u/FriendsofSFAS

Once again, Santa Fe Animal Shelter kennels are full, and dog walkers are in very short supply! To get these sweet faces (plus 100+ others) out for two walks a day, SFAS desperately needs more community volunteers to help out. Whether you can come several times a week or once a month, I promise it makes a difference! Adopters, fosters, and volunteers for kitties or other shelter jobs (laundry, anyone?) are always needed and appreciated. Volunteering of any kind is a great way to participate in your Santa Fe community - every local non-profit you can think of would be grateful for the support!

To sign up for training, please visit the SFAS website or email bleighnor@sfhumanesociety.org. All of these dogs are featured on that website, and I can answer basic questions or offer site links for any if you're interested.

AND, after nearly 17 months in shelter or foster care, Augie has been adopted! His third amazing foster drove Augie to his new country home in Georgia (see final pics for roadtrip and GA estate), where he is already adored and spoiled by his incredible dads. An absolutely phenomenal outcome for a dog dumped on a mesa, and it wouldn't have been possible without lots of love and effort from the many humans on Team Augie.

Everest was surrendered to the shelter a few months ago and has the skills and demeanor of a well-loved house hippo - now he's looking for a second chance! Everest loves all humans, enjoys car rides and walks nicely on leash, and is available for in-person adopters at Santa Fe Animal Shelter.

Please visit the shelter website for more info - my volunteer knowledge is limited, but I'm happy to chat about what I can!

Everest was a total joy throughout our Hounds Around Town outing: he was good in the car, polite on leash, and grinning from ear to ear all day. Everest has had a hard few months after being surrendered to Santa Fe Animal Shelter - we don't know his story, but his loving personality and solid house dogs skills suggest that he's been a loved family member and loyal companion.

To learn more and meet Everest for yourself, visit Santa Fe Animal Shelter, open 7 days a week between 10–5 🤎

These boys are in Santa Fe, NM.

Zane is an amazing dog: he's medium-sized and super cute, people social and affectionate, great on leash, and adapts quickly to new situations like car rides and patio hangs.

We suspect Zane is suffering from black dog syndrome - black animals are disproportionately overlooked by adopters. One of my favorite adopters of one of my favorite black dogs once told me that in Vedic astrology, feeding black dogs brings good luck! So adopting one has gotta be like a turbo charged four leaf clover, right?

Zane is 2.5 years-old, ~50 lbs, neutered and fee-sponsored through Santa Fe Animal Shelter, open 7 days a week between 10–5

This is also my pitch to encourage you to volunteer with shelters are rescues, even though, yes, it can be quite sad.

Even a few hours out of the shelter can increase a dog's odds of adoption by 14x! It also feels amazing to see the shelter dogs getting to be just DOGS, splashing in the water, rolling in the grass, and soaking up love from humans. Annabell had really been struggling at the shelter, but she was pure joy on our outing (as you can see, she is a hippo who desires constant human contact, so shelter life was extra hard). We marketed her locally right away, and within a few days, she was home!

TLDR: volunteering saves velvet hippo lives!

Folks always want to know why a dog has been at the shelter for so long - basically, what's wrong with them. Often, shelter stress impacts kennel presentation, but the dogs also get stigmatized by their length of stay, so longtimers get caught in a deeply unfair cycle of being overlooked because they've been overlooked.

Buddy is such a fabulous dog: he's friendly with all humans, including kids, seems pretty neutral on other dogs, and he's got great manners with cars, leashes, etc. During our outing, his patio dog skills were on point!

Buddy's one weak point is being a bit of a "door dasher," and he was returned for this reason. However, I absolutely believe that with patient adopters (and potentially a baby gate, at least for a bit), Buddy will absolutely settle into home life. He's 7! The guy just needs to learn what it's like to not be trapped in a kennel day in and out.

Buddy is neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and fee-sponsored through Santa Fe Animal Shelter. The shelter prefers in-person adopters to ensure a perfect fit, but transport within 8 driving hours may be possible! Please DM me or check out the shelter website (first Google result) for more info.

These are the two cutest, snuggliest, sweetest, smartest puppies I've ever met, and they reduced me to baby-talk and singing in under a minute. I volunteer at the shelter and usually have much better cuteness-endurance.

They can each Sit on voice command, are demonstrating strong skills in house training and walking on leash, and immediately latch on with full love and devotion. They are Cattle Dogs, which likely means they will take very well to training, love their person to the point of obsession, and make you regret all your choices for the next 2–3 years. Seriously, do not adopt a Cattle Dog if you're looking for a couch potato, and please don't adopt any puppy or teen dog if you aren't able to give them physical and mental activity. It's so hard to see all the dogs returned to SFAS for normal, young dog behavior.

