Our MIssion:
Our MIssion:
A Non-Profit (501(c)(3) Organization, founded in 1998
HAPPY TAILS Present through 2016
Sophie, Growing Like a Weed
September 2016
We adopted Sophie, a fuzzy, tan puppy with the coal-black muzzle of a German shepherd mix, so she could join our family of two cats and a 6-year-old dog.
Sophie’s ride from Chama to our home east of Santa Fe that day must have been hard for her, away from her four litter mates for the first time. Bumping along in a strange crate with strange people talking around her.
She was quick to learn, though, that she had a new playmate - Lucy, our shepherd-golden mix, also a rescue, who looks for all the world like Sophie’s mother. They both play and wrestle very nicely, not biting hard, with Lucy letting the puppy get away with all sorts of undignified silliness. From the start, Sophie liked to sleep cuddled up to Lucy, with her nose buried on Lucy’s fluffy hip.
Sophie has been a remarkably good puppy. Very mouthy at first, she learned very quickly that biting a person would bring a sharp Aaaaah! and a mild squeeze to her muzzle, followed immediately by an offered hand that she could lick or nudge and get a sweet Good girl!!! The wonderful temptation of pants cuffs and shoestrings took a little more work because the human’s hands and face are so far away from the action!
She didn’t fight wearing a collar and walks very nicely on the leash - considering of course that she’s a random, bouncy puppy with a 1.5-second attention span! And taking the leash in her teeth is a puppy misdemeanor, she’s learned. Lucy has showed her how to go for a walk on leashes on the road around our meadow, and they are still working on teaching Sophie how to walk up and down steps.
September 2016
We adopted Sophie, a fuzzy, tan puppy with the coal-black muzzle of a German shepherd mix, so she could join our family of two cats and a 6-year-old dog.
Sophie’s ride from Chama to our home east of Santa Fe that day must have been hard for her, away from her four litter mates for the first time. Bumping along in a strange crate with strange people talking around her.
She was quick to learn, though, that she had a new playmate - Lucy, our shepherd-golden mix, also a rescue, who looks for all the world like Sophie’s mother. They both play and wrestle very nicely, not biting hard, with Lucy letting the puppy get away with all sorts of undignified silliness. From the start, Sophie liked to sleep cuddled up to Lucy, with her nose buried on Lucy’s fluffy hip.
Sophie has been a remarkably good puppy. Very mouthy at first, she learned very quickly that biting a person would bring a sharp Aaaaah! and a mild squeeze to her muzzle, followed immediately by an offered hand that she could lick or nudge and get a sweet Good girl!!! The wonderful temptation of pants cuffs and shoestrings took a little more work because the human’s hands and face are so far away from the action!
She didn’t fight wearing a collar and walks very nicely on the leash - considering of course that she’s a random, bouncy puppy with a 1.5-second attention span! And taking the leash in her teeth is a puppy misdemeanor, she’s learned. Lucy has showed her how to go for a walk on leashes on the road around our meadow, and they are still working on teaching Sophie how to walk up and down steps.
We’re giving her as many new experiences as she can take in - strange people, noisy city places, strange smelling objects, the neighbor dogs and their yards, and on and on. She lives in the country now, but in time Sophie will be a city dog too. It’s a great help that she’s not naturally shy or fearful. What a great little dog. Helen has had two dogs that she trained for therapy work. It takes a special, sociable, steady dog. Maybe Sophie will be the third.
And hungry??!! She’s been wolfing down puppy food from the day we got her, and she sprang up in a few weeks from 6 pounds to over 16! Our Lucy was 10 pounds at this point in her growth, so Sophie may be headed for German shepherd size, or heaven forbid, mastiff size! Day by day, Sophie looks less like a baby dog now and more like just a small dog, with lanky legs and a big brave muzzle, still completely black. When she came to us, her ears were flopped down, but they are now about half-up, and she looks like a tiny Flying Nun with fuzzy little wings on her head.
We’ve taken her to see the inside of our RV, and she explored it all, not at all afraid of that strange space. She’s also gradually learning the inside of our single-story house (which mercifully has tile floors throughout in case of puppy accidents.) At night she sleeps in a crate in our bedroom, and she can hang out during the day with Lucy in our front courtyard - a good puppy-proof environment. She stays in the kitchen with Helen when she’s cooking, washing dishes or working at her computer, all the time keeping an eye on the puppy to distract her from cookbook shelves and tasty chewable stool legs.
We both think Sophie is going to be a wonderful grown dog, and we are all lucky she and Lucy have become such friends. We’re great believers in dog rescue, and once again we’ve been put together with a terrific doggie who needed a forever home.
Helen and Nancy
And hungry??!! She’s been wolfing down puppy food from the day we got her, and she sprang up in a few weeks from 6 pounds to over 16! Our Lucy was 10 pounds at this point in her growth, so Sophie may be headed for German shepherd size, or heaven forbid, mastiff size! Day by day, Sophie looks less like a baby dog now and more like just a small dog, with lanky legs and a big brave muzzle, still completely black. When she came to us, her ears were flopped down, but they are now about half-up, and she looks like a tiny Flying Nun with fuzzy little wings on her head.
