NMAF August Newsletter


Image of Running of the Chihuahuas Flyer

RUNNING OF THE CHIHUAHUAS
Saturday, August 20th
8:45 am - 5:00 pm

Balloon Fiesta Park

The 2nd Annual Running of the Chihuahuas returns to Albuquerque on August 20th!  In the first year, 143 chihuahuas and chi mixes raced to stardom!  This year will be even bigger and better!

Chihuahua races, inflatable jumpers, food trucks, beer garden, pet booths, face painting, and family fun for all ages!

Don't own a chihuahua - don't worry!  There will be all breed contests for Best Costume and Doggie/Owner Look-alike.


A portion of the proceeds will benefit Paws and Stripes, a non-profit organization that provides service dogs for wounded U.S. military veterans.

$35 per dog to race (includes 2 adult tickets and swag bag)
$10 adults - early bird price ($15 at the gate)
Free - children 10 and under


More Information

 
CAT MEWS
 
Image of Ellie MaeImage of Sally Sue
Ellie Mae and Sally Sue

These two sweet female siblings, Ellie Mae and Sally Sue, are now in need of a new foster home due to their foster mom's sudden illness.  We are praying that she will be better soon!

Both of these pretty kitties have perfect house manners and like attention from their human friends.  You can visit NMAF’s website and learn more about how they came to us.  Then, if you think you might like to foster them for NMAF, please call Jeri at 350-7463 or email Vicki at vicki@nmaf.org for more information!
 
 
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Video of Fred Weasley, Dreaming of a New Home

Fred Weasley, one of the Harry Potter kitties, is sacked out after a long day of playing at adoption clinic.  As he sleeps, he's dreaming of a new, forever home.  Could that home be yours?

 
Images of Violet
Violet Catching Up On Her Reading       Violet Snuggling With Her New Buddy

The color violet is described as the color of amethyst, lavender, and beautyberries.  In history, it has long been associated with royalty, majesty, extravagance, and individualism. In Chinese paintings, it represents the harmony of the universe, the yin and the yang.

But Violet’s beginnings were not royal, majestic, extravagant, or harmonious.  Fearful to join, she was found at the fringe of an established feral cat colony in the South Valley.  The caregiver would regularly see Violet waiting for the other cats to eat before she slowly approached the food bowls.  The caregiver knew she was not a “regular”, so one night she tried to approach her, but Violet ran.  The caregiver was determined, and she set up a humane trap.  After a few nights of trying, Violet was captured and brought to the caregiver’s home.  The caregiver wasn’t sure what to do.  Seeking advice, she was told to approach her slowly and start to gently pet her.  The caregiver was apprehensive, but slowly Violet began to respond to the love.  The caregiver took the initiative to find her a foster parent, who in turn showered her with more love and Violet, like the flower, began to bloom.

The caregiver contacted NMAF to see if Violet could be brought into the cat program and put up for adoption.  The vote was unanimous!  At her visit to the vet, she was given a clean bill of health and then starting coming to the adoption clinics.  She is now in a wonderful home surrounded with love.
 

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Blue Kitty

Blue Kitty - Success Update

There must be something in the water . . .

There must be something in the water at the Blue Kitty's home as he is a spry, active and healthy eighteen year old.  

Blue Kitty was adopted from NMAF in 1998 when he was five months old!  He had a very humble beginning, born in a dumpster and rescued along with his mamma and littermates.  Once the kittens were altered and deemed healthy by the vet, they made their debut at clinic.  A new NMAF volunteer was working the clinic and fell in love with this handsome guy.  Given that he was likely a Russian Blue X and that he had a glowing blue-gray coat, his new human promptly named him "Blue Kitty".  

Besides the humans, Blue Kitty resides with two dogs and two other cats.  Maybe that's why he’s still going strong - there is no shortage of activity in this busy household.  One thing's for sure, we wish Blue Kitty many more happy and healthy years with his family.
 
DOG NEWS

Image of Baby Girl
Baby Girl

Third home finally the forever home!

