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Past Articles

On the Positive Side: Older dogs a good fit for older people (Las Cruces Sun-News column 7/11/2010)

On the Positive Side: Decision to use service dog not to be taken lightly (Las Cruces Sun-News column 7/4/2010)

On the Positive Side: Law says service dogs not same as therapy dogs (Las Cruces Sun-News column 6/27/2010)

Dog-wash fundraiser cleans up (Las Cruces Sun-News article 6/27/2010)

Animal shelter project runs out of money (Las Cruces Sun-News article 6/15/2010)

On the Positive Side: A best-practices method for cats helps all (Las Cruces Sun-News column 6/13/2010)

On the Positive Side: Sam's story: Distinguished dog helps saves petsitter (Las Cruces Sun-News column 6/6/2010)

Shelter director's contract extended (Las Cruces Sun-News article 6/4/2010)

More complaints surface about animal shelter (Las Cruces Sun-News article 6/3/2010)

On The Positive Side: Companion Animals: Take First Step (Las Cruces Sun-News column 5/30/2010)

Program focuses on bond between humans, animals (Las Cruces Sun-News article 5/30/2010)

On The Positive Side: Be careful not to leave a pet in the car (Las Cruces Sun-News column 5/23/2010)

On the Positive Side: The rescue greyhound (Las Cruces Sun-News column 5/16/2010)

Horse Sense: Horses help kids to heal, grow (Las Cruces Sun-News article 5/12/2010)

On The Positive Side: Horses can be helpful in both therapy, education (Las Cruces Sun-News column 5/9/2010)

Dog-fighting suspected after 25 dogs are seized in Chaparral (Las Cruces Sun-News article 5/8/2010)

Cases of equine abuse appear to be rising in NM (Las Cruces Sun-News article 5/6/2010)

Long road to no-kill: Shelter director says the goal is still possible (Las Cruces Sun-News article 5/3/2010)

On the Positive Side: Taffy’s gone, but her memory lives on (Las Cruces Sun-News column 5/2/2010)

On the Positive Side: Annual adoption event (Las Cruces Sun-News column 4/25/2010)

NM health officials say plague found in dogs, cats (Las Cruces Sun-News article 4/19/2010)

Owners have options for pets who’ve passed (Las Cruces Sun-News article 4/19/2010)

On the Positive Side: Site helps adopt animals (Las Cruces Sun-News column 4/18/2010)

Puppies in Peril (Las Cruces Sun-News article 4/10/2010)

Horsehair-thief strikes NMSU (Las Cruces Sun-News article 4/8/2010)

On the Positive Side: “Mrs. Crump’s Cat” good book for kids (Las Cruces Sun-News column 4/4/2010)

On the Positive Side: Animal Control offers free pet education series to groups (Las Cruces Sun-News column 3/28/2010)

On the Positive Side: Walking your dog win-win proposition (Las Cruces Sun-News column 3/21/2010)

Dozens of dogs seized in Hidalgo County animal cruelty case (Las Cruces Sun-News article 3/15/2010)

On the Positive Side: Safe Haven sanctuary helps homeless animals (Las Cruces Sun-News column 3/14/2010)

On the Positive Side: Seminar to provide training about cases of animal abuse (Las Cruces Sun-News column 3/7/2010)

Las Cruces animal shelter improving, but not perfect yet (Las Cruces Sun-News article 3/5/2010)

On the Positive Side: Ordinary pets often can have extraordinary impact on people (Las Cruces Sun-News column 2/21/2010)

On the Positive Side: NM Dachshund Rescue provides for dogs in need (Las Cruces Sun-News column 2/21/2010)

On the Positive Side: ACTion for Animals reaches out to area (Las Cruces Sun-News column 2/14/2010)

Seized pitbulls up for adoption (Las Cruces Sun-News article 2/13/2010)

On the Positive Side: On the Positive Side: Ownership, welfare and profit key issues (Las Cruces Sun-News column 2/7/2010)

On the Positive Side: Therapaws program offers companions (Las Cruces Sun-News column 1/31/2010)

Shelter proposes trap, neuter, release for feral cats (Las Cruces Sun-News article 1/31/2010)

