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On the Positive Side

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HSSNM provided a bi-weekly newpaper column about positive developments in animal welfare from 2008 until early 2017, when the Las Cruces Sun-News went to a smaller format and discontinued its "Critter Corner" feature. This page contains an archive of all the Positive Side columns by year.

​Click on the year below to see titles and access the PDF files for the columns.
2017
Spay, neuter bill introduced for New Mexico - January 20, 2017

Guide can help with animal rescue -  January 6, 2017
2016
Thanks to all who make community better place  - December 23,  2016

Sharing successful strategies from El Paso - December 9, 2016

Good Samaritans start animal-saving process - November 25, 2016

Chipping away: Enhancing the return of pets  - November 11, 2016

Coalition for Pets and People grant nears end - October 28, 2016

Trap-neuter-return takes time, but it can work - October 14, 2016

El Paso shelter director shares no-kill goals - September  30, 2016

Animal education program teaches compassion -  September 16, 2016

Pet overpopulation in our county is no mystery  -  September 16, 2016

 Ones who do heavy lifting often overlooked - August 19, 2016

Four days of spay and neuter - August 5, 2016)

Momentum builds for spay-neuter efforts - July 22, 2016

Take the precaution of microchipping your pets - July 8, 2016

National cat adoption trends are improving - June 24, 2016

Response to spay, neuter events grows stronger - June 10, 2016

Busy summer ahead for animal advocacy - May 27, 2016

Getting to the ‘Zero-in-7’ goal at animal shelter - May 13, 2016

Visiting vet clinic makes dent in pet overpopulation - April 29, 2016

Trap, Neuter, Return program sees expansion - April 15, 2016

Free dog spay, neuter registrations this weekend - April 1, 2016

Groups partner for fundraiser - March 18, 2016

Immediate pet transport effort paying dividends - March 4, 2016

End nears for grant that funds spay-and-neuter program - February 19, 2016

Cooperative spay, neuter picks up momentum - February 5, 2016

Building on animal welfare advances - January 22, 2016

Mobile spay, neuter unit that is mostly idle should be used - January 8, 2016 


2015
Celebrate this year’s accomplishments - December 25, 2015

Be sure to plan ahead before traveling - Make the holidays safer for your pet - December 11, 2015

Cooperation among animal groups gets results - November 13, 2015

Doña Ana County animal advocacy experiencing busy time - October 16, 2015

Troubling animal welfare cases can have silver lining - September 18, 2015

Humane Society expands its animal welfare service -  September 4, 2015

Pet advocates come together in Chaparral - August 21, 2015

Pet help line is busy with calls for assistance - August 7, 2015

ASCMV board lobbies to operate spay-and-neuter van - July 24, 2015

Cat colony management effort makes progress - July 10, 2015

Spay and neuter clinics are scheduled in the area - June 12, 2015

New facility to hold animals in legal proceedings - May 29, 2015

State awards spay and neuter funds to Doña Ana County groups - May 15, 2015

HSSNM welcomes new coalition leadership - May 1, 2015

Coalition for Pets and People collaborates for the sake of animals - April 17, 2015

Interagency cooperation is topic of impromptu ASCMV workshop - April 3, 2015

Every day is an adventure with furry friends - March 20, 2015

Community cat program moves forward - March 6, 2015

It takes a village to advocate for chained animals - February 20, 2015

Volunteers, pet owners, businesses team up for microchip event - February 6, 2015