Few will disagree that puppies are the cutest things in the entire world!  They usually enter this world cute, fluffy, innocent, loving, and funny.  When Baby Girl was born there is no doubt that she possessed all of these attributes and was a loved puppy.  However, something went wrong in the three short years of this little dog's life before she came to NMAF.

Baby Girl was dumped at a shelter when her owner died and no one wanted her.  She lived with two sisters, not littermates, but all lived together and now all three were unwanted . . . homeless!  Each of these little girls had immeasurable issues and were not adopted out in time.  The shelter's procedure in this case was euthanasia!  But, NMAF was notified, a quick transport was organized (scrambled is more descripive) and the little group of sisters was rescued . . . not euthanized!

Baby Girl was afraid of everything and had so many other issues, but because she was the perfect size and breed, she was adopted quickly.  Several weeks later, however, she was returned because of her issues and fears.  NMAF then worked diligently with Baby Girl to address her issues, showing her nothing but love and acceptance.  At our adoption clinics she learned to trust men and that going for a walk on a leash could be fun.

Baby Girl learned to receive praise and to give kisses in return.  She was put on medication to ease her fears and anxiety.  Then, from our website, she caught the eye of her Forever Auntie, who then brought her Forever Mom to clinic to meet Baby Girl.  It was love at first sight!  A home visit was scheduled that same day, and that night Baby Girl slept in her own bed that she shares with her Forever Mom.  Baby Girl also has a sister cat and a brother dog that love her and reassure her every day that this home IS forever!

At last report, Baby Girl has convinced her mom that they need a midday nap all snuggled together in HER bed!

NMAF is working constantly with all of our passionate volunteers to save all that we can.  Thank you for your support.  We could never do it without you!
 

Image of BoezyImage of Katiedid
Boezy and Katiedid

July saw fantastic adoption results from NMAF!  We took in 31 dogs.  Adoptions were fantastic with 22 dog adoptions!  Many thanks to MaryEllen who spearheaded most of the dog rescues from high kill shelters around the state!

Our dear friend had a devastating illness and is recuperating.  She was fostering multiple dogs and two cats for NMAF.  Thoughts and prayers go out to her speedy recovery!

Our little Katiedid and Boezy both needed multiple extractions when they had their teeth cleaned.  Our little Angel is facing an abdominal surgery.  Generous donations help pay for these expensive-but-needed procedures.

We are needing more "Adopt Me" vests as the old ones are wearing thin.  Anyone wanting to contribute to this special fund can call the office.  We use these at adoption clinics or when fosters are out walking their dogs.

FUNDRAISER NEWS

Image of Design by Wine EventImage of Design by Wine Event
NMAF Supporters and Their Paintings at the Design by Wine Fundraising Event
 
NMAF held a fundraising event July 26th at Kelly Jo Designs by Wine.  We had a full house and everyone enjoyed painting a picture of a happy dog.  We raised $350!  The proceeds will go toward medical expenses for some recent intakes.  Next up - painting a picture of an adorable cat.  Stay tuned for details.  You won't want to miss the fun.

 
Images of Cookout
   Manager, Maribeth St. Cyr, at the Grill                       Cookout Visitor
                       

A successful fundraiser for New Mexico Animal Friends was held in conjunction with our Saturday adoption clinic on July 23rd.  Friends, present and past adopters, family and supportors, plus PetSmart customers, enjoyed burgers and hotdogs grilled by Maribeth St. Cyr, PetSmart manager.  Maribeth offered to help us with the fundraiser and wheeled up her professional grill on her hay trailer.  She turned out to be an ace chef.  Many thanks to all the volunteers who helped serve as well.
 
BEST FRIENDS CONFERENCE
 
Images of Conference
Sharon at the Best Friends Conference   Over 1300 Participants at the Conference

Best Friends Conference
July 2016


By Sharon Bruce

The Best Friends Conference was held in Salt Lake City this year.  And as a new member of the board for New Mexico Animal Friends, I decided that I needed to learn more about best practices for the NMAF cat adoption program since my involvement was with our dog program.  For three days I attended presentations, including Jackson Galaxy's "My Cat From Hell", and talked with as many "cat" people as possible about the experiences nationwide.  From big city shelters to small rescue groups, they all had useful information to share.
 

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