We’ve taken her to see the inside of our RV, and she explored it all, not at all afraid of that strange space. She’s also gradually learning the inside of our single-story house (which mercifully has tile floors throughout in case of puppy accidents.) At night she sleeps in a crate in our bedroom, and she can hang out during the day with Lucy in our front courtyard - a good puppy-proof environment. She stays in the kitchen with Helen when she’s cooking, washing dishes or working at her computer, all the time keeping an eye on the puppy to distract her from cookbook shelves and tasty chewable stool legs.
We both think Sophie is going to be a wonderful grown dog, and we are all lucky she and Lucy have become such friends. We’re great believers in dog rescue, and once again we’ve been put together with a terrific doggie who needed a forever home.
Helen and Nancy
LIBBY
December 2016
Olena was the smallest kitten in her litter of six, all of whom were found in a cardboard box and taken in by a kind local couple until Chama Humane could make room for them. Olena was not interested in eating when we first got her. She would run to the bowl with the others, take a sniff, then walk away. She didn't want to take a bottle or lap milk replacement. For over 24 hours, we frantically tried to interest her in every kind of kitten food, baby food, tunafish, and cat food we could think of. She weighed only about 11 ounces and we knew this was a critical time in her life and if she didn't eat something soon she would fade away. Finally, in desperation and with little hope, we put a few pieces of cooked chicken in front of her.
Eureka! She attacked the chicken like it was a prize and growled at any of her siblings who came near. The chicken morsels were gone in 20 seconds or less and she looked up, her little face saying, "Where's the rest?"
And so, for the next several weeks, Olena got lots of fresh-cooked chicken and earned the nickname Chicken Little. Though only about two-thirds the size of her siblings, she managed to get her share of the chicken and was still quite possessive until she had eaten her fill. We tried other options and her siblings would eat most of them, but Olena just wanted chicken--dark or white, it didn't matter. She gained weight and nearly caught up with her smallest sister. And then, one fine day, she decided to eat some kitten food (turkey puree) and we were rescued from our task of cooking her chicken on a regular basis.
In the meantime, a local couple had visited the kittens and decided to adopt Libby. They asked us to keep her a few more weeks as they were going on vacation, and it was during this time that Olena broadened her palette. In her new home, Olena--now Miss Libby, has made friends with one of her male step-brothers (her other step-bro isn't too thrilled with her yet) and they even snuggle up for naps. Miss Libby and all her littermates have found wonderful homes and are healthy and active, thanks to the help of the local couple who rescued them and the happy fact that we had cooked chicken on hand when it was needed.
December 2016
Olena was the smallest kitten in her litter of six, all of whom were found in a cardboard box and taken in by a kind local couple until Chama Humane could make room for them. Olena was not interested in eating when we first got her. She would run to the bowl with the others, take a sniff, then walk away. She didn't want to take a bottle or lap milk replacement. For over 24 hours, we frantically tried to interest her in every kind of kitten food, baby food, tunafish, and cat food we could think of. She weighed only about 11 ounces and we knew this was a critical time in her life and if she didn't eat something soon she would fade away. Finally, in desperation and with little hope, we put a few pieces of cooked chicken in front of her.
Eureka! She attacked the chicken like it was a prize and growled at any of her siblings who came near. The chicken morsels were gone in 20 seconds or less and she looked up, her little face saying, "Where's the rest?"
And so, for the next several weeks, Olena got lots of fresh-cooked chicken and earned the nickname Chicken Little. Though only about two-thirds the size of her siblings, she managed to get her share of the chicken and was still quite possessive until she had eaten her fill. We tried other options and her siblings would eat most of them, but Olena just wanted chicken--dark or white, it didn't matter. She gained weight and nearly caught up with her smallest sister. And then, one fine day, she decided to eat some kitten food (turkey puree) and we were rescued from our task of cooking her chicken on a regular basis.
In the meantime, a local couple had visited the kittens and decided to adopt Libby. They asked us to keep her a few more weeks as they were going on vacation, and it was during this time that Olena broadened her palette. In her new home, Olena--now Miss Libby, has made friends with one of her male step-brothers (her other step-bro isn't too thrilled with her yet) and they even snuggle up for naps. Miss Libby and all her littermates have found wonderful homes and are healthy and active, thanks to the help of the local couple who rescued them and the happy fact that we had cooked chicken on hand when it was needed.
HORACE
January 2017
Horace was abandoned as a pup and was very skinny and scared when the Humane Society got him. A local couple decided to foster him for a few days but after a day said they wanted to foster him for life....and promptly adopted him! It's a mutual lovefest between Horace and his owners and he is one happy, healthy, well fed young dog now. It didn't take him long to discover the joys of camping!
January 2017
Horace was abandoned as a pup and was very skinny and scared when the Humane Society got him. A local couple decided to foster him for a few days but after a day said they wanted to foster him for life....and promptly adopted him! It's a mutual lovefest between Horace and his owners and he is one happy, healthy, well fed young dog now. It didn't take him long to discover the joys of camping!
