ABQJOURNAL VET: Center open for saving lives

Friday, November 26, 2010

Center open for saving lives

By Dianne Stallings
Ruidoso News (MCT)
          The first "Freedom Dog" flew into Alamogordo on Nov. 15 to mark the opening of Animal Village N.M., planned as southern New Mexico's most comprehensive pet adoption and animal welfare center.
        Molly, a black pit bull blend, arrived at the Alamogordo airport via volunteer transport flight. She was rescued from abuse and neglect in Arkansas. Awaiting transport to AVNM, Molly recovered with excellent veterinary care, and was spayed and fully vaccinated. Her Arkansas boarders and rescue workers report that she is "... regaining her self-esteem, is sweet and will be a wonderful pet."
        Molly, like many Freedom Dogs in "kill shelters" scheduled for imminent euthanasia to follow in her paw prints, will be given loving care and training, without fear of euthanasia at Animal Village N.M., until she is adopted, executive director Sunny Aris said.
        Animal Village N.M. opened for adoptions Nov. 16, on about nine acres in Alamogordo.
        Animal Village officials took possession of property, formerly "Mi Casa Signs," and more than six adjacent acres. About 2,500 square feet is to be developed immediately into kennel and boarding facilities.
        The property also offers nearly half an acre of Bermuda lawn and desert-scaped areas for events such as birthday parties, community events and day camps for children, Aris said.
        Adoption fees will include obedience training, spay/neuter, testing and vaccinations.
        Holloman Air Force Base offered huge volunteer support, she said. Sean Murphy from Holloman was overwhelmed by offers of support from soldiers, and is organizing dozens of volunteers from the base to get AVNM ready.
        "There are so many people ready, willing and able to adopt pets, but most shelters don't afford the animals the time necessary for the right fit with the right family," Aris said. "No-kill shelters give animals a chance at a happy life.
        "It takes a lot of love and a lot of work, but it is always worth the blood, sweat and tears."
        AVNM organizers said they are thrilled that Tracie Murphy will become AVNM's volunteer coordinator, a key volunteer position in the organization.
        "This service we do for these animals is out of love," she said. "Dogs deserve every chance to find a forever home, and to feel the love that most pets have."
        Help is needed to save lives of dogs and expand the center, Aris said.
        Tax-deductible donations can be made to Kato Foundation/AVMM by mailing to Animal Village NM, 7246 Hwy. 54-70, Alamogordo, NM 88310. Donations can also be made securely online at animalvillagenm.com.
        Co-founders Nancy Berg and Aris also serve as board members of Kitty City, operated and built by Ed and Kathy Denton, and soon to be featured on Animal Planet's series "Must Love Cats."

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