Las Cruces community gets involved in dog rescue - January 23, 2015

2015 promises opportunities for pets, people -  January 9, 2015



2014
County animal control focuses on outreach - December 26, 2014

Humane Society celebrates a successful year -December12, 2014

Humane Society in the holiday spirit with area events - November 28, 2014

It took a while, but registered cat colonies are now legal - November 14, 2014

Three paths are being plowed for progress - October 31, 2014

During the holidays, reap the benefits of pet relationships  - October 17, 2014

How you can help if you find a lost pet - September 19, 2014

The small things continue to add up - September 5, 2014

Many thanks to those who saved a kitty named Cupcake - August 22, 2014

How Java made it home and why updating microchips is key - August 8, 2014

Global support is seen for cat proliferation problem - July 25, 2014

Host a microchipping ‘party’ in your neighborhood - July 11, 2014

Proposed ordinance revision work session has issues - June 27, 2014

Spay, neuter, microchip clinics to be held in Sunland Park - June 13, 2014

Spikey heads success stories that made my day - May 30, 2014

Web of animal welfare initiatives grows - May 16, 2014

Community cat management handbook available for download - May 2, 2014

Project Save a Kitten hosts silent art auction - April 18, 2014

Many involved in making positive impact - April 4, 2014

Movement to resolve pet overpopulation continues - March 21, 2014

Finding new county pet licensing and permit information - March 7, 2014

County has new pet licensing and permit requirements - February 21, 2014

Recent happenings and upcoming events for animal advocates - February 7, 2014

Don’t think that losing a pet can’t happen to you - January 24, 2014

Starting the new year on a bright note - January 10, 2014
2013
Microchipping can provide peace of mind, even in loss - December 27, 2013

Two steps in the right direction for animals - December 13, 2013

Pets and Santa photos cap a thankful year - November 29, 2013

Coalition for Pets and People recognized - November 15, 2013

Help out Humane Society by volunteering time - November 1, 2013

Animal shelter board and city discuss staff - October 18, 2013

Seamless transition for spay and neuter programs celebrated - October 4, 2013

You decide if the TNR method makes more sense - September 20, 2013

Chaparral spay and neuter grant successfully ends - September 6, 2013

Coalition votes for community cat program - August 23, 2013

You can support HSSNM’s positive efforts - August 9, 2013

We need a local wildlife rehabilitator - July 26, 2013

Are you positively prepared for any disaster? - July 12, 2013

Animal organizations weaving a blanket of success - June 28, 2013

GO bond will be good for animals held by courts - June 14, 2013

Local family violence and animal abuse focus - May 31, 2013

We should all be encouraging pet adoptions - May 17, 2013

Do your part with second-chances fosters or adoptions - May 3, 2013

Let the chips fall where they may (and often) - April 19, 2013

New horizons in HSSNM humane education programs - March 22, 2013

Another positive effort taking root in our county - March 8, 2013

Community help for animals involves all of us - February 22, 2013

We should all take the pledge for animals - February 8, 2013

Continued animal welfare improvements in our community - January 25, 2013

Despite inclement weather, spay, neuter event a success - January 11, 2013 
2012
Fewer words, more presence - December 28, 2012

 Micro-chipping pets: This plan is coming together - December 14, 2012

 Reports of progress and how you can help - November 30, 2012

 Animal control departments take big step toward saving pets’ lives - November 16, 2012

