JUNIPER ROSE — (05/11/2013) JUNIPER ROSE, or Miss Rosi as she has become affectionately known once only merely existed at the end of her tether. She was terribly underweight, full of milk with a litter of very hungry pups to care for & she did an AMAZING job…with little help from anyone The call came in for the pups to be picked up & we secured an OS for her in the process! (the puppies were transferred to Puppy Rescue & all have been adopted) When JUNIPER ROSE first came to us….she was very afraid of everything, she didn’t know how to believe in anyone, or herself. It took weeks of building confidence for her to walk, not crawl & then she began to shine!! With the kindness, understanding, patience & LoVe of her incredible foster home…JUNIPER ROSE truly began to live! She made fast friends with her foster siblings & learned the great art of PLAY! Her foster Dad taught her that not all men are scarey & mean Her foster Mom walked by her side in obedience class, graduating with honors for extra credit JUNIPER ROSE embraced her journey & we are so proud of her…she is so brave! Today she choose her FoReVeR family & they couldn’t be happier! JUNIPERS Dad stays home with her during the day…they garden together & she chases lizards to show off! When Mom comes home, they take a family walk along the Bosque, saying hi to friends along the way. We think the future looks bright for our girl & she seems to think so too! Congratulations to JUNIPER ROSE & her wonderful very own FoReVeR family & thank you to the incredible LoVe of her foster family….she will carry it with her for always…

MR. PICKLES — (05/04/2013) MR PICKLES came to us seemingly out of nowhere. Dropped off one evening at the front doorstep of Angela’s house…near Kinney Brick in Abq’s S Valley. One of the most dangerous areas of the Metro to be a dog, much less a dog as handsome as this! MR PICKLES brought with him the tell tale scars of where he had been, & it wasn’t good With his top canines ripped out, puncture wounds, cuts & abrasions….the signs were all too clear. We scooped him up, tended to his wounds, got to know what an AMAZING & gentle soul he is, were blessed with the perfect foster home, showed him LoVe & acceptance, waited until just the right FoReVeR home came along & delivered him to a little slice of Pit Bull Heaven ♥ MR PICKLES has nothing short of a real life fairy tale story & we are honored to have been a part of it! Not long after MR PICKLES came into our lives, our partnership with BCSO put together many of the “mystery pieces” of The PICKLES’ “life” before he found his way to NMDDB. One night the call came in that would result in 15 counts of animal cruelty, multiple other criminal charges, the seizure of all animals & our rescue of the (other) lone survivor…LEO, the 14 year old Doberman in the SV “Pit Bull” case. We are now fairly sure we know where MR PICKLES came from…he was the original survivor! When a DOG like MR PICKLES finds their way into our life, it reaches deep & reminds us of WHY we are here. It reminds us that our work is so incredibly important & affirms that we must always carry on ♥ NOTHING in the whole wide entire world is as rewarding as these happy endings! MR PICKLES, you have touched our lives in a way that remain with us always…thank you for that. & THANK YOU to his amazing new parents, they are just as special as he is!! Losing their 12 yo Pittie boy last year & their 14 yo Pittie boy just recently, they couldn’t stand for there to be that hole in their hearts. So they opened their home to another deserving Pittie boy in need & little did they know…it would be as if he had always been there ♥ I know their boys are smiling down. HAPPY FoReVeR LIFE MR PICKLES!! What a special, wonderful, gracious, loving DOG you are…

HARLEY — (03/23/2013) HARLEY, (the handsome chocolate Pittie on the right) and his brother DAVIDSON were once abandoned pups of a chained mama dog in Las Vegas, NM. Our sister rescue, the AWC managed to get them out of where they were & into a safe situation! Both of the boys were soon diagnosed with a severe case of ringworm & so treatment & quarantine began. It took many, many months before they were cleared for adoption…then DAVIDSON found his FoReVeR ♥ HARLEY continued to grow up in rescue…we thought he might never find his happy ending…over a year had gone by. That is when we decided to transfer HARLEY to NMDDB ♥ opening up a whole new demographic & opportunities for training & socialization. It took HARLEY a while to decide that he liked us here…as he had grown very fond & bonded to his wonderful foster family up north & found that to be his “safe place”. Once he opened up to the idea that we really weren’t all that bad….asking all of these new things of him, he quickly won over the hearts of The Village! HARLEY attended our bake sale fundraiser & it was there that his new FAMILY fell in LoVe ♥ We took him over for his meet & greet, worked with them on some minor issues & watched him blossom into the DOG we always knew he would be……today he is named DUDLEY T. DUDE, Esq. (aka, Milkdud, HARLEY Mc Farley…among others). He goes to work regularly with his Mom….winning over the hearts of even the greatest “Pit Bull skeptics”!! HARLEY has not only made a great new LIFE for himself….we figure he has most likely also opened the doors for other Pitties too!! GOOD BOY HARLEY! He shares his new home with 3 brother & sister dogs, loves to run zoomies in the yard, go for walks & is constantly working to sharpen those “Esq.” skills! Today we made it official…HARLEY is home, FoReVeR! Like we always told him…..”It will be worth the wait, sweet HARLEY…don’t give up hope!” Worth the wait INDEED….we couldn’t have asked for a better family for him to call his own!! CONGRATULATIONS to our boy & his AMAZING new family….you all got exactly what you deserve!!

