Nate Cote (second from left), HSSNM Board of Directors & Cruisin' Committee Chair, poses with group in celebratory spirit during the after-party at the Blue Moon. Also pictured is Steve Fischmann (second from right), NM Senator & Honorary Cruisin' Chair, with his wife Sandy Fischmann and Jaime Rodriguez owner of the Blue Moon.

Cruisin' for Critters 2nd Annual Charity Run - October 16

The Cruisin for Critters 2nd Annual Charity Run was a huge success with over 250 riders!! Kudos goes to all the volunteers and committee members who made the event possible!!

Motorcycle enthusiasts and friends came out in good numbers from as far as Santa Fe and Albuquerque, and surrounding areas including Alamogordo and El Paso, to support the event. Proceeds from the run and after-party, totaling close to $1000 per organization, went to the following 6 participating animal welfare organizations: Humane Society of Southern NM, Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary, ACTion Programs for Animals, Spay & Neuter Action Program, Great Dane Rescue, and AWARE-Animal Welfare & Responsibility Education.

Our thanks to all the riders who came out for the day. It was great from start to finish. A rider and winner of one of the grand prizes said "What a great day for the event and if you need an endorsement for next year's ride, let me know. I'll be happy to participate!"

We are grateful to our generous sponsors who supported the event with cash sponsorships or equivalents in services: Gold Paws ($500) Cynthia & Billy Garrett, Progressive/McGonigle Insurance, Budweiser/Premier Distributing, Las Cruces Sun News, Las Cruces Bulletin, Dog Cruces & American Classifieds. Silver Paws ($250) Horse 'n Hound, Pic Quik, Ideals Inc., Blue Moon Bar, De Valle Physical Therapy & Rehab, Better Life Pet Foods, Sparkys, and Dona Ana County Humane Society. Bronze Paws ($100) Las Cruces Pet Sitters Guild, Rockwell Investigators, La Posta, Animal Protection New Mexico, Ken Miyagishima, Mountain View Market, Bill Hart, and Nate Cote.

Fall PetSmart Adoption Event - October 15th

"Fall in love at the fall adoption event" is exactly what happened recently to some adopters and their families! We're delighted to report that "Boots", a year & ½ old orange and white tabby female, was adopted by a gentleman who had been eyeing her for sometime. Tigger, a peach-colored male kitten, was adopted by a woman very knowledgeable about felines. She fell in love with Tigger, a playful companion for her other two resident cats. We're also thrilled to share the good news of Sunny's adoption! Sunny is a chocolate Labrador who was in foster care several months with HSSNM and now enjoys the exercise and varied activity of life on a ranch, in Deming, with his new guardian.

Special thanks is owed all the volunteers who staffed the adoption event and promoted/assisted the animals. Kudos go to every person who works in HSSNM's adoption program with PetSmart Charities, now in its fourth year! We're indebted to Evelyn Hancock, captain of HSSNM's cat adoption program and her crew of dedicated volunteers! And, of course, we couldn't manage any of the events without Frank Bryce and Bill Smith, HSSNM board members who are also faithful transporters of foster animals.

Our thanks to all who stopped by to see us and to get information. It was a great event!

World Rabies Day Clinic - Friday, September 30th

Over 200 animals from the community were vaccinated for rabies during the 2nd annual World Rabies Day clinic held at the Dona Ana County Government Center. HSSNM teamed up with ACTion Programs for Animals (APA) and the Spay & Neuter Action Program (SNAP) to provide the low cost clinic, with the Animal Services Center of the Mesilla Valley (ASCMV) offering pet licenses and microchip services and featuring shelter animals for adoption. It was a very successful event with area veterinarians Elizabeth Carver, Laura Henckel, and Jean Wolfgang administering the vaccines.

"Dogust-August Day With Kittens Galore" Adoption Event at PetSmart - Saturday, August 20th

We're happy to share good news about placement of two Siamese-mix kittens at this August adoption event. The adorable kittens are brother and sister, placed with a family who have a school-aged child to dote on them and play with them!

We thank all the volunteers staffing the event including those who work in HSSNM's adoption program with PetSmart Charities, now in its fourth year! Special thanks goes to Evelyn Hancock, captain of HSSNM's cat adoption program and her crew of dedicated volunteers. Our thanks to Frank Bryce and Bill Smith for providing transport of foster dogs and cats to the event. Thanks to all members of the public who visited our table. It was a busy day with a steady stream of visitors who came to say hello and to check out the animals.

Bandana Sale Benefitting Kids & Critters - Farmers' Market - August 3rd

The booth at Farmers' Market, sponsored by HSSNM, for Boys & Girls Club youth was a success with kids learning about small business operations while helping animals with sales from their tie-dyed bandanas. Special thanks is owed Terry Thomas, HSSNM & R.S.V.P. volunteer, for teaching the children how to tie-dye during the service learning project and to Brian Johnson, program director, and staff members of the B&G Club for their support of the summer project. We thank all the customers who purchased these unique, hand-designed bandanas as accessory wear for themselves or for their pets. Total proceeds were $50.00! Bandanas will be featured again at other venues.