LUNA
February 2017
When we were ready to get another dog we knew we wanted a mixed breed pup. After web searches over a couple weeks, we came across the cutest pictures of a Shepard mix litter at the Chama Humane Society. Over the next few days I couldn’t stop going back to them. Chama Humane Society’s foster parent was able to give me great information about the personalities of the pups, some background info, and a photo of the pup’s mom. I was able to modify some travel plans in order to pick a pup and drive the three hours back to Albuquerque.
Luna has been a great puppy since that initial car ride. She is a very active dog that requires a crazy amount of attention and exercise. On walks she sits and watches anything new. She always likes to meet new dogs and people. Once an owner of Rhodesian ridgebacks claimed her ears and head looked like that breed. I just love to watch her ears while we walk as they go flip flop with every step (just like her sister Sophie!).
As predicted, she has an adventurous personality. She loves small places and is not afraid of being stuck! A few examples are: between a cinder block wall and our house, under beds, under coffee tables, under dressers, behind curtains, between the clothes dryer and wall, behind the barbeque, and in the middle of our raspberry plants. Maybe she has some hunting dog instincts.
She also loves to play with other dogs, mostly wrestle with them! While visiting a pure breed German Shepard friend when she was about 10 weeks old, my friend was convinced her ears were going to stand up eventually. When Luna lies on her back, with ears flat, she does look very Shepard like. But at seven months her ears do not stand up although sometimes they do flip into the middle of her head.
We have always enjoyed smart dogs but Luna is a little too clever some days. She has figured out how to escape her cage if not locked tight. She loves to steal socks and shoes and is extremely quick and quiet about it. She will even pick through a laundry basket to find just the black socks; they are her favorite. She knows how to flip the lid off her food bin, opened a holiday gift box, and can open a suitcase to gain access to socks.
Luna is a great addition to our family. She is always so excited to see us when we get home and loves to wrestle with her teenage “brothers.” She keeps us laughing with her goofiness and love. We have talked about doing the DNA test to find out what breed she is but in the end it doesn’t matter; she will always be our Luna(tic).
February 2017
When we were ready to get another dog we knew we wanted a mixed breed pup. After web searches over a couple weeks, we came across the cutest pictures of a Shepard mix litter at the Chama Humane Society. Over the next few days I couldn’t stop going back to them. Chama Humane Society’s foster parent was able to give me great information about the personalities of the pups, some background info, and a photo of the pup’s mom. I was able to modify some travel plans in order to pick a pup and drive the three hours back to Albuquerque.
Luna has been a great puppy since that initial car ride. She is a very active dog that requires a crazy amount of attention and exercise. On walks she sits and watches anything new. She always likes to meet new dogs and people. Once an owner of Rhodesian ridgebacks claimed her ears and head looked like that breed. I just love to watch her ears while we walk as they go flip flop with every step (just like her sister Sophie!).
As predicted, she has an adventurous personality. She loves small places and is not afraid of being stuck! A few examples are: between a cinder block wall and our house, under beds, under coffee tables, under dressers, behind curtains, between the clothes dryer and wall, behind the barbeque, and in the middle of our raspberry plants. Maybe she has some hunting dog instincts.
She also loves to play with other dogs, mostly wrestle with them! While visiting a pure breed German Shepard friend when she was about 10 weeks old, my friend was convinced her ears were going to stand up eventually. When Luna lies on her back, with ears flat, she does look very Shepard like. But at seven months her ears do not stand up although sometimes they do flip into the middle of her head.
We have always enjoyed smart dogs but Luna is a little too clever some days. She has figured out how to escape her cage if not locked tight. She loves to steal socks and shoes and is extremely quick and quiet about it. She will even pick through a laundry basket to find just the black socks; they are her favorite. She knows how to flip the lid off her food bin, opened a holiday gift box, and can open a suitcase to gain access to socks.
Luna is a great addition to our family. She is always so excited to see us when we get home and loves to wrestle with her teenage “brothers.” She keeps us laughing with her goofiness and love. We have talked about doing the DNA test to find out what breed she is but in the end it doesn’t matter; she will always be our Luna(tic).
SHELBY (fka Ebony)
March 2017
Shelby (f/k/a “Ebony”) was taken in by Chama Humane when her owner no longer could keep her and transferred to a rescue in Colorado. She joined our family in November 2014. After a few months of living with Shelby it became obvious how much she enjoyed and longed for pet-ting from everyone she could get it from. So after some training, Shelby became part of a regis-tered Therapy Team in February 2016. Shelby visited a local library twice every month from March to December 2016, offering comfort to young children while they read their books. Shelby was a big hit at the library as she enjoyed meeting each and every person, cud-dling up to them for some good petting. She also enjoyed falling asleep on the laps of the chil-dren as they read! The message on the back of Shelby’s bookmark that was handed out to our young readers: "The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." -Dr. Suess This year Shelby is taking a break from the routine library visits; instead, we’ll be doing special one-time therapy appointments.
Shelby visited a local university in December as a therapy dog providing stress relief to college students during finals week. Shelby regularly attends weekly dog training classes (orientation; no dogs), visiting on her own with each and every client. It’s not uncommon to overhear clients saying, “oh my gosh, I want this dog!”
Being a therapy dog requires a stable and friendly temperament, solid obedience training, neat in appearance, and in excellent overall health. Shelby is all of these.