On the Positive Side: Awareness campaign targets chained dogs (Las Cruces Sun-News column 1/24/2010)

On the Positive Side: New program informs Doña Ana County breeders of their obligations (Las Cruces Sun-News column 1/17/2010)

Las Cruces pooches receive blessings at annual event (Las Cruces Sun-News article 1/17/2010)

Puppies find homes, but Las Cruces shelter still overwhelmed (Las Cruces Sun-News article 1/16/2010)

Shelter head has to make tough choices as puppies inundate facility (Las Cruces Sun-News article 1/10/2010)

On the Positive Side: One poodle’s success story can help other animals find a home (Las Cruces Sun-News column 1/3/2010)

Prison dogs get pardon, to retire to handlers’ homes (Las Cruces Sun-News article 1/2/2010)

Corrections facility’s drug-sniffing dogs sent to Santa Fe (Las Cruces Sun-News article 12/31/2009)

On the Positive Side: Animal service projects in the new year to connect with kids (Las Cruces Sun-News column 12/27/2009)

Scott brothers raise hackles in shelter crowd (Las Cruces Sun-News article 12/23/2009)

Group to protest dogs’ return to owners (Las Cruces Sun-News article 12/22/2009)

On the positive side: Calendar project brings art, businesses together to benefit animal shelter (Las Cruces Sun-News column 12/20/2009)

Dogs seized in Scott brothers investigation face uncertain future (Las Cruces Sun-News article 12/19/2009)

El Paso brothers pick up pit bulls (Las Cruces Sun-News article 12/16/2009)

Scott brothers getting dogs back (Las Cruces Sun-News article 12/14/2009)

Take steps to keep your pet safe, well this holiday season (Las Cruces Sun-News column 12/13/2009)

Search continues for hero dog Zulu (Las Cruces Sun-News article 12/10/2009)

Veterinarians warn of canine flu (Las Cruces Sun-News article 12/8/2009)

On the positive side: Foster family is best gift for homeless dog (Las Cruces Sun-News column 12/6/2009)

Hiker’s dog kept him warm, ran away (Las Cruces Sun-News article 12/6/2009)

Shelter head evaluated (Las Cruces Sun-News article 12/2/2009)

Animal shelter is filling up rapidly (Las Cruces Sun-News article 11/24/2009)

On the Positive Side: Spay-Neuter is Primary Answer to Community’s Pet Overpopulation Problem (Las Cruces Sun-News column 11/22/2009)

Mesilla couple could face 106 years in jail in animal hoarding case (Las Cruces Sun-News article 11/20/2009)

On the Positive Side: Horses As Teachers - Living the “Herd Way” (Las Cruces Sun-News column 11/15/2009)

On the Positive Side: HSSNM sharpens philosophy, programs (Las Cruces Sun-News column 11/8/2009)

On the Positive Side: November is Adopt-A-Senior Pet Month (Las Cruces Sun-News column 11/1/2009)

On the Positive Side: Help line provides animal advice, information (Las Cruces Sun-News column 10/25/2009)

On the Positive Side: Volunteers save lives (Las Cruces Sun-News column 10/18/2009)

On the Positive Side: PetSmart Charities, HSSNM bring pets, people together (Las Cruces Sun-News column 10/11/2009)

Mother, son may face more dogfighting charges (Las Cruces Sun-News article 10/10/2009)

Animal Services Center of the Mesilla Valley loses veterinarian (Las Cruces Sun-News article 10/8/2009)

On the Positive Side: Volunteer to help shelter pets (Las Cruces Sun-News column 10/4/2009)

On the Positive Side: Food bank helps feed area’s needy animals (Las Cruces Sun-News column 9/27/2009)

In Las Cruces, deaf teen, dog reunited (Las Cruces Sun-News article 9/24/2009)

On the Positive Side: McConnel estate benefits animals (Las Cruces Sun-News column 9/20/2009)

On the Positive Side: Local heroes give two cats a second chance (Las Cruces Sun-News column 9/13/2009)

On the Positive Side: SNAP golf tournament a success (Las Cruces Sun-News column 9/6/2009)