Pictured from left to right are: Julissa Galaz, Annalyse Rodriguez, Brian Johnson (program director of B&G Club), Gavi Ortiz, Alexis Apodaca, Cynthia Lopez, Shyanne Specht, Stephanie Lopez, and Delilah De La O.

Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic in Hatch - July 30th -

HSSNM provided 130 free rabies vaccinations at a clinic in Hatch with Elizabeth Carver, DVM (Mesquite Veterinarian Clinic) administering the vaccinations. Many chose the distemper vaccine combo as affordable for their pets with the rabies vaccination free. The clinic was successful for disease prevention and life saving of animals in a community lacking veterinarian services.

In addition to this clinic, HSSNM provided 20 free rabies vaccinations at a separate event at Doggie Dude Ranch in Las Cruces with Dr. Carver administering the vaccinations.

HSSNM will issue vouchers to people on request for free rabies vaccinations at locations where Dr. Carver administers the vaccine such as PetCo.

Fundraiser Through Red Brick Pizza "Charity Café" - July 28th

We are happy to report proceeds at about $120 from this fundraiser with Red Brick Pizza, through their "Charity Café". 15% of sales on July 28th , from take-outs & eat-ins, were awarded to HSSNM from customers mentioning our name. Response was tremendous! We are grateful to all our members and friends who bought pizza and invited others! We enjoyed visiting with folks who came at the dinner hour and joined us for eat-in and some social time. Our thanks for making this a success and for your support of HSSNM programs and services benefiting animals!

Adoption Event at PetSmart - Saturday, July 23rd

We are pleased to report the adoption of 4 animals at this successful promotion event! The Bichon twin cuties "Duke & Duchess", young adults from our foster care program, were adopted by a family with children who will provide the attention and exercise these playful pups need. Two cats were also adopted at the event. Loki, a 10-year old male was relinquished by his owners, fostered and re-homed through our program. He was adopted by a retired couple in a home where he will be the only pampered feline. "Solo y numero uno" and "happy beginnings" says a volunteer who shared the great news!

We are thrilled for these animals placed in good homes and want to thank all the volunteers working the event! Special thanks goes to Evelyn Hancock, captain of HSSNM's adoption program with PetSmart Charities and her crew of dedicated volunteers. Our thanks to Frank Bryce and Bill Smith for providing transport of foster animals to the event. Thanks to all who came to the adoption event to check out the animals or to say hello with inquiries on pet care and related topics.

Annual Members & Friends Meeting - Saturday, July 23rd

There was good response to the program and guest speaker Billy Garrett, chairman of the ASCMV, at our recent "Annual Members & Friends Meeting. Many area animal advocates and reps of local groups were in attendance.

Miracle's Memorial -Sunday, July 17th - Unitarian Universalist Church

A memorial service in tribute to the rescued basset hound "Miracle", who was taken in by Southern NM Basset Hound & Beagle Rescue, was held at the Unitarian Universalist Church on July 17th. The service, organized by the Southern NM Basset Hound & Beagle Rescue and HSSNM, was attended by animal advocates and community members. Speakers addressing the audience during the program segment of the service were Dolores Connor (City Councilor, Dist.2) Nate Cote (HSSNM), Jean Gilbert (HSSNM), Lorna Harris (Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary) Bill & Linda Hart (So. NM Basset Hound & Beagle Rescue), Anna Juarez (Spay-Neuter Action Program), Ken Miyagishima (Mayor of Las Cruces), Mary Spencer-Dickinson (animal friend), and Veryl Yarnes (Dona Ana County Humane Society).

Larry Stocker provided music w/a heart-rending song entitled "Mojo"about a beloved dog belonging to a friend, played on guitar with harmonica. Mr. Stocker read the poem "Rainbow Bridge" for the closing of the service.

Speakers emphasized community demand and call for humane education, spay-neuter, and other resources for helping people with animals in need. Please click on this link for newspaper articles about Miracle, aka Trixie, ( 7-12-11 & 6-13-11) and click on this HSSNM link for photos and information about a service learning project honoring Miracle's Memory.

Black Box Theatre Benefit  - Sunday, June 26th

We are thrilled with the turn-out of members and supporters who bought tickets and attended the matinee benefit at the Black Box Theatre! Thanks to the great reception, we raised over $600 for HSSNM programs serving animals. "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" was very well received... and no wonder because the play is a hysterical, comedy-musical with quirky characters played by a very talented cast.

Our thanks to all who attended and supported the event and to committee members, especially Marilyn Grayson, for organizing the fundraiser.

St. Patty's Pet Adoption Event at PetSmart - March 19th

Our Saint Patty's adoption event held at PetSmart was a huge success with 4 animals adopted in one day! We are thrilled for these animals to be in forever homes!! We are especially happy for Ivana, a long-term foster cat, for finding a home with a nice family who visited the PetSmart store prior to the adoption event and with great consideration and interest came back to adopt her on the day of the promotion. Spider, a beautiful tortoise shell kitty, found a home with a couple who wanted a companion cat after a period of loss/grief over the death of their senior cat of 19 years.

