and to lead the way in spay/neuter programs. Her professionalism and caring approach have been instilled in the management team and in all the people who work or volunteer at the shelter. As a result of the effectiveness of Animal Humane New Mexico, during my time on the Board it has consistently received donations in excess of the amount budgeted. I am proud to be affiliated with such an outstanding and well run organization.

Animal Humane New Mexico is a most amazing organization with incredible staff, board and volunteers. As with many shelters, AHNM is wholly supported by donations - and they do it all. From the wonderfully cared for dogs and cats (all looking for their forever homes), the low-income clinic, the spay/neuter program, behavior assistance, and pet shop -- Animal Humane is a one-stop shop. Animal Humane is a great community partner. I am proud to be a part of its extended family.

All three of our wonderful dogs were adopted through Animal Humane, and I can't say enough good about this fine organization. From building the first clinic in Albuquerque to provide veterinary services to those with limited financial means, to opening an adoption facility in the Northeast Heights that provides easier and more visible access, Animal Humane New Mexico is always looking at the next strategic move it can make to find good homes for many pets as possible, to educate the population about preventing overpopulation, and especially to mitigate pain and suffering of our fellow creatures. I am proud to be a donor and supporter!

As a volunteer I get to work with many of the thousands of people and pets helped by this amazing organization. This past Saturday I helped a woman who came in with her eleven year old daughter to surrender their cat. They were upset because the economy had forced them to move to a place where they couldn't keep pets. While it was a difficult situation I felt good assuring them that we would take good care of their pet and do our best to find her a new home. The week before I handled an an adoption to a couple that had adopted their last dog from us more than 12 years ago. Once again they found a wonderful adult dog to complete their family. Another couple told me that their vet had suggested they come to Animal Humane to look for their next dog because he knew that we were doing a really good job of caring for our dogs and cats. As a board member and board president I know that this organization is run very efficiently and makes excellent and effective use of the private funds we are given by thousands of donors. I am especially proud of the low income veterinary clinic that we opened nearly two years ago. I know that so many more people are able to care for and keep their pets because of this service. It is the only such clinic in our state. I have the privilege of making thank you calls to some of our donors. They usually end up thanking us for what we do.

This is one of the best run non-profits I've worked with. When people donate, they know that their good money is suppored by good management. The board and management view this as a business as well as a service to the community. As a volunteer for a fundraiser, the support staff has been superb and the committee stellar. Their creativity to distinguish themselves from other shelters has made them into one of the best non-profits in the state. Kyla Thompson

Each time I visit the main campus of Animal Humane New Mexico, I am thrilled to see the continued improvements. With the comfort of the dog and cat residents, as well as the public in mind, they have created a warm and welcoming environment. The staff is friendly and helpful and eager to assist people in finding a forever friend. I am so pleased with their committment to help reduce the number of unwanted animals through robust spay/neuter programs and provide veterinary care for the pets of people who are low-income.