On the positive side: Children’s stories can teach valuable pet lessons (Las Cruces Sun-News column 8/30/2009)

Golfers take swing at raising spay-and-neuter funds (Las Cruces Sun-News article 8/30/2009)

On the positive side: Dealing with the feral cat problem (Las Cruces Sun-News column 8/16/2009)

APA’s cash raffle winner (Las Cruces Sun-News article 8/20/2009)

On the positive side: Sanctuary serves beagles, basset hounds (Las Cruces Sun-News column 8/16/2009)

Animal shelter has new Web site (Las Cruces Sun-News article 8/10/2009)

Military working dog adoption group finds homes for retired K9s (Las Cruces Sun-News article 8/10/2009)

On the positive side: Animal groups celebrate success (Las Cruces Sun-News column 8/9/2009)

Hackles raised during shelter meeting (Las Cruces Sun-News article 8/7/2009)

Fur may fly at animal shelter meeting (Las Cruces Sun-News article 8/6/2009)

Brothers accused of dog fighting operation allege violation of rights (Las Cruces Sun-News article 8/2/2009)

On the Positive Side: Therapaws connects the ill with furry friends (Las Cruces Sun-News column 8/2/2009)

Las Cruces group seeks pet food donations (Las Cruces Sun-News article 7/24/2009)

City votes to get Animal Services pet adoptions back at Farmers Market (Las Cruces Sun-News article 7/21/2009)

On the Positive Side: Opportunities abound for animal lovers in Las Cruces (Las Cruces Sun-News column 7/19/2009)

Council to mull animal rules (Las Cruces Sun-News article 7/19/2009)

Animal activists don chains to show the plight of dogs (Las Cruces Sun-News article 7/12/2009)

	Michel Meunier (left) and Linda Jackson chain themselves to a dog house to demonstrate against the cruelty of leaving dogs chained.

On the Positive Side: Community key to helping shelter (Las Cruces Sun-News column 7/12/2009)

On the Positive Side: Conference inspires animal advocates (Las Cruces Sun-News column 7/5/2009)

Dog fighting case seems poised to favor defendants (Las Cruces Sun-News article7/5/2009)

Exotic-breed cats transferred to Arizona animal shelter (Las Cruces Sun-News article 6/22/2009)

On the Positive Side: There’s a lot to love about pit bulls (Las Cruces Sun-News column 6/21/2009)

Our View: Still too many animals at shelter are euthanized (Las Cruces Sun-News editorial 6/21/2009)

Donations save 56 Doña Ana County dogs from euthanization (Las Cruces Sun-News article 6/19/2009)

Confiscated dogs force others to be euthanized to make room at shelter (Las Cruces Sun-News article 6/18/2009)

On the Positive Side: Annual fundraiser benefits animals in Doña Ana County (Las Cruces Sun-News column 6/14/2009)

On the Positive Side: Gas chamber ban a step forward for animals (Las Cruces Sun-News column 6/7/2009)

On the Positive Side: Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary Thrift Store (Las Cruces Sun-News column 5/31/2009)

Doña Ana County-Las Cruces animal shelter seeks homes for just-orphaned exotic cats (Las Cruces Sun-News article 6/5/2009)

Overwhelmed residents have animals removed from their homes(Las Cruces Sun-News article 6/4/2009)

City tells animal shelter to stop Downtown Mall adoptions (Las Cruces Sun-News article 5/30/2009)

On the "Pawsitive" side: Volunteering as an animal rescue driver is rewarding work (Las Cruces Sun-News column 5/17/2009)

On the "Pawsitive" side: Humane work good for the human heart (Las Cruces Sun-News column 5/17/2009)

On the "Pawsitive" side: Group works to rescue golden retrievers (Las Cruces Sun-News column 5/10/2009)

On the "Pawsitive" side:2009 Animal Care Expo draws big crowd (Las Cruces Sun-News column 5/3/2009)

Governor Richardson Signs Spay/Neuter License Plate Law. Beginning July 1, $25 of the $37 paid by New Mexicans for a special "spay/neuter" license plate will go to spaying and neutering programs in the purchaser's county. Click here for full information.