March 2017
Shelby (f/k/a “Ebony”) was taken in by Chama Humane when her owner no longer could keep her and transferred to a rescue in Colorado. She joined our family in November 2014. After a few months of living with Shelby it became obvious how much she enjoyed and longed for pet-ting from everyone she could get it from. So after some training, Shelby became part of a regis-tered Therapy Team in February 2016. Shelby visited a local library twice every month from March to December 2016, offering comfort to young children while they read their books. Shelby was a big hit at the library as she enjoyed meeting each and every person, cud-dling up to them for some good petting. She also enjoyed falling asleep on the laps of the chil-dren as they read! The message on the back of Shelby’s bookmark that was handed out to our young readers: "The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." -Dr. Suess This year Shelby is taking a break from the routine library visits; instead, we’ll be doing special one-time therapy appointments.
Shelby visited a local university in December as a therapy dog providing stress relief to college students during finals week. Shelby regularly attends weekly dog training classes (orientation; no dogs), visiting on her own with each and every client. It’s not uncommon to overhear clients saying, “oh my gosh, I want this dog!”
Being a therapy dog requires a stable and friendly temperament, solid obedience training, neat in appearance, and in excellent overall health. Shelby is all of these.
OLGA
July 2017
Olga was rescued in the spring of 2016. Her stay was short, with her owner coming to claim her. It was only a matter of weeks when she was reported by residents far from her home in Tierra Amarilla. Olga displayed aggression toward other dogs and the thought was that she might have been raised in a dog fighting atmosphere. She did possess a decent scar beneath he chin and a bigger on her left rear leg. That leg was less developed and slightly shorter than her right. We had some serious concerns she would never be adoptable because of this.
She was spayed and neutered and went to live with Jim and Phyllis Gill, one of our long time foster homes. In the past they had fostered single dogs and those needing care away from other dogs, whether due to injuries or other circum-stances. Plus, the Gill's somewhat remote site, without other dogs in their care, would be a good place to further evaluate Olga. The Humane Society was, at that time, holding behavior and general training sessions on 2 evenings per week. The plan was that they would bring Olga to those sessions. Jim kept her well behind the trainees and held her lead short. When she began to tense he would lead her away until she calmed, then return to the outskirts of the trainees. For periods of time she would be quiet, without tension. Then eye contact from some of the bigger dogs would begin to agitate her. The group assessment was that she needed a lot of work but was worth the effort.
That assessment was bolstered by her more than friendly response to Jim and Phyllis. She was as nice, playful, and loving as any foster they had worked with. While with them, Jim played with her and walked her 3-4 times per day, totaling 6-8 miles per day. She was most frequently forward on the lead. She did obey well - jumping rabbits and deer but not attempting to break free and chase. She actually looked quite pleased to stay and watch them run. She would display aggression toward occasional free roaming other dogs, but stayed to Jim's command and taut lead. She did not care for big loud trucks nor ATV’s, which all of the neighbors used. Thus few people stopped to talk to Jim and Olga when they were on their walks. Most of them had a healthy fear of her, yet when the Gills had some folks over to dinner she would be a perfect pet.
The Gills had a previous commitment to sit a neighbor’s dog for a week, thus we needed some place for Olga. The Valley Humane League in Alamosa Colorado agreed to take her. Their dogs were almost all pit bulls and they knew them well and how to work with them. They separated her from the general population in a pen next to their best pit bull, who was a very large male with a great temperament. Her stay was trouble free, including many walks on lead. On two occasions, Olga and her male friend were brought to the office and shared pizza and Cheetos with the staff. Absolutely no issues. Upon her return she was the same doll as before, except with a taste for Cheetos!
The Gills had Olga with them from early June through mid-October. She spent a few weeks in another foster home but did not get along well with their cats! She was transferred to the Longmont Colorado Humane Society, who specialize in working with pit bulls. Their staff was proud and pleased with her demeanor. They had her wearing a pink bow! She was successfully adopted that winter to a family that refers to her as “that sweet little girl". A happy ending for all!
July 2017
Olga was rescued in the spring of 2016. Her stay was short, with her owner coming to claim her. It was only a matter of weeks when she was reported by residents far from her home in Tierra Amarilla. Olga displayed aggression toward other dogs and the thought was that she might have been raised in a dog fighting atmosphere. She did possess a decent scar beneath he chin and a bigger on her left rear leg. That leg was less developed and slightly shorter than her right. We had some serious concerns she would never be adoptable because of this.
She was spayed and neutered and went to live with Jim and Phyllis Gill, one of our long time foster homes. In the past they had fostered single dogs and those needing care away from other dogs, whether due to injuries or other circum-stances. Plus, the Gill's somewhat remote site, without other dogs in their care, would be a good place to further evaluate Olga. The Humane Society was, at that time, holding behavior and general training sessions on 2 evenings per week. The plan was that they would bring Olga to those sessions. Jim kept her well behind the trainees and held her lead short. When she began to tense he would lead her away until she calmed, then return to the outskirts of the trainees. For periods of time she would be quiet, without tension. Then eye contact from some of the bigger dogs would begin to agitate her. The group assessment was that she needed a lot of work but was worth the effort.