Pearl, a German Shepherd mix, found a forever home with a young couple who fell in love with her upon introduction and were busy shopping at PetSmart for all the pet supplies and accessories needed after finalizing the adoption. Mia, a Basenji mix, was adopted to a family who were recommended by HSSNM members. The family reports that Mia has adjusted readily and they are so happy adopting her.

We owe special thanks to Evelyn Hancock, HSSNM cat adoption captain and foster, and all the cat adoption volunteers who work the program with Evelyn. We are grateful to HSSNM president Frank Bryce and HSSNM member/pet help line volunteer Bill Smith for providing transport for every adoption promotion event. Huge thanks are due all the HSSNM volunteers and board members who staffed the information table and worked the promotion. What a team! Y'all spell "SUCCESS"!!

Dogs Deserve Better "Have a Heart for Chained Dogs" Campaign- February 14, 2011 　

More than 50 valentines were made for chained dogs to help improve their lives by Critter Connection and Snooter Club kids. The valentines were made during humane education sessions led by HSSNM, at three Las Cruces Boys & Girls Club sites. The valentines were sent to Dogs Deserve Better headquarters and then mailed to residences, identified by DDB, with chained dogs. A $75.00 donation was sent to DDB with $10.00 of the money raised by Snooter Club kids through a penny drive and matched by a donor.

Four copies of the award winning book Buddy Unchained were donated and delivered to area elementary schools for their libraries: Mesilla Park Elem, Cesar Chavez Elem., Central Elem., and Mac Arthur Elem.

A group photo with adult volunteers and kids holding Buddy Unchained copies appears on the Dogs Deserve Better website, including photos of Critter Connection kids making valentines. To see the photos, click on this link: http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org/vdaywrap2011.html

Valentine's Day Resale Table at Big Daddy's Flea Market - February 12th

Our Valentine's Day Resale Table at Big Daddy's Flea Market was very successful with a team of eight volunteers staffing the table and working the event. HUGE thanks goes to all of these people for their promotional skills raising more than $85.00 for programs and services helping animals! We are really pleased with the success of the event and thank everyone for braving the cold morning temps! Special thanks is due to the Mc Connel family estate for donating the majority of V-Day items and toys, to contributors of other resale goods, and all the friends and folks who dropped by the table to check us out.

"Looking for Love" Adoption Promotion Event at PetSmart - February 11th-12th

We adopted one black kitten named Alice at the adoption event and elicited interest in many others animals during the promotion. It was a busy weekend with a lot of people stopping by to see the animals and to talk to us about pet care and related topics. Our thanks to all the volunteers who worked the event and to members of the public for coming to check out the animals and to learn about our adoption program with PetSmart Charities.

HSSNM "Members & Friends Meeting" with TNR Panel (Trap-Neuter-Return of Feral Cats) - January 22nd

A panel of experts on the topic of TNR, Trap-Neuter-Return of feral cats, spoke at the HSSNM "Members & Friends Meeting" held at Encantada Park Community Center on January 22nd. Representatives from ACTion Programs for Animals, the Spay-Neuter Action Program, Animal Welfare & Responsibility Education, Animal Control Reserve Officers' Program, private citizens, and animal advocates attended the meeting. Our thanks to all who attended the presentation, to the panelists for sharing their expertise on the subject and engaging us in lively debate and discussion, and to the HSSNM board of directors for hosting the meeting. Please click here for details and photos.

HSSNM Information Booth at Las Cruces Convention Center "Touch a Truck" Open House Event -Saturday, January 15th-

Many thanks to board members and volunteers who staffed HSSNM's information/outreach table at the "Touch A Truck" Open House at the Las Cruces Convention Center on Saturday, January 15th. Members and friends enjoyed the lively event with other non-profit organizations, talking to citizens who came to our information table about animal topics. Volunteers and members enjoyed networking with seven animal welfare organizations/agencies in attendance and meeting numerous other agencies and clubs, located in Las Cruces, at this first-time information fair at the Convention Center featuring non-profits.

Pet Photos With Santa at PetSmart - December 18th & 19th　

HSSNM President Frank Bryce, pictured here with two adorable pups, got a work-out volunteering as Santa during the weekend! Over 50 photos were taken of pets with their people and Santa at the PetSmart store, with proceeds benefiting HSSNM as an adoption partner. Some interesting pets came for a photo session with Santa, including a Bantam rooster! And a group of animals-- two dogs, two cats, and a ferret-- all managed to sit still long enough with their owners and Santa to have their picture taken!

Thanks to all who participated and made the event successful! Kudos to Santa from all the pets, and their people too!

Holiday Adoption Promotion Event at PetSmart- December 11th

It was a successful holiday promotion event at PetSmart on Saturday, December 11th with the adoption of two dogs! We are happy to report the adoption of Max, a pug mix, by a family looking for a rescue dog. He will have children to play with and to dote on him! Conner was adopted by a couple looking for a companion friend for their Chihuahua dog who is the same breed as Conner. The two took an immediate liking to one another! We're thrilled to report these adoptions and the adoptions of three cats that occurred during the week, prior to the adoption event!

Our grateful appreciation to all the volunteers who worked the event, those who transported the animals to PetSmart and those who promoted the animals for adoption.