 HSSNM becomes Good360 recipient partner - November 2, 2012

 Growing spay and neuter events shaping up - October 19, 2012

 Animal Planet reality stars coming to Las Cruces - October 5, 2012

 Dogs with a positive place in history - September 21, 2012

 Sheltering Is Pointless…Until The Need Is Reduced - September 7, 2012

 Businesses aiding animals - August 24, 2012

 Pet life saving resources are within easy reach - August 10, 2012

 Euthanasia Rates Dip At Animal Shelter - July 27, 2012

 Coalition for Pets and People Invites You to Film Debut - July13, 2012

 The Making of a Canine Good Citizen - June 29, 2012

 Did you know…? - June 15, 12

 APA’s Doña Ana Pets Alive! Campaign: It’s time for a change - June 1, 2012

 Coalition for Pets and People Breaks More Ground - May 18, 2012

 A Comprehensive, Community-wide Strategy - May 4, 2012

 Documentary Brings Dog Community Together - April 20, 2012

 Cans 4 Critters Community Project - April 6, 2012

 Better Public Information Results at Animal Shelter - March 30, 2012

 Once You Select Dog or Cat, It’s Time to Commit - March 23, 2012

 New Puppy, New Kitten? Think Before You Select, But Select - March 16, 2012

 Encouraging Innovation to Pet Welfare - March 9, 2012

 Anatomy of a Dog Bite - March 2, 2012

 Extraordinary Sheriff’s Department Veterinarian - February 24, 2012

 Amazing Results in Albuquerque Animal Shelter - February 17, 2012

 The Benefits of Pet Micro-chips - February 10, 2012

 Children Learn to “Have a Heart for Chained Dogs” - February 3, 2012

 New Resident An Asset - January 27, 2012

 Animal Safety Net Grows Stronger - January 20, 2012

 Assessment Team to be Assembled for Animal Shelter Evaluation - January 13, 2012

 Support for Amended Version of New Mexico Animal Cruelty Laws - January 6, 2012
2011
 Wrapping Up With the Holidays - December 30, 2011

Finally, A Breath of Fresh Air - December 23, 2011

Animal Advocacy to Consider Proposal for Reducing Pet Euthanasia - December 16, 2011

Cats, Dogs and GIS - December 9, 2011

Lost and Found Department, Please - December 2, 2011

On the Positive Side: Wild Bird Winter Tips - November 25, 2011

Final Event for Free Rabies Vaccination Grant - November 18, 2011

Humane Society Says Good Bye to Positive Force - November 11, 2011

For the Love of Animals Talent Show - November 4, 2011

Diggity Dog Reading - October 28, 2011

Food Loyalty - October 21, 2011

Local Corporations and Customer Show Concern - October 14, 2011

Collaboration Contributes Care and Compliance - October 7, 2011

Teaming Up for Animals - September 30, 2011

Jaxon Leads Family Down Loving Path - September 23, 2011

Community Chipping Away at Cat Concerns - September 16, 2011

Animal Cruelty Investigations - September 9, 2011

Determination and Compassion Gets Snooky Home Again - September 2, 2011

How Can You help This Stray? - August 12, 2011

Mandatory Spay, Neuter – “A Good Thing!” - August 5, 2011

Where is my lost pet? -July 29, 2011

Guidelines to raise the bar for New Mexico animal shelters - July 15, 2011

Lobbying for Las Cruces cats - July 3, 2011

Do your part to help curb cat killing in Las Cruces - June 26, 2011

The cats of Jerusalem add to its beauty - June 12, 2011

Adopting a pet with problems: Gracie’s entrance - June 5, 2011

A do-over for Mulligan - May 29, 2011

Wildlife policy: Old and new paradigms - May 22, 2011

Predator control must include entire ecosystem - May 15, 2011

Meeting the need for a pet evacuation plan - May 8, 2011

A spring story of renewal for Dilly - May 1, 2011

Spaying females key to reducing pet overpopulation - April 24, 2011

Easter pets create problems the day after - April 17, 2011

Bringing a new Lady into the family - April 10, 2011

Make sure to microchip your dog or cat - April 3, 2011

SNAP plays key role in reducing overpopulation - March 27, 2011

Fostering stray animals is part of the big picture - March 20, 2011

Help line offers support for pets and their guardians - March 13, 2011

2010 seminar focused on enforcement of animal abuse laws - March 6, 2011

Slow response to rattlesnake call frustrates - February 27, 2011

Critter Connection and Snooter Club youth have hearts for chained dogs - February 20, 2011

Clarification of rabies vaccination sought - February 13, 2011

How do we deal with stray cats? - February 6, 2011

Public intervention can put halt to animal cruelty - January 30, 2011

Like humans, animals that experience trauma can be helped - January 23, 2011

Thinking outside the box can help solve our problems - January 16, 2011

Responsibility to pets stretches beyond food and shelter - January 9, 2011

Take steps to ensure your pet is found - like Bruno - January 2, 2011
2010
 Shelters adopt new standards - December 26, 2010