That assessment was bolstered by her more than friendly response to Jim and Phyllis. She was as nice, playful, and loving as any foster they had worked with. While with them, Jim played with her and walked her 3-4 times per day, totaling 6-8 miles per day. She was most frequently forward on the lead. She did obey well - jumping rabbits and deer but not attempting to break free and chase. She actually looked quite pleased to stay and watch them run. She would display aggression toward occasional free roaming other dogs, but stayed to Jim's command and taut lead. She did not care for big loud trucks nor ATV’s, which all of the neighbors used. Thus few people stopped to talk to Jim and Olga when they were on their walks. Most of them had a healthy fear of her, yet when the Gills had some folks over to dinner she would be a perfect pet.
The Gills had a previous commitment to sit a neighbor’s dog for a week, thus we needed some place for Olga. The Valley Humane League in Alamosa Colorado agreed to take her. Their dogs were almost all pit bulls and they knew them well and how to work with them. They separated her from the general population in a pen next to their best pit bull, who was a very large male with a great temperament. Her stay was trouble free, including many walks on lead. On two occasions, Olga and her male friend were brought to the office and shared pizza and Cheetos with the staff. Absolutely no issues. Upon her return she was the same doll as before, except with a taste for Cheetos!
The Gills had Olga with them from early June through mid-October. She spent a few weeks in another foster home but did not get along well with their cats! She was transferred to the Longmont Colorado Humane Society, who specialize in working with pit bulls. Their staff was proud and pleased with her demeanor. They had her wearing a pink bow! She was successfully adopted that winter to a family that refers to her as “that sweet little girl". A happy ending for all!
BULLY FOR THEM!
September 2017
We are happy to announce that we have received another grant from The Babes and Bullies this year.
The Babes and Bullies organization is an Albuquerque group with a mission to advocate for bully breed dogs, promote awareness for humane treatment of bully breeds, and ensure the dog's reputation is perceived in a positive light through community education, outreach, financial assistance, and exemplary bully breed dog guardianship.
They were founded in 2008 and have provided financial help to rescue organizations like ours since 2014. In 2016 they donated $9500 to 14 organizations. We were lucky to be one of those recipients. The grant we received was used toward patellar luxation surgery for Little Bit, a bully mix. She came to us in July 2015 as a 5 or 6 month old pup. We couldn’t find her the right home, and the longer she stayed in foster, the more her foster mom fell in love with her and wanted to keep her. We noticed pretty early on that she had difficulty with one leg and our local veterinarian said he was pretty sure she had patellar luxation, which would cost $800 to several thousand for surgery depending on where we got it done. Thanks to support from Babes and Bullies, we were able to schedule her for surgery. The successful surgery was done by San Juan Veterinary Clinic in Pagosa Springs. She runs and plays like crazy now - she doesn't even limp. You would never know she had a problem.
We plan to use the 2017 grant to promote and pay for spay/neuter procedures for bully breeds in our area, as well as help with foster and other expenses for our bully breed rescues.
We are very thankful for the help Babes and Bullies has given us. Check out their website www.thebabesandbullies.com to find out how you can donate to them, volunteer, or request other information. Or email them at babesandbullies@gmail.com.
September 2017
We are happy to announce that we have received another grant from The Babes and Bullies this year.
The Babes and Bullies organization is an Albuquerque group with a mission to advocate for bully breed dogs, promote awareness for humane treatment of bully breeds, and ensure the dog's reputation is perceived in a positive light through community education, outreach, financial assistance, and exemplary bully breed dog guardianship.
They were founded in 2008 and have provided financial help to rescue organizations like ours since 2014. In 2016 they donated $9500 to 14 organizations. We were lucky to be one of those recipients. The grant we received was used toward patellar luxation surgery for Little Bit, a bully mix. She came to us in July 2015 as a 5 or 6 month old pup. We couldn’t find her the right home, and the longer she stayed in foster, the more her foster mom fell in love with her and wanted to keep her. We noticed pretty early on that she had difficulty with one leg and our local veterinarian said he was pretty sure she had patellar luxation, which would cost $800 to several thousand for surgery depending on where we got it done. Thanks to support from Babes and Bullies, we were able to schedule her for surgery. The successful surgery was done by San Juan Veterinary Clinic in Pagosa Springs. She runs and plays like crazy now - she doesn't even limp. You would never know she had a problem.
We plan to use the 2017 grant to promote and pay for spay/neuter procedures for bully breeds in our area, as well as help with foster and other expenses for our bully breed rescues.
We are very thankful for the help Babes and Bullies has given us. Check out their website www.thebabesandbullies.com to find out how you can donate to them, volunteer, or request other information. Or email them at babesandbullies@gmail.com.