The true value of humane education (Las Cruces Sun-News column 4/26/2009)

Las Cruces City Council approves rules for soon-to-open dog park (Las Cruces Sun-News article 4/22/2009) Click for Rules and regulations that will apply to the new dog park

On the "Pawsitive" side: NMSU sets example with feral cats (Las Cruces Sun-News column 4/19/2009)

ACTion Programs for Animals (APA) to launch a pet food bank in June (press release dated 4/15/2009)

Las Crucens peck at chicken issue (Las Cruces Sun-News article 4/14/2009)

On the "Pawsitive" side: National no-kill successes show some hope for a positive future (Las Cruces Sun-News column 4/12/2009)

CLUCK petitions Las Cruces to change chicken law (Las Cruces Sun-News article 4/7/2009)

Las Crucen alleges dog was improperly euthanized, files notice of tort claim with city (Las Cruces Sun-News article 4/5/2009)

On the "Pawsitive" side: Animal groups working to bring more change (Las Cruces Sun-News column 4/5/2009)

Animal center: Maintain efforts (Las Cruces Sun-News editorial 4/5/2009)

Cockfighting operations busted (Las Cruces Sun-News article 4/5/2009)

Pet licensing fee and microchipping sought (Las Cruces Sun-News article 4/3/2009)

Animal shelter revenue half what was expected (Las Cruces Sun-News article 4/1/2009) Read a copy of the agenda for Thursday’s board meeting of the Animal Services Center of the Mesilla Valley.

Animal lesgislation update (message from Heather Ferguson 3/30/2009) Click here for the full newsletter from Animal Protection Voters.

On the "Pawsitive" side: Animal board set to meet in Albuquerque (Las Cruces Sun-News column 3/29/2009)

On the "Pawsitive" side: 'For the HeART of animals' fundraising event scheduled(Las Cruces Sun-News column 3/15/2009)

On the "Pawsitive" side: Legislature looks to protect NM’s animal population (Las Cruces Sun-News column 3/8/2009)

On the "Pawsitive" side: New coalition seeks positive ACTion for animals (Las Cruces Sun-News column 3/1/2009) Click here for event flyer.

Help Could Be Near for N.M. Pets, Horses (Albuquerque Journal editorial 2/15/2009)

Veterinarians see uptick in distemper cases from animal shelter (Las Cruces Sun-News article 2/13/2009) To go to the Web site for Animal Services Center of the Mesilla Valley, click here. To view the Animal Health Channel distemper page, click here.

Construction under way on park for pooches (Las Cruces Sun-News article 2/11/2009)
To see a schematic design of dog park, click here. To visit the Las Cruces Dog Park Coalition Web site, click here.

On the "Pawsitive" side: Find love in time for Valentine's Day (Las Cruces Sun-News column 2/7/2009)

Animal shelter expenses increase (Las Cruces Sun-News article 2/6/2009)

No jail time for Anthony man convicted of dogfighting (Las Cruces Sun-News article 2/6/2009)

MMC lease prompts city to cut SNAP funding (Las Cruces Sun-News article 2/4/2009)

On the "Pawsitive" Side: Volunteer help with animal control (Las Cruces Sun-News column 2/1/2009)

On the "Pawsitive" Side: Augie Doggie finds a home (Las Cruces Sun-News column 1/25/2009)

Jury acquits horse trainer (Las Cruces Sun-News article 1/25/2009)

Action Programs for Animals (press release dated 1/21/2009)

On the "Pawsitive" Side: Treat the root causes of animal overpopulation (Las Cruces Sun-News column 1/18/2009)

Dog-fighting verdict a first in NM (Las Cruces Sun-News article 1/16/2009)

On the "Pawsitive" Side: Managing cat colonies hard (Las Cruces Sun-News column 1/11/2009)

First board meeting set for animal shelter (Las Cruces Sun-News article 1/10/2009)
(see also the HSSNM calendar)

In a SNAP (Las Cruces Sun-News article 1/10/2009)

On the "Pawsitive" Side: Working together in the Mesilla Valley (Las Cruces Sun-News column 1/4/2009)