It takes a team! We're thankful for the dedicated volunteers who staff the cat adoption program on a continuous basis at PetSmart, for all the work they do maintaining the kitty condos and socializing the animals.

We want to thank community members for dropping by to see the animals and to visit us. Additional information on animals available for adoption can be found here on our website on the "Adoptable Pets Page" and "Pet Help Line Page" for rescue animals needing homes.

Holiday Resale Table at Big Daddy's Flea Market -Saturday, December 4th

Our holiday resale table at Big Daddy's Flea Market was successful with seven hardworking volunteers staffing the table and moving merchandise out at very affordable prices. Proceeds from the sale were about $100 which is good for our first time using this venue for a half day. We'll be back early spring, minus ear muffs and gloves, when the weather is warmer! Our thanks to members and friends who donated items for the resale table and to the family whose estate donated the majority of the toys and Christmas items to benefit HSSNM.

Benefit at the Black Box Theatre, a No Strings Theatre Company - November 21st

We're pleased to say attendance and ticket sales were good for this fundraiser, a matinee performance of the romantic comedy "Cockeyed" at the Black Box Theatre. Approximately 60 tickets were sold or two-thirds the theatre seating capacity was sold, so we are happy with this outcome for a first-time event! Our thanks to HSSNM members and friends for coming out, for the great show of support at this delightful and entertaining play directed by Ceil Herman. Huge thanks also goes to the volunteers who work in HSSNM programs and bought tickets as an additional measure of support. We enjoyed the opportunity to mingle with members, volunteers, and friends during intermission time and hope to catch up with everyone again soon at a future event!

PetSmart Charities Holiday National Adoption Weekend - November 13-14

We are thrilled to report the adoption of 4 dogs and 8 cats during this adoption promo. It was a banner weekend, week, and month actually with this record number of adoptions!! We are delighted for Missy, a beagle-dachshund mix who was in foster care briefly, adopted shortly thereafter to a senior person who wanted a senior or older dog as a companion. Chyna, a 10-year old husky-shepherd mix is another senior dog who found a family at this event. Three families adopted cats in pairs, accounting for 6 of the 8 cats adopted during the weekend! Of those adopted, a couple pairs were siblings while another pair were kittens from different litters but the same age with high energy levels at 6 months old. We are so happy for these animals finding good homes and grateful to the adopters for their careful consideration, choosing a pet from the Humane Society!

Evelyn Hancock, HSSNM cat adoption captain, had a surprise visit from an adopter who dropped by the event. She was traveling through town in her RV with her cat Banjo, and stopped to share updates with Evelyn and volunteers about this much-loved kitty adopted from our program a couple years ago.

Our thanks to the volunteers who worked the event, promoting the animals for adoption. Our grateful appreciation to the volunteers who staff the cat adoption program on a continuous basis at PetSmart, cleaning the kitty condos and to all who socialize and work with animals, dogs or cats, on a daily basis to enrich their time while they're waiting for adoption.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by to check us out. If we didn't feature the animal you're looking for, be sure to look online at our "Adoptable Pets Page" and "Pet Help Line Page" for rescue animals needing homes.

Dancers Unlimited of NMSU Benefit Performance
October 22nd- 7:00 p.m.

"Dancing for the Animals", a benefit performance for HSSNM put on by Dancers Unlimited, was a huge success—beyond our expectations, especially for a first time event. We are thrilled with attendance and everyone's support of the event! It was a tremendous display of talents by dancers and a terrific collaboration of talent by Unitarian Universalist musicians and soloists performing at the UU Church.

Our thanks to all the dancers for making the event a success: Krystal Altrock, Ann Marie Bean, Josh Bernal, Bradley Fuller, Hector Gabaldon, Jenalee Garcia, Melanie Larson, Jonathan Martin, Amanda Montoya-Downs, Mary Scrivner, Sara Squirrel-Jackiewicz (coordinator), & Anna Young. Please click here for photos.

Our thanks to all the Unitarian Universalist musicians and friends who performed: Nancy Anderson, James Caufield, Laura Humphries, Anthony James, Ron Lauterbach, Judy Licht, Rich Richins, Stephanie Richins, Mary Thompson, Rev. Rod Thompson, JD Schultz (coordinator), & Irene Schultz (coordinator).

Howling Halloween Adoption Promo Event -Saturday, October 16th　

We are pleased to announce the adoptions of three animals which took place either during or prior to the PetSmart promotion event. One adoption was a young black kitten who left quite a print on the hearts of volunteers and they are thrilled with the news! Another adoption was an adult cat who came to us from an Arizona shelter that closed last spring. We are so happy for these animals finding the right family. In addition to promoting adoptions, we helped people get assistance for a puppy they rescued. The puppy was fortunate to find a good home, seemingly by accident with all the right things falling into place.

Our thanks to all the volunteers who staff the cat adoption program on a continuous basis at PetSmart and volunteers who regularly attend the promotion events to help animals find forever homes. We are grateful to you and the volunteers who socialize and work with the animals daily to enrich their time while waiting for adoption.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by to see the animals. If we didn't feature the animal you're looking for, be sure to look at our adoptables notebook with photos and descriptions or check online at our "Adoptable Pets Page" and "Pet Help Line Page" for rescue animals needing homes.