MISSY
December 2017
Hi! My name is Missy. I was born in Chama, NM. I live now in Albuquerque with my mom Gloria, my sister Daisey who is also a rescued cat. Daisey has lived with our mom for six years now! Daisey was also a kitten like I was when she was rescued. Since I arrived at my new home I loved playing with all of my toys and especially my sister Daisey. Daisey did not like me for a long time, but now she loves me and we play a lot together. We play fight and mom hollers at us to stop because I cry like Daisey hurts me, but she really does not. She does not bite me anymore when we play fight. Mom serves me a lot of good food, and I just cannot stop from eating, I even eat my sister’s food all of the time too! I love to discover everything in my new home and several times with my discoveries I broke some of mom’s pretty vases and I have gotten into trouble with my many discoveries. I am learning there are some house rules. Mommie does not let me outside yet and Daisey tells me that she only goes outside when mommie goes outside to work in the yard. Daisey tells me she will show me all of her hiding places in the yard. I can hardly wait for summer now! I am very happy in my new home!
Love, Missy
(aka Peanut and aka “Piggy”, as mom calls me too)
December 2017
Hi! My name is Missy. I was born in Chama, NM. I live now in Albuquerque with my mom Gloria, my sister Daisey who is also a rescued cat. Daisey has lived with our mom for six years now! Daisey was also a kitten like I was when she was rescued. Since I arrived at my new home I loved playing with all of my toys and especially my sister Daisey. Daisey did not like me for a long time, but now she loves me and we play a lot together. We play fight and mom hollers at us to stop because I cry like Daisey hurts me, but she really does not. She does not bite me anymore when we play fight. Mom serves me a lot of good food, and I just cannot stop from eating, I even eat my sister’s food all of the time too! I love to discover everything in my new home and several times with my discoveries I broke some of mom’s pretty vases and I have gotten into trouble with my many discoveries. I am learning there are some house rules. Mommie does not let me outside yet and Daisey tells me that she only goes outside when mommie goes outside to work in the yard. Daisey tells me she will show me all of her hiding places in the yard. I can hardly wait for summer now! I am very happy in my new home!
Love, Missy
(aka Peanut and aka “Piggy”, as mom calls me too)
I am the gray kitten, Daisey my sister,
is the white/carmel kitty.
is the white/carmel kitty.
TUCKER'S TALE
December 2017
In early August, Chama Humane took in five young pups from Dulce. While in foster, they were visited by a family in Albuquerque who wanted a pup to be a companion for their existing dog, also a mixed herding dog rescue from Dulce. It was a tough decision, but the family finally decided on a small black male with white markings-one we were calling Chance. We’ve received several updates from Nick and Kanani, excerpts from which are given below. We are thrilled that Chance-now Tucker-has such a loving home.
“Just wanted to write and to say a huge THANK YOU to all of you involved in the rescue-the work you’re doing is so important, and this little guy is the perfect addition to our family. We both think he might be the smartest dog we’ve ever owned. He learned to come in response to a whistle or tongue click in only about 2 minutes and now he comes perfectly when called. He gets along great with our other dog and is very focused on the pack…He’s soaking up the love, eating a lot of food, and sleeping a lot.” (From Nick soon after the adoption).
From Kanani in late September: “It took us awhile, but we finally settled on the name Tucker for our little guy. He’s growing up to be such a sweet and handsome little guy, and is just so well behaved. He hasn’t destroyed anything (besides his toy bin and about 20 toys). He’s totally potty trained. He’s just the best and our family couldn’t be happier. Thanks again for the great work you do there and for rescuing sweet little Tucker. He’s brought so much joy and laughter to our family and has fit in just perfectly!”
December 2017
In early August, Chama Humane took in five young pups from Dulce. While in foster, they were visited by a family in Albuquerque who wanted a pup to be a companion for their existing dog, also a mixed herding dog rescue from Dulce. It was a tough decision, but the family finally decided on a small black male with white markings-one we were calling Chance. We’ve received several updates from Nick and Kanani, excerpts from which are given below. We are thrilled that Chance-now Tucker-has such a loving home.
“Just wanted to write and to say a huge THANK YOU to all of you involved in the rescue-the work you’re doing is so important, and this little guy is the perfect addition to our family. We both think he might be the smartest dog we’ve ever owned. He learned to come in response to a whistle or tongue click in only about 2 minutes and now he comes perfectly when called. He gets along great with our other dog and is very focused on the pack…He’s soaking up the love, eating a lot of food, and sleeping a lot.” (From Nick soon after the adoption).
From Kanani in late September: “It took us awhile, but we finally settled on the name Tucker for our little guy. He’s growing up to be such a sweet and handsome little guy, and is just so well behaved. He hasn’t destroyed anything (besides his toy bin and about 20 toys). He’s totally potty trained. He’s just the best and our family couldn’t be happier. Thanks again for the great work you do there and for rescuing sweet little Tucker. He’s brought so much joy and laughter to our family and has fit in just perfectly!”
BAILEY
January 2019
Some of you may remember Bailey, the stray dog that Chama Humane took in from the Village of Chama last winter. At the time, Bailey was so fearful that we couldn't get a leash on her or even touch her, and she was not tolerant at all of other dogs. Now, after lots of TLC in three foster homes, SHE HAS BEEN ADOPTED by her third foster mom and is well on her way to being a happy, well-adjusted dog. Although she may always need time to adjust to strange people and dogs, she can now take walks with dogs she knows and likes and has expanded her community of trusted people. Those she trusts can touch her anywhere and command her affection and attention. Such a very happy tail!