Stories about cold winters teach us about keeping pets warm - December 19, 2010


Christmas Eve mess almost leaves Snooter out in the cold - December 12, 2010


All I want for Christmas is a few good volunteers - December 5, 2010


What’s fair for the chimps of the Alamogordo Primate Facility? - November 28, 2010


Thanks to all our animal advocates - November 21, 2010


Tickets to ‘Cockeyed’ will benefit HSSNM - November 14, 2010


When is a Rescue? How Far Will You Go? - November 7, 2010


Spaying vs. neutering - October 31, 2010


Of rats, mice and men - October 24, 2010


PetSmart Charities and HSSNM save lives - October 17, 2010


Animals and animal technology - October 10, 2010


Fostering stray animals a part of the big picture - October 3, 2010


Rabies in retreat: Vaccination clinic in Las Cruces - September 26, 2010


Have a new dog? Get off to a good start - September 19, 2010


Las Cruces teen becomes advocate for animals - September 12, 2010


Some pet procedures were in place ahead of Hurricane Katrina - September 5, 2010


When Gary Met Solest - August 29, 2010


Companionship is for keeps - August 22, 2010


Communities should be aware of animal hoarding signs - August 15, 2010


How should we act near a service dog? - August 8, 2010


No-kill policy has many success stories - August 1, 2010


People, shelters must be on same page in their definition of ‘no-kill’ - July 25, 2010


Best policies: Adoption, spaying, neutering - July 18, 2010


Older dogs a good fit for older people - July 11, 2010


Decision to use service dog not to be taken lightly -July 4, 2010


Law says service dogs not same as therapy dogs - June 27, 2010


A best-practices method for cats helps all - June 13, 2010


Sam’s story: Distinguished dog helps saves petsitter - June 6, 2010


Companion Animals: Take First Step - May 30, 2010


Be careful not to leave a pet in the car - May 23, 2010


The rescue greyhound - May 16, 2010


Horses can be helpful in both therapy, education - May 9, 2010


Taffy’s gone, but her memory lives on - May 2, 2010


Annual adoption event - April 25, 2010


Site helps adopt animals - April 18, 2010


“Mrs. Crump’s Cat” good book for kids - April 4, 2010


Animal Control offers free pet education series to groups - March 28, 2010


Walking your dog win-win proposition - March 21, 2010


Safe Haven sanctuary helps homeless animals - March 14, 2010


Seminar to provide training about cases of animal abuse - March 7, 2010


Ordinary pets often can have extraordinary impact on people - February 28, 2010


NM Dachshund Rescue provides for dogs in need - February 21, 2010


ACTion for Animals reaches out to area - February 14, 2010


Ownership, welfare and profit key issues - February 7, 2010


Therapaws program offers companions - January 31, 2010


Awareness campaign targets chained dogs - January 24, 2010


New program informs Doña Ana County breeders of their obligations - January 17, 2010


One poodle’s success story can help other animals find a home - January 3, 2010


2009
Animal service projects in the new year to connect with kids - December 27, 2009


Calendar project brings art, businesses together to benefit animal shelter - December 20, 2009


Foster family is best gift for homeless dog - December 6, 2009


Spay-Neuter is Primary Answer to Community’s Pet Overpopulation Problem - November 22, 2009