World Rabies Awareness Day- September 28th

Community support was tremendous for “World Rabies Awareness Day”, held September 28th at the Dona Ana County Government Center, with citizens and their pets coming out in large numbers for the event.  More than 170 people attended with their pets!   Over 260 rabies vaccines were administered to pets by Dr. Elizabeth Carver with the Mesquite Vaccination Clinic.  The vaccines were free of charge to pet owners, made possible through a grant from the World Rabies Day Campaign (www.worldrabiesday.org).  The grant was awarded to our organization (HSSNM), ACTion Programs for Animals (APA), and the Spay-Neuter Action Program (SNAP). Click here for more on the event.

"Second Chance at Love" PetSmart Adoption Event- September 10th & 11th- 　

We are thrilled to report there were four adoptions resulting from our recent promotion, appropriately headlined "Second Chance at Love". Three adorable kittens found forever homes, including one who joins a family with an adult feline adopted from our program a couple years ago. HSSNM foster dog Sasha was adopted in a home where she joins a Corgi-mix dog as a family member and playmate. These two hit it off immediately when they met! We are so happy for these animals!! 　

Many thanks to all the volunteers and friends who helped during the promotion and those involved prior to the adoption event. The dedication and involvement of supporters are HUGE in the success and outcomes for animals, such as the socialization of animals while in foster care and with the feature, display, and promotion of animals at events. 　

Our thanks to members of the public for stopping by to visit and to check us out. If the animal you're looking for isn't featured at the adoption event, be sure to look at our book with pictures and descriptions of adoptable animals in our program. And don't miss pages continuously updated here on the website, including the "Adoptable Pets Page" and the "Pet Help Line Page" for rescue animals needing homes.

Pet Adoption Promo Event at PetSmart - August 21st

Our thanks to the friends, supporters, and community members who dropped by to see the rescue/foster animals featured at the promotion event on August 21st at PetSmart. Many stopped by to see the animals or to visit with us at our information and education/outreach table held in conjunction with the adoption event. We appreciate the support for rescue animals, those who need a second chance at love in forever homes! Interest was shown in the many adorable kittens featured that day. The interest of admirers will likely result in adoptions sometime during the month or before summer comes to a close.

"Dog Days of Summer" Pet Adoption Promo Event at PetSmart - July 24th-

We are pleased to announce the pet promotion event on July 24th resulted in three adoptions! Toby, a beautiful and energetic "red headed" Labrador mix puppy was adopted by a family as a companion for their adult Red Tick Hound. Toby is a welcome addition, especially for his new buddy who's needed a canine pal since the loss of an elderly furred friend who was his long-time companion.

Chloe, an adult cat was admitted into our program the day of the promotion and adopted that afternoon by a family who will treat her as queen being the sole family pet. It should be noted that Chloe did not adjust to her former family's dog so her new home is perfect where she is the only pet.

An adult Chihuahua "Lucky", who has been in the HSSNM foster care program for awhile, was also adopted at the event. We are thrilled for these three animals finding forever homes!

Our thanks to all the volunteers who made the event successful and to members of the public who dropped by to see the featured animals and to visit our information/outreach table. It was a busy day with a lot of people stopping by, showing interest in HSSNM programs and services for animals. Many thanks!!

Annual Members & Friends Meeting - Saturday, July 17th

The show of support was tremendous from members and friends attending the July 17th annual meeting!! Read highlights of the meeting by clicking on this link and summary about presenter Betty Hoover, director of the Humane Society of El Paso, who spoke on the important topic of a "No Kill Agency".

Dogs Deserve Better Chain-Off - Saturday, July 3rd

Animal advocates and friends joined together for the second annual "Dogs Deserve Better Chain-Off" on July 3rd, lead by ACTion Programs for Animals, bringing awareness to the plight of chained dogs in our community. The "Chain Off" was held at Albert Johnson Park near Branigan Library, a high traffic and visible area where passer-bys had opportunity to view demonstrators' placards with declarations "Unchain My Heart", "A Chained Dog Lives in Misery", "Friends Don't Chain Friends". Motorists passing by responded enthusiastically to the demonstration and to signs, including "Honk to Unchain" with countless honks of their car horns and thumbs up in support!!

KRWG Radio covered the demonstration. Click on this link to see the interview.

Consider joining us next year for this annual observance. Stayed tuned to learn about future activities or events planned regarding "Dogs Deserve Better" work and campaigns.

Yard Sale Fundraiser on June 26th HUGE SUCCESS for Cat Adoption Program!!

The yard sale held on June 26th to benefit the HSSNM cat adoption program was a tremendous success with over $600.00 raised!! Organizers Monica & Bob Smiggen, Diane Hammond, & Evelyn Hancock are especially thrilled with this first time fundraiser for the cat program.