January 2019
Some of you may remember Bailey, the stray dog that Chama Humane took in from the Village of Chama last winter. At the time, Bailey was so fearful that we couldn't get a leash on her or even touch her, and she was not tolerant at all of other dogs. Now, after lots of TLC in three foster homes, SHE HAS BEEN ADOPTED by her third foster mom and is well on her way to being a happy, well-adjusted dog. Although she may always need time to adjust to strange people and dogs, she can now take walks with dogs she knows and likes and has expanded her community of trusted people. Those she trusts can touch her anywhere and command her affection and attention. Such a very happy tail!
BRANCY
February 2019
Last summer Liza Lee and Greg Miller and their daughter Ruth visited the Chama area from California. They brought along Ruth’s service dog, a miniature Aussie named Brancy. On July 5, the Millers rode the Cumbres & Toltec train and left Brancy in the care of some friends. Sadly, Brancy chewed through his lead and ran away.
We aren’t sure what went through Brancy’s mind when he escaped. He had never been tied out before, so maybe he panicked. Maybe he was frightened by all the ruckus on this very noisy holiday. Or maybe he went looking for Ruth. We know that Brancy was not well-socialized as a young puppy, and Ruth had become his human anchor, the one person he trusted. In her absence, he ran from everyone, not realizing they only wanted to help.
Finally, after months of trying to catch or trap Brancy, we got a piece of good news.
Brancy was hanging out with Victoria Gonzalez’s dog near the Y in Chama. Victoria was not only feeding him regularly, but encouraging him to shelter in her barn. We left a dog trap with Victoria, suggesting she keep it wired open until Brancy got accustomed to taking food from it. Victoria’s persistence paid off. On Saturday, February 10, Brancy was captured! A Chama Humane volunteer fostered Brancy for ten days until Greg and Ruth Miller could come for him, and was able to get him groomed at Foxy Furs in Chama so he would be burr-free and handsome for Ruth.
The happy reunion took place on February 20 at the Abiquiu Inn. Several Chama Humane Society volunteers brought Brancy to meet Ruth and Greg, who had flown into Albuquerque and driven up in a rental car. The folks at Abiquiu Inn were terrific hosts! Not only did they provide everyone with a delicious lunch, they gave Brancy a doggie bag and his own doggie bowl!
After an adventurous seven months on his own, Brancy is finally back home, living proof that we should never give up hope-even when winter is at its darkest. His story is a tribute not only to his own survival skills, but to all of the wonderful folks who reported sightings, gave him food, and contributed to his reunion with Ruth.
February 2019
Last summer Liza Lee and Greg Miller and their daughter Ruth visited the Chama area from California. They brought along Ruth’s service dog, a miniature Aussie named Brancy. On July 5, the Millers rode the Cumbres & Toltec train and left Brancy in the care of some friends. Sadly, Brancy chewed through his lead and ran away.
We aren’t sure what went through Brancy’s mind when he escaped. He had never been tied out before, so maybe he panicked. Maybe he was frightened by all the ruckus on this very noisy holiday. Or maybe he went looking for Ruth. We know that Brancy was not well-socialized as a young puppy, and Ruth had become his human anchor, the one person he trusted. In her absence, he ran from everyone, not realizing they only wanted to help.
Finally, after months of trying to catch or trap Brancy, we got a piece of good news.
Brancy was hanging out with Victoria Gonzalez’s dog near the Y in Chama. Victoria was not only feeding him regularly, but encouraging him to shelter in her barn. We left a dog trap with Victoria, suggesting she keep it wired open until Brancy got accustomed to taking food from it. Victoria’s persistence paid off. On Saturday, February 10, Brancy was captured! A Chama Humane volunteer fostered Brancy for ten days until Greg and Ruth Miller could come for him, and was able to get him groomed at Foxy Furs in Chama so he would be burr-free and handsome for Ruth.
The happy reunion took place on February 20 at the Abiquiu Inn. Several Chama Humane Society volunteers brought Brancy to meet Ruth and Greg, who had flown into Albuquerque and driven up in a rental car. The folks at Abiquiu Inn were terrific hosts! Not only did they provide everyone with a delicious lunch, they gave Brancy a doggie bag and his own doggie bowl!
After an adventurous seven months on his own, Brancy is finally back home, living proof that we should never give up hope-even when winter is at its darkest. His story is a tribute not only to his own survival skills, but to all of the wonderful folks who reported sightings, gave him food, and contributed to his reunion with Ruth.
Brancy with Victoria
Brancy and Groomer Alyson
Brancy delivered to Abiqui Inn
Brancy reunited with Ruth
Brancy, Ruth & Ruth's Dad
QUILL
January 2020
’The week before Christmas Aadi and Gretchen Taute picked up a little Aussie south of Tierra Amarilla. She was full of broken porcupine quills so they dubbed her "Quill" and took her to an Albuquerque vet where she was treated for fleas, had blood work done, and had over 100 quills removed from in and around her mouth and up and down her left side. Several were imbedded so had to be cut out and she had a lot of stitches in and out of her mouth. According to the vet the quills had been in there for at least a month and some are probably still imbedded so she will need to be monitored for abscesses. She was in good health as far as the blood work, and the vet thought she was about a year old but she may be younger as she acts puppyish.