Adam Ant and Jorgie are NOT a bonded pair, meaning they can be adopted separately. They will likely grow up to medium-sized, and each is neutered, vaccinated, micro-chipped, with an adoption fee of $150. They would each benefit SO MUCH from even a short break in foster care—smart and social puppies are not meant for kennel life! Contact New Hope foster program, 983-4309 x1270 to learn more about fostering.

Shaq is 2.5 years-old, and he just loves people. This bouncing happiness combined with his size may be one reason Shaq has been in the shelter for so long. However, we found that he settled down quickly with some time out of the kennel, especially when he realized the human love and cuddles weren't going anywhere.

Unfortunately, Shaq hasn't had the chance to interact much with dogs at the shelter, but he was quietly interested on our walk. He really just needs a chance to figure out being the very good boy he so clearly wants to be. Shaq is neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and fee sponsored. Santa Fe Animal Shelter prefers in-person adoption to ensure a perfect fit, but transport within 8 driving hours may be possible.

And after the better part of a year in the shelter, our sweet chonky Allegra (in last photo) has found a wonderful loving home! Thanks to everyone in this community who cheered her on!

3-year-old Boxer hasn't had the best life - he arrived at the shelter a few months ago, nervous around people and way too thin - but he's got the sweetest, most optimistic spirit. Boxer has enjoyed other dogs at the shelter, seemingly gaining some confidence after being paired with a kennel mate. He showed no prey drive, which suggests he may be open to living with cats (a slow, safe intro is always best with new animals).

Boxer is medium-sized, chipped and vaccinated, great on leash, and so ready for a home of his own: even a foster break would be amazing! Please visit Santa Fe Animal Shelter to meet him or learn more!

Buddy famously is not a fan of his kennel, though he's learned to accept it - this incredible dog deserves so much better.

On our outing, Buddy had the time of his life sniffing around the foliage, wading through the water, and even seemed to dig riding in the car, especially when we let him park his lowrider self on the consul (see last pic). He made a fabulous patio dog at Nuckoll's splooting elegantly beside the table and enjoying high quality snuggles from several human fans.

Buddy really is one of the best dogs you'll ever know, and it's past time for him to be living his best life. The best way to see if Buddy is right for you is to meet him! He's waiting at Santa Fe Animal Shelter, open 7 days a week between 10–5.

This gorgeous boy was dumped in a rural community near Santa Fe and rescued by a Good Samaritan who immediately adored Boonie but sadly couldn't keep him.

Unfortunately, Boonie had a rough experience with Animal Control and got off to a rocky start at the shelter: he was terrified and showed this by nipping quite a few ankles in his first week or so (never breaking skin). However, some patient and experienced staff and volunteers hung in there with slow, gentle work, and Boonie is doing much better - he's even been enjoying pool time in the play yard!

Boonie is likely not the dog for everyone, but he has shown real sweetness and devotion with the humans he's learned to trust, and I feel confident an ACD-savvy home could help him become his best self. Boonie is neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped. At this time, transport is not available, but Santa Fe is a great place to visit if you're willing to come to us!

I will link to his bio in comments, and you can contact the shelter directly at 505-983-4309 x1160, adoptionsATsfhumanesociety.org.

This was an all time favorite Hounds Around Town. Jilly (2y/F/white boxer) and Boxer (3y/M/New Mexico Brown Dog) both arrived at SFAS thin and scared, but they totally blossomed during this outing: they were curious, affectionate, and so brave, even after we got caught in a freak hail storm.

Both dogs are medium-sized, great on leash, love people, and have done well with other dogs. As far as I know, they have no documented experience with cats, but shy, gentle dogs tend to be the best candidates for multi-species households. Jilly is currently having a blast in foster care: now would be a perfect time to meet her and see her best, out-of-the-kennel self. Boxer is still at the shelter: he'd benefit so much from even a two-week foster staycation. The shelter is filling up, so now would be a great time to foster or volunteer - the animals need your help!

To meet Jilly or learn more about fostering Boxer, call New Hope foster program, 983-4309 x1270. To meet Boxer, simply visit Santa Fe Animal Shelter 7 days a week between 10–5!

In order, Allegra, Henrietta, Shaq, and Butler are all shelter longtimers that thrive out of the kennel - it's amazing to see shelter dogs joyfully rediscovering the world. Each of these gorgeous, social, smart, big-hearted dogs deserves a home of their own! Please visit the shelter website or call or email SFAS to learn more about them.

During the summer months, our population always surges while volunteer participation drops off. It's a heartbreaking, stressful combination for the dogs - they already spend ~23 hours alone in their kennels, and they depend on the reprieve of human interaction. Summer also means an influx of puppies and kittens in need of foster care: sometimes even one night can help, and all training and supplies are provided.