Evelyn Hancock, captain of the HSSNM cat adoption program with PetSmart Charities, wants to acknowledge the following people for their hard work in making the fundraiser such a huge success:

Considerable thanks go to Monica & Bob Smiggen for holding the sale at their home and for serving as organizers and coordinators of the sale. This was quite a responsibility with all the comings and goings with donated items and work involved with their home as headquarters! Special thanks go to Diane Hammond for taking a lead and large role in the work of organizing the sale. Acknowledgements also go to the following people for their donations of sale items, money contributed, for their time and talents: Kathy Billing, Michelle Corella, Marilyn Grayson, Jackie Hestir, Kelley Hestir, Kristen Hestir, Barbara Kane, Charissa Paskowski. Our thanks also to HSSNM board of directors for donating items.

Adoption Promotion Event at PetSmart - June 19th

The adoption promotion event held June 19th at PetSmart resulted in an adoption and perfect match for family for Katie, a yellow Labrador mix who has been in HSSNM foster care. Katie is a welcome addition to her new family, adopted as a companion for their female dog who has been missing her former playmate/companion who recently died. We are so happy for Katie!

Our thanks to all who dropped by to see the featured animals at the promotion event and those who visited our information/outreach table. We appreciate your interest and support of rescue animals who are looking for a second chance at love in forever homes.

Adoption Promotion Event at PetSmart - May 22nd

The adoption promotion event held May 22nd at PetSmart was certainly rewarding for volunteers with 4 kittens adopted, plus an adult cat adopted the day before!! Two of the adopted kittens, Specks and Thomasina, are living with their new family in Deming. Milo, another adopted kitten, is residing with a feline who was adopted from our cat program about a year ago. The fourth kitten adopted, named Dexter, is living with a woman who adopted a senior cat from us two years ago (unfortunately the senior cat recently passed away). We are thrilled with these adoptions and so happy to have return adopters coming back!

“Second Chance at Love” Adoption Event - April 30th & May 1st

The weekend promotion event was a success with a lot of traffic to our table and adoption display with people dropping by to see the animals or to ask questions and get information about pet-related topics. We appreciate the interest shown by the public in our adoption work, helping rescue animals, and humane education efforts. We are grateful for the dedicated volunteers who generously donated their time, promoting animals and assisting the public. Two very special animals were adopted at the event!

Polo is a young adult male, small mixed-breed dog and a former chained dog who was rescued by HSSNM from a residence in-state and fostered by HSSNM members/volunteers. The foster family trained him to be housebroken, to use a doggy door and some general manners. He was adopted by a nice couple and is happy in his new forever home where he is receiving lots of attention.

Chico is a 4 and ½ month old Chihuahua puppy whose owner had to re-home him because he was not compatible with the other family dog. Chico was adopted to a family with children who will be his playmates.

Advocacy Meetings to Help Chained Dogs -
Saturday, April 10th & May 8th

Representatives of ACTion Programs for Animals, the Dona Ana County Humane Society, Dog Park Coalition, Humane Society of Southern NM, and concerned citizens and dog lovers attended the first advocacy meeting on April 10th to help chained dogs. HSSNM hosted the meeting at their offices. Michel Meunier, Las Cruces Dogs Deserve Better representative and ACTion Programs for Animals president lead the meeting. Attendees discussed ways to help chained dogs with adequate orientation and training to approach owners and ways to secure resources such as fencing for pet retention if possible or appropriate. Attendees also discussed projects, including education campaigns, with framework to accomplish. Please click here for pdf with notes of the meeting and action items.

The second meeting was held on May 8th with representatives from ACTion Programs for Animals, the Dona Ana County Humane Society, Dona Ana County Animal Control Reserve Officers’ Program, the Humane Society of Southern NM, and Spay-Neuter Action Program. Dogs Deserve Better signs to promote un-chaining were distributed, to be used in resident yards and designated businesses with a local phone number as a contact.

Special Toy Rabbit Sale at HSSNM Offices - April 3rd

The toy rabbit sale held at HSSNM offices and Farmer’s Market, in conjunction with a literature-education table, was a success with over $100.00 in proceeds from donations for the rabbits and other Easter-toy items. Some were purchased as dog toys! We want to thank members of our board for staffing the tables at the office and Farmer’s Market and to all the people who helped with a purchase of toys. The money will go to support our programs and services for the animals. And we still have some toy rabbits left for next year for another mini-fundraiser…...hippity hoppity!!

Pet Adoption Event - Saturday, March 20

Our adoption promotion event held at PetSmart on March 20th was a success with two animals finding forever homes that day. A cat named “Autumn” who has been with us in foster found a home and “Scruffy” a small terrier mix also found a forever home. Many people stopped by during the event to look at the animals while others had questions or inquiries. The monthly adoption events are always a good opportunity to meet people and provide direction about resources or other information related to pets and their care. We also accepted a new cat in our foster care program who will be placed up for adoption.

Seminar by Attorney & Author Catherine Wolfe - March 15th & 16th

Animal control officers from Dona Ana County and the City of Las Cruces and El Paso, including an attorney at law, a student in criminal justice, the shelter director from the Animal Services Center of Mesilla Valley, and board members of HSSNM were attendees at a two-day seminar "Investigate & WIN Animal Abuse Cases," sponsored by the Humane Society of Southern New Mexico. Catherine Wolfe, a Michigan attorney and author of "Get The Edge in Fighting Animal Cruelty Cases," presented the two-day workshop where attendees learned how to conduct smart investigations and effective presentations of evidence, including how to operate with maximum efficiency to handle more cases successfully. In addition to learning practical and unconventional techniques from the expertise of Catherine Wolfe, participants had opportunity to network and make important connections with people at the seminar.