SNAP still working for city (Las Cruces Sun-News article 12/30/2008)

Spay and Neuter Program to lose city funds (Las Cruces Sun-News article 12/22/2008)

A cause for paws: Christmas can be a great time to add a four-legged friend to the family (Las Cruces Sun-News article 12/21/2008)

On the "Pawsitive" Side: A Christmas story about a friend to man and animals (Las Cruces Sun-News column 12/21/2008)

On the "Pawsitive" Side: Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary a no-kill option (Las Cruces Sun-News column 12/14/2008)

Veterinarian hired for Animal Services Center of the Mesilla Valley (Las Cruces Sun-News article 12/14/2008)

Dog park funds: Use it or lose it (Las Cruces Sun-News editorial 12/4/2008)

Las Cruces dog park on the horizon (Las Cruces Sun-News article 12/2/2008)

On the "Pawsitive" Side: Progress made on animal welfare, but still a long way to go (Las Cruces Sun-News column 11/30/2008

On the "Pawsitive" Side: Volunteers help adopt animals (Las Cruces Sun-News column 11/23/2008

On the "Pawsitive" Side: Come to the shelter and adopt a pet (Las Cruces Sun-News column 11/16/2008

Va. boy uses birthday to raise funds for area animals (Las Cruces Sun-News article 11/16/2008)

On the "Pawsitive" Side: Get involved helping our animals (Las Cruces Sun-News column 11/9/2008)

On the "Pawsitive" Side (Las Cruces Sun-News column 10/26/2008)

Day of the Dead pet altar at Mesilla Plaza (HSSNM press release 10/23/2008)

HSSNM's offering to honor our four legged family members and those that died without a family, Dia De Los Muertos at Mesilla Plaza, November 8, 2008.

My view: Not everything is black and white at the shelter (Las Cruces Sun-News editorial 10/23/2008)

Public officials support animal shelter chief (Las Cruces Sun-News article 10/22/2008)

Animal shelter euthanasia rate remains high (Las Cruces Sun-News article 10/20/2008)

Missing cat brings scrutiny to animal shelter practices (Las Cruces Sun-News article 10/20/2008)

On the "Pawsitive" Side (Las Cruces Sun-News column 10/19/2008)

Best Buy Awards $3000 TagTeam Grant to Humane Society of Southern New Mexico (press release dated 10/7/2008)

On the "Pawsitive" Side (Las Cruces Sun-News column 10/12/2008)

On the "Pawsitive" Side (Las Cruces Sun-News column 10/5/2008)

Humane Society hotline to take cruelty, neglect complaints (Las Cruces Sun-News article 9/28/2008)

On the "Pawsitive" Side (Las Cruces Sun-News column 9/28/2008)

Animal No-Kill Solution Sought (Las Cruces Sun-News article 9/25/2008)

On the "Pawsitive" Side (Las Cruces Sun-News column 9/14/2008)

Shelter needs help with more animals (Las Cruces Sun-News article 9/9/2008)

On the "Pawsitive" Side (Las Cruces Sun-News column 9/7/2008)

Adoption options: Specific breed? Mutt? Your perfect pet awaits (Las Cruces Sun-News article 9/6/2008)

On the "Pawsitive" Side (Las Cruces Sun-News column 8/31/2008)

On the "Pawsitive" Side (Las Cruces Sun-News column 8/24/2008)

Three new members selected for Humane Society board (Las Cruces Sun-News article 8/22/2008)

On the "Pawsitive" Side (Las Cruces Sun-News column 8/17/2008)

On the "Pawsitive" Side (Las Cruces Sun-News column 8/10/2008)

Las Cruces City Council OKs deals on animal shelter, Sapphire Energy (Las Cruces Sun-News article 8/5/2008; for full text of the Joint Powers Agreement, click here)

HSSNM Benefits from Local Businessman (HSSNM press release dated 8/4/2008)

City council to vote on animal center agreement with county (Las Cruces Sun-News article 8/3/2008)

On the "Pawsitive" Side (Las Cruces Sun-News column 8/3/2008)

Public is getting the message (Las Cruces Sun-News column 7/27/2008)

Animal activists dogging officials about animal shelter (Las Cruces Sun-News article 7/25/2008)

Prescription for Health: Pet of the Week (featured on KSNM 570 radio program with Chris Minnick and Michele Berendsen, broadcast Wednesdays from 4 to 6 p.m.)