January 2020
’The week before Christmas Aadi and Gretchen Taute picked up a little Aussie south of Tierra Amarilla. She was full of broken porcupine quills so they dubbed her "Quill" and took her to an Albuquerque vet where she was treated for fleas, had blood work done, and had over 100 quills removed from in and around her mouth and up and down her left side. Several were imbedded so had to be cut out and she had a lot of stitches in and out of her mouth. According to the vet the quills had been in there for at least a month and some are probably still imbedded so she will need to be monitored for abscesses. She was in good health as far as the blood work, and the vet thought she was about a year old but she may be younger as she acts puppyish.
She had no chip, no collar, and no owner came forward. But good news - Quill has been adopted and is in a great home with a playmate and room to run! (Aadi and Gretchen had a hard time letting her go but their generous home is already full with four dogs.)
Unfortunately all of that treatment was expensive. Quill racked up over $1,000 in initial vet bills not to mention costs for grooming and vacines. The Chama Humane Society set up a “Quill Fund” to reimburse Aadi and Gretchen for vet bills and other expenses while they were fostering Quill and getting her ready for a new home. A HUMUNGOUS thank you to all who so generously contributed to help with Quill’s vet bills, including her adopters who will continue to monitor her and provide her with the care she needs. You are all bright stars in our little universe!
Unfortunately all of that treatment was expensive. Quill racked up over $1,000 in initial vet bills not to mention costs for grooming and vacines. The Chama Humane Society set up a “Quill Fund” to reimburse Aadi and Gretchen for vet bills and other expenses while they were fostering Quill and getting her ready for a new home. A HUMUNGOUS thank you to all who so generously contributed to help with Quill’s vet bills, including her adopters who will continue to monitor her and provide her with the care she needs. You are all bright stars in our little universe!
CHIEF
May 2020
After nearly ten months, Chief (now Kody) has finally found the right home!
When he came to us in the summer of 2019 after being chained up for most of his young life, Chief was affectionate but totally clueless about how to behave in a way that would endear him to people. Because of his high energy and curiosity to see everything up close and personal, he would jump up and overpower people with his delight at seeing them. Because of his tendency to chase cats, he had to spend his unsupervised time on a closed in porch area rather than in the house with the other dogs and cats. He learned fast, but didn’t have the constant attention and learning opportunities he needed.
In his new home Kody has multiple dog beds in the house, a big enclosed deck area where he can watch the world, and two people interested in helping him continue to control his impulses and learn to live happily as part of a family. His new owners have said that they don’t know how they would do without him now. We are thrilled he found a family that is willing to work with him and also enjoy all the love this tremendous young dog has to give.
May 2020
After nearly ten months, Chief (now Kody) has finally found the right home!
When he came to us in the summer of 2019 after being chained up for most of his young life, Chief was affectionate but totally clueless about how to behave in a way that would endear him to people. Because of his high energy and curiosity to see everything up close and personal, he would jump up and overpower people with his delight at seeing them. Because of his tendency to chase cats, he had to spend his unsupervised time on a closed in porch area rather than in the house with the other dogs and cats. He learned fast, but didn’t have the constant attention and learning opportunities he needed.
In his new home Kody has multiple dog beds in the house, a big enclosed deck area where he can watch the world, and two people interested in helping him continue to control his impulses and learn to live happily as part of a family. His new owners have said that they don’t know how they would do without him now. We are thrilled he found a family that is willing to work with him and also enjoy all the love this tremendous young dog has to give.
LUNA
July 2020
Chama Humane took in three young “Huskies” in mid-March. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent restrictions, we weren’t sure we would be able to transfer them, so we posted them on our website. Amazingly, we had interested adopters from Albuquerque to Denver. Luna was adopted by a young man from Golden, CO., who drove down and back just to meet her and take her home. From her looks, we suspected she was part Australian Shepherd and this was verified when Jacob, her new person, had her DNA tested. We were surprised by some of the other many breeds that make up this lovely girl!
Luna has been growing quickly these last few months and Jacob’s roommate Thomas Nabelek has been documenting her transformation into a tween. Here are a few of her photos-please see more at:
https://www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#B0Y5CmvASJKlRUu (Thomas Nabelek @nabelekt). They are well worth looking at to see Luna in her various moods and states of play. Thanks Jacob and Thomas for sharing these with us!
July 2020
Chama Humane took in three young “Huskies” in mid-March. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent restrictions, we weren’t sure we would be able to transfer them, so we posted them on our website. Amazingly, we had interested adopters from Albuquerque to Denver. Luna was adopted by a young man from Golden, CO., who drove down and back just to meet her and take her home. From her looks, we suspected she was part Australian Shepherd and this was verified when Jacob, her new person, had her DNA tested. We were surprised by some of the other many breeds that make up this lovely girl!
Luna has been growing quickly these last few months and Jacob’s roommate Thomas Nabelek has been documenting her transformation into a tween. Here are a few of her photos-please see more at:
https://www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#B0Y5CmvASJKlRUu (Thomas Nabelek @nabelekt). They are well worth looking at to see Luna in her various moods and states of play. Thanks Jacob and Thomas for sharing these with us!