This seminar is the catalyst for several planned in the near future and hopefully will continue to attract interested and involved participants thus having a major impact on the animal cases statewide.

Catherine Wolfe's book is available on her webisite, http://www.wolfepackpress.org for $39, which includes shipping and handling.

HSSNM Members & Friends Meeting- February 20th

HSSNM held a membership meeting February 20th from 3 PM to 5 PM at Encantada Park Clubhouse for interested members and the public. The HSSNM Board of Directors was introduced and each gave reports involving their responsibilities for the past year and outlined some needs, goals and activities of the upcoming year along with the HSSNM financial status. This was an informative session and a great review along with discussions for focusing on HSSNM goals for the future.

Highlight of the meeting was the comments by Animal Services Center of Mesilla Valley Board of Directors Chair and City Councilor Miguel Silva. Silva discussed his anticipated actions and expectations for the Center and suggested how outside organizations could be great resources for work needed at the shelter. Silva drew a lot of comparison of the shelter with his experience with the Solid Waste Authority and how that entity has been developed over quite long period and is considered a successful operation at this juncture.

The tongue in cheek by Silva was he "talked trash" a lot but he did feel he brought a lot to the table as the new ASCMV Board Chair with this previous experience. Silva re-iterated how it was a difficult transition for the new shelter director to take over such a entrenched problem and she was still getting her feet on the ground.

Silva graciously fielded questions and concerns from the members, stayed for the presentations of the HSSNM Board which probably gave him a very good picture of the organizations efforts and anticipated acivities for the coming year. He gave generously of his time to speak personally with members after the meeting officially closed. He did agree that many of the questions and concerns might be addressed in a town meeting forum with a panel discussion format and participant questions and stated he was willing to seek that sort of venue with the Board.

It is felt this was a good update for everybody and some beneficial communication was accomplished. The HSSNM Board looks forward to the coming year with its challenges and accomplishments and asks for our membership to get involved to assist with this effort.

Submitted by Frank Bryce

"Second Chance at Love" Pet Adoption Event, February 12-13

The “Second Chance at Love” adoption event held at PetSmart on February 13th & 14th was a tremendous success with five cats and two dogs finding love and a family with adoption into permanent homes! We are thrilled with the success of this adoption promotion, especially for little Dot, a senior kitty who found a forever home that weekend along with Max, a Pinscher mix.

Our thanks to all who volunteered at the event, helping with set-up and showcasing/featuring the animals and help with exercise and potty breaks for the dogs, and other jobs. Adoption events like this would not be possible or successful without your help!

Our thanks to all the people who dropped by the event to see the animals and to chat with us. We are always delighted and pleased to have so many people stop by to see our wonderful animals, to ask for help with their own pets, or just to chat with our volunteers. We greatly appreciate your interest in helping rescue animals and the work/programs of HSSNM!

To date, pet adoptions have continued as a result of the “Second Chance at Love” event. Our beloved Betty Boop, a chow mix who was in foster care with HSSNM several months was recently adopted! We are soooooo happy for Miss Betty and for several kittens who’ve been adopted since the event.

January Adoption Event - January 16

The New Year’s adoption promo event held at PetSmart on January 16th resulted in four adoptions! Three small breed dogs were adopted including a miniature Schnauzer rescued from Hobbs. A beautiful long haired male kitten in foster care with HSSNM found a forever home and was adopted by a woman who previously adopted an adult cat from us in 2008. So this lucky kitten has a feline friend to live with as well as his human family!

Our thanks to all the people who played a role in this event, including the fosters who care for the animals while they wait for homes and the volunteers affiliated with the cat adoption program, and all the volunteers who worked the event. Our thanks also to everyone who invited friends & family to the event. All of you, in various roles, made the adoption promo a huge success!

Pet Adoption Event December 12th

At the monthly adoption event on December 12, we had one gray adult cat adopted, Juniper. Then on Monday, December 14, the two black and white kittens, Snaps (left) and Sylvester, were adopted. It was kind of a fall out of the weekend event.

It was a good event with many people stopping by and offering support for our ongoing efforts on behalf of the many cats and dogs in this area.

Pet Photos with Santa - Saturday & Sunday Dec. 5-6, 12-13, 19-20

Our thanks to ALL who brought their pets to PetSmart for the “Pet Photos With Santa” feature during December with proceeds going to support HSSNM programs and services. We are thrilled to report, during three weekends, over 80 photos were taken with pets and their families! Santa got a real work-out!

Our grateful appreciation to everyone who went through the hoops to get their pets and family to the location all at one time and to HSSNM volunteers and friends who had everything in place, making it such a huge success. It would not have been possible without your concerted, collective efforts!

We want to acknowledge Frank Bryce for his role as coordinator for all the photo features. We also want to thank Vanessa Bryce for serving as photographer all three weekends. Our thanks to volunteers who played the role of Santa, greeting so many folks and furry friends with the added challenge of being dressed all in fur, from head to foot!