If you have even a few hours a week to volunteer, please contact Santa Fe Animal Shelter to learn more! There are a range of options available, from walking dogs, in-kennel socialization for dogs or cats, Hounds Around Town, or even helping with the massive daily cleaning duties! You can sign up easily through the website or email volunteers@sfhumanesociety.org.

Emmie is remarkably resilient and optimistic for a dog who's grown up in the kennel. She can be shy with new people (likely why she's been overlooked for so long), but she's gentle, sweet, and affectionate once she warms up. Emmie also is non reactive to other dogs (extremely rare behavior at the shelter) and might enjoy having a dog sibling to show her the ropes. On our trip to the river, Emmie showed beautiful leash manners and was excited but polite when she spotted other dogs on the trail (she even kept her cool when an off leash dog impolitely approached).

The best way to get to know Emmie is to meet her for yourself! Santa Fe Animal Shelter is open 7 days a week between 10–5.

Augie is about 3.5 years-old, 65 lbs, neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, and fee-sponsored. He recently spent 3 months in foster care, so we know he's house-trained, non-destructive, and adores all humans, including kids.

Like most dogs who have lived in a shelter environment for so long, Augie now shows barrier and leash reactivity. However, he was recently dog-tested at the shelter and deemed to be dog tolerant/selective, though unskilled. If Augie is adopted into a home with other dogs, he'd benefit from slow, safe introductions.

Augie is starting to really struggle in the shelter, and all of his volunteer friends are desperate to help him finally find a home of his own. We're hoping that, like longtimers Sheba and Chevy, Augie's family is finally about to find him and show him the love he's been missing.

Augie is about 3.5 years-old, 65 lbs, neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, and fee-sponsored. He recently spent 3 months in foster care, so we know he's house-trained, non-destructive, and adores all humans, including kids.

Like most dogs who have lived in a shelter environment for so long, Augie now shows barrier and leash reactivity. However, he was recently dog-tested at the shelter and deemed to be dog tolerant/selective, though unskilled. If Augie is adopted into a home with other dogs, he'd benefit from slow, safe introductions.

Augie is starting to really struggle in the shelter, and all of his volunteer friends are desperate to help him finally find a home of his own. We're hoping that, like longtimers Sheba and Chevy, Augie's family is finally about to find him and show him the love he's been missing.

Augie is about 3.5 years-old, 65 lbs, neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, and fee-sponsored. He recently spent 3 months in foster care, so we know he's house-trained, non-destructive, and adores all humans, including kids.

Like most dogs who have lived in a shelter environment for so long, Augie now shows barrier and leash reactivity. However, he was recently dog-tested at the shelter and deemed to be dog tolerant/selective, though unskilled. If Augie is adopted into a home with other dogs, he'd benefit from slow, safe introductions.

Santa Fe Animal Shelter prefers in-person adoptions to ensure a perfect fit, but transport near Santa Fe, NM may be possible for the right person!

Jilly, a 2-year-old white boxer girl, and Boxer, a 3-year-old New Mexico Brown Dog boy, have a lot in common. They both arrived at Santa Fe Animal Shelter too-thin and justifiably shy around people, but they've also both blossomed after weeks of gentle TLC from staff and volunteers.

Trying to keep Hounds Around Town pretty mellow for these shy dogs, we opted for a quiet walk along the Nature Path. We forgot to factor in the menace that is springtime in Santa Fe, and all four of us wound up caught in a hail and thunderstorm. The dogs handled the whole thing with remarkable bravery and chill, so after booking it back to the car, we took them to Devargas Mall for pup cups and socializing. They each stopped foot traffic with their sweet requests for pets - Jilly and her signature pout were especially convincing, but darling Boxer snuck in some loving too 🤎

Jilly and Boxer are great in the car and on leash, seemingly do well with other dogs (bring yours in to see if it's a good fit), and deserve to be adored for the rest of their days. If you're thinking of adopting, please consider Jilly, Boxer, or one of the many incredible dogs at Santa Fe Animal Shelter!

I've gotten several comments and messages asking about Sheba - can't blame you! Our beautiful little weirdo was recently adopted, and we're all keeping our fingers and paws crossed that this time, it's a perfect fit. 🤞🐾

I figure that most of the folks here are familiar with the Akita challenges and quirks that Boris has shown - he lived with cats and dogs in his first home but may need a slow, careful introduction with new animals and humans. Boris is house-trained and great on leash (though sometimes takes breaks to lie down and demand belly rubs).

Boris is neutered, vaccinated, and available for fee-sponsored adoption through Santa Fe Animal Shelter. To ensure a perfect fit, the shelter does require in-person adoption and would like to provide some additional counseling to ensure the adopter feels comfortable supporting this magical boy. The shelter staff is available by phone or email, 505-983-4309, adoptions@sfhumanesociety.org

Akita rescues have been contacted but are, like most rescues, quite full! Boris is currently in the market for a foster or adopter, not donations.