On the "Pawsitive" Side (Las Cruces Sun-News column 7/20/2008)

City, county to create interim animal shelter advisory panel (Las Cruces Sun-News article 7/18/2008)

Mesilla Valley animal shelter on table for joint meeting (Las Cruces Sun-News article 7/16/2008)

On the "Pawsitive" Side (Las Cruces Sun-News column 7/13/2008)

Shelter's quest for no-kill status draws more animals (Las Cruces Sun-News article 6/29/2008)

On the "Pawsitive" Side (Las Cruces Sun-News column 6/29/2008)

County delays shelter decision (Las Cruces Sun-News article 6/25/2008)

Animal shelter at top of agenda (Las Cruces Sun-News article 6/23/2008)

On the "Pawsitive" Side (Las Cruces Sun-News column 6/8/2008)

On the "Pawsitive" Side (Las Cruces Sun-News column 6/1/2008)

On the "Pawsitive" Side (Las Cruces Sun-News column 5/25/2008)

The Morning Show with Alan Riehl / Dr. Beth Vesco-Mock, Frank Bryce, and Mike Hainer (link to audio feed from KSNM AM 570 radio broadcast 5/21/2008)

On the "Pawsitive" Side (Las Cruces Sun-News column 5/18/2008)

No-Kill Confusion (Las Cruces Sun-News letter to the editor 5/18/2008)

On the "Pawsitive" Side (Las Cruces Sun-News column 5/11/2008)

New animal shelter director takes charge, plans transition to no-kill facility (Las Cruces Sun-News article 5/4/2008)

On the "Pawsitive" Side (Las Cruces Sun-News column 5/4/2008)

Volunteer Veterinarians Bring Their Skills to Rural American Indian Communities (Albuquerque Journal article 5/4/2008)

On the "Pawsitive" Side (Las Cruces Sun-News column 4/27/2008)

On the "Pawsitive" Side (Las Cruces Sun-News column 4/20/2008)

No-kill shelter goal of new director (Las Cruces Sun-News article 4/16/2008)

Georgia veterinarian named animal shelter director (Las Cruces Sun-News article 4/12/2008)

The Morning Show with Alan Riehl/Mike Hainer and Frank Bryce from the SNM Humane Society and LC City Manager Terrance Moore (link to audio feed from KSNM AM 570 radio broadcast 4/11/2008)

Names in the News: Ray Powell visits Roots and Shoots (Las Cruces Sun-News article 4/10/2008)

Top row, from left, are Clint Ziehl, executive director of the Boys and Girls Club of Las Cruces, Mike Hainer, president of the Humane Society of Southern New Mexico, Ray Powell, regional director of Roots and Shoots, Ken Hoeksema, president of the Boys and Girls Club, and Councilor Sharon Thomas. And members of the local chapter of Roots and Shoots program. (Courtesy photo)

Volunteers needed (Las Cruces Sun-News letter to the editor 4/6/2008)

On the "Pawsitive" Side (Las Cruces Sun-News column 4/6/2008)

More need to speak up (Las Cruces Sun-News letter to the editor 3/30/2008)

On the "Pawsitive Side" (Las Cruces Sun-News column 3/30/2008)

Ray Powell visits Las Cruces Roots and Shoots (press release 3/25/2008)

On the "Pawsitive" Side (Las Cruces Sun-News column 3/23/2008)

Trap-neuter release facts (Las Cruces Sun-News letter to the editor 3/3/2008)

Volunteers needed (press release 2/28/2008)

Guest Editorial in Las Cruces Sun News—Animal Shelter Needs Paradigm/Philosophy Shift (2/27/2008)

City of Las Cruces & Dona Ana County jointly take over operation of the Animal Shelter in February 2008

White Paper on Shelter Reform (1/30/2008)

Animal Cruelty Taskforce Opens new Hotline

Spay and Neuter Mobile Van for Southern New Mexico