Horses As Teachers - Living the “Herd Way” - November 15, 2009


HSSNM sharpens philosophy, programs - November 8, 2009


November is Adopt-A-Senior Pet Month - November 1, 2009


Help line provides animal advice, information - October 25, 2009


Volunteers save lives - October 18, 2009


PetSmart Charities, HSSNM bring pets, people together - October 11, 2009


Volunteer to help shelter pets - October 4, 2009


Food bank helps feed area’s needy animals - September 27, 2009


McConnel estate benefits animals -  September 20, 2009


Local heroes give two cats a second chance -  September 13, 2009


SNAP golf tournament a success -  September 6, 2009


Children’s stories can teach valuable pet lessons - August 30, 2009


Dealing with the feral cat problem - August 23, 2009


Sanctuary serves beagles, basset hounds - August 16, 2009


Animal groups celebrate success - August 9, 2009


Therapaws connects the ill with furry friends - August 2, 2009


Opportunities abound for animal lovers in Las Cruces - July 19, 2009


Community key to helping shelter - July 12, 2009


Conference inspires animal advocates - July 5, 2009


There’s a lot to love about pit bulls - June 21, 2009


Annual fundraiser benefits animals in Doña Ana County - June 14, 2009


Gas chamber ban a step forward for animals - June 7, 2009


Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary Thrift Store - May 31, 2009


Volunteering as an animal rescue driver is rewarding work - May 24, 2009


Humane work good for the human heart - May 17, 2009


Group works to rescue golden retrievers - May 10, 2009


2009 Animal Care Expo draws big crowd - May 3, 2009

The true value of humane education - April  26, 2009

NMSU sets example with feral cats - April 19, 2009

National no-kill successes show some hope for a positive future - April 12, 2009


Animal groups working to bring more change - April 5, 2009


Animal board set to meet in Albuquerque - March 29, 2009


‘For the HeART of animals’ fundraising event scheduled - March 15, 2009


Legislature looks to protect NM’s animal population - March 8, 2009


New coalition seeks positive ACTion for animals - March 1, 2009 


Find love in time for Valentine’s Day - February 8, 2009


Volunteer help with animal control - February 1, 2009


Augie Doggie finds a home - January 25, 2009


Treat the root causes of animal overpopulation - January 18, 2009


Managing cat colonies hard - January 11, 2009


Working together in the Mesilla Valley - January 4, 2009


2008
​

 A Christmas story about a friend to man and animals - December 21, 2008
​
Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary a no-kill option - December 14, 2008

Spay and neuter van to snap into action around the community - December 7, 2008

Progress made on animal welfare, but still a long way to go - November 30, 2008

Volunteers help adopt animals - November 23, 2008

Come to the shelter and adopt a pet - November 16, 2008

Get involved helping our animals - November 9, 2008

Safe Haven a sanctuary for our animals - October 26, 2008

SNAP offers low-cost spay, neuter services  - October 19, 2008

Demand accountability on shelter - October 12, 2008

Bringing together seniors and pets - October 5, 2008

 New Pet Help Line to aid distressed pet owners - September 28, 2008

Come to the No-Kill Study Group - September 14, 2008

 Ending pet breeding vital to community - September 7, 2008

 Humane Society conference provides invaluable training - August 31, 2008

 Humane society gets help from unusual partnership - August 24, 2008

Saving our animals in the Mesilla Valley - August 17, 2008

City OKs shelter agreement; time for commission to act - August 10, 2008

City council to vote on animal center agreement with county - August 3, 2008

Public is getting the message   - July 27, 2008

Public, private cooperation is the answer - July 20, 2008

The real miracle of companion animals - July 13, 2008
​
Benefit art auction helps no-kill-community goal - June 29, 2008

Group brainstorms to craft animal shelter strategies - June 8, 2008

 Let’s work together to build a no-kill community - June 1, 2008

No-kill community pursues top strategies - May 25, 2008

 Building toward a no-kill community - May 18, 2008

 Older animals need help finding homes, too - May 11, 2008

 We must become a no-kill community - May 4, 2008

 Be a foster parent for an animal - April 27, 2008

 Cooperation among animal groups key to success - April 20, 2008

Changing the sad truth of animal euthanasia - April 6, 2008

Welfare News for Animals & People - March 30, 2008

Welfare News for Animals & People - March 23, 2008


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