Frank Bryce, HSSNM president, acknowledges the hard work of Evelyn Hancock as captain of the program.

Thanks to HSSNM Cat Adoption Program Volunteers!

A volunteer appreciation luncheon was held on November 15th to acknowledge the dedication of HSSNM volunteers who work in the cat adoption program at the PetSmart Charities Adoption Center. These volunteers, under the direction of Evelyn Hancock (captain of the HSSNM Cat Adoption Program) have successfully rehomed over 100 cats in a ten month period.

The luncheon was hosted by the HSSNM board of directors at Encantada Community Center. President Frank Bryce presented Evelyn Hancock with a certificate of appreciation for the tremendous success of the program under her direction, resulting in over 200 adoptions in less than 2 years. Mr. Bryce noted the success of the program has made the adoption center here one of the top performing within the nationwide chain of PetSmart stores.

Following presentation of the award to Evelyn Hancock, individual volunteers were recognized with certificates of appreciation. Volunteers in attendance were Kathy Billing, Dean Hammond, Diane Hammond, Kelley Hestir, Kristen Hestir, Barbara Kane, Charissa Paskowski, and Chris Wydra. Volunteers recognized with certificates also included Pablo Coss, Jacob Deaven, Joel Garduno, Tiffany Kautz, Kayla Nelson, Bob Smiggen, Monica Smiggen, and Sara Squirell.

Pre-Holiday Sale & Open House - Saturday Nov. 14
Thanks for your support!!

Thanks to all who attended the pre-holiday sale and open house at our offices on November 14th. And special thanks to those who helped with preparation, organizing and pricing items for the event. All the work and promotion made a difference with $400.00 generated in sales and donations. The money will be put to good use to support our programs and services with the pet help line and humane education work. The specialty toys and collectibles not sold will be featured at future events or fundraisers so please stay tuned for those dates and times.

Pet Adoption Event November 13 and 14
A Successful Event!!

We're happy to report three animals were adopted at the HSSNM/PetSmart Holiday Pet Adoption Event on November 13th & 14th. Stella, a 6-year old white cat with tabby markings found a forever home with a woman from Magdalena, NM. Willy Billy, a 4-year old Maine Coon mix was adopted by a couple who live in Deming. And Wilma, a 9-month old Chihuahua/ Dachshund mix who was rescued from the Hobbs Shelter and brought to Las Cruces for a second chance at a new home found that second chance on Nov. 14th . She was adopted by a couple who live at White Sands Missile Range. We are thrilled for these animals finding forever homes. We are thankful to their adopters for choosing them, for wanting a rescue animal in great need of a home. And we're so appreciative of their foster parent/s and families for taking them during the transition time needed to help rehome them.

Adoption Event - Saturday Oct. 17

We will hold an adoption event at PetSmart on Lohman Avenue on
Saturday, October 17th from  10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Animals featured will include some of our foster dogs and cats looking for forever homes,  and cats who are in the HSSNM adoption program with PetSmart Charities.  In addition, we are looking for permanent homes for small dogs who have come to us from the now-closed shelters in Carlsbad and Hobbs.  For more information, please contact the HSSNM office at 523-8020.  
Stop by and meet some of these adorable guys-- and spread the word  about these animals looking for a second chance at love in a forever home!!

Good News!

This recent adoption event was a HUGE success, resulting in several adoptions. Four dogs and four cats found loving homes!! Peggy the young Sheltie who was in foster with us for awhile was adopted by a family. Her sister Paula was placed earlier so now they have both found forever homes! We are also thrilled about the adoptions of three small dogs, all rescues from Hobbs & Carlsbad shelters, who found homes at this promotion event. And, of course, we are delighted about the adoptions of the four felines. The success of our cat adoption program with PetSmart Charities, thanks to the leadership of Evelyn Hancock & all the volunteers in the program, has been totally AMAZING!!

Pre-Holiday Sale & Open House - Saturday Nov. 14
Thanks for your support!!

Thanks to all who attended the pre-holiday sale and open house at our offices on November 14th. And special thanks to those who helped with preparation, organizing and pricing items for the event. All the work and promotion made a difference with $400.00 generated in sales and donations. The money will be put to good use to support our programs and services with the pet help line and humane education work. The specialty toys and collectibles not sold will be featured at future events or fundraisers so please stay tuned for those dates and times.

Pet Adoption Event November 13 and 14
A Successful Event!!

We're happy to report three animals were adopted at the HSSNM/PetSmart Holiday Pet Adoption Event on November 13th & 14th. Stella, a 6-year old white cat with tabby markings found a forever home with a woman from Magdalena, NM. Willy Billy, a 4-year old Maine Coon mix was adopted by a couple who live in Deming. And Wilma, a 9-month old Chihuahua/ Dachshund mix who was rescued from the Hobbs Shelter and brought to Las Cruces for a second chance at a new home found that second chance on Nov. 14th . She was adopted by a couple who live at White Sands Missile Range. We are thrilled for these animals finding forever homes. We are thankful to their adopters for choosing them, for wanting a rescue animal in great need of a home. And we're so appreciative of their foster parent/s and families for taking them during the transition time needed to help rehome them.