DUTCH — (02/28/2013) DUTCH, the handsome boy on the right, once “lived” at the end of a short, very heavy chain on rocks & dirt only. He was sad, he was skinny & he was hurting. The chain had become so tight & heavy around his neck that it became deeply embedded, requiring surgery to remove. DUTCH was seized by Artesia animal control & his guardian was arrested & charged with cruelty! THANK YOU Artesia PD! He remained at the Artesia shelter in protective custody for months, & they took very good care of him ♥ But once his PC hold was up, DUTCH needed a place to go immediately, his time was up. That is when NMDDB was contacted & we opened our doors right away! DUTCH was a sweet, social & friendly guy right from the get go! He quickly made many friends in the NMDDB Village & landed a wonderful foster home….right where he belonged! He knew exactly what he was doing when he won over the heart of his foster parents & made the days of his foster sister even more FUN! (so excited in their happy tail pic that she came out blurry, lol) Everyone realized that DUTCH was already HOME & home is right where he should stay. Even though DUTCH has adapted to life OFF the chain quite well, he still carries with him a little of his past. But what makes this the best possible match is that his parents understand him, they accept him for the DOG that he is! They are willing to & have committed to walking by his side, teaching him about confidence & security & allowing him to continue to grow, with their LOVE & guidance! It is what every dog dreams of… ♥ RESCUE is not about finding a dog a home, it is about finding a dog a great home! A home that will fit the DOG, rather than trying to make a dog fit into a home. We are so grateful that these wonderful HOMES continue to find our AMAZING dogs & we are thrilled that DUTCH has found his! Welcome to the NMDDB family….DUTCH’S family & thank you for seeing the best our boy has to offer! He is AMAZING & we are honored to be his rescue ♥ Congratulations buddy….& remember, living GOOD is the best revenge! See DUTCH’S story (formerly Bruno) on Ch 4 KOB TV.

MARY JANE — (02/12/2013) Here she is folks…the one so many of you have been waiting for ♥ MARY JANE made it official today & adopted this incredible family & ALL of these kids now belong to her! MARY JANE was left chained & abandoned in her yard in Lovington, NM nearly 2 years ago. She was removed by animal control & landed in the tiny shelter there in town. Another rescue pulled her & found MARY JANE a home all the way in Mississippi…but that didn’t last Her original rescue was contacted & they refused to help MARY JANE!! That is when NMDDB stepped in & with the help of many wonderful souls along the way….got her all the way HOME to NM ♥ Our paws are high to each person that played a part in getting her here to us safely….you will always have a piece of her heart! We believe that each dog we take into the NMDDB program deserves nothing less than a lifetime commitment…that is the promise we make to each of them. MARY JANE now has that commitment & she now has this amazing family to call her own! We couldn’t be any happier for our sweet smooshy girl…just LOOK at all the LoVe! So far in the past week, while on her trial adoption, MARY JANE has been to Grandma’s house, served as the assistant teacher in the many home school classes, accompanied her Mom to work (who just happens to be the employer of NMDDB President in her non dog job). She has visited PFGW to get a bath & some new toys, decided that PINK is definitely her favorite color, had her pawnails painted, has been bedazzled, kissed from nose to tail, gotten to know the other kids & dogs in the neighborhood & oh, oh…SO much more!! As you might imagine….MARY JANE is now the center of attention in her own SAFE little wonderful world ♥ So yeah…..I would say, she is now RIGHT where she belongs!! Congratulations to MARY “Smooshy” JANE & her entire entourage!! Yeah….we got your back, MARY JANE…you better BELIEVE it ♥

SHILOH — (02/03/2013) SHILOH…the Christmas Miracle Dog really has had a fairy tail journey with us here at NMDDB ♥ We are blessed to have been able to be there for him….just when he needed us most! This Village really came through for this kid & helped us make his dreams come true! It is not often that a tethered dog breaks free (TWICE!), gets hit by a car (TWICE!), takes most of the impact to his head (TWICE!), lives to tell about it sustaining no serious internal injuries, finds his way to a rescue by way of the good Samaritans that saw what happened & came to his aid, at 10 pm on a Saturday night. Finds a foster home within the first week, is discharged from the hospital & fits in beautifully, has eye removal surgery, makes a perfect recovery & gets ADOPTED all in just 8 weeks!! SHILOH seemed to have an Angel already waiting in the wings that just KNEW he belonged with her ♥ After 2 eye surgeries, beautiful post op care & SHILOH’S first real Christmas….he is now HOME, for always. SHILOH also has a doggie brother, Bennie (not pictured due to his own post op crate restrictions ♥), that he adores, respects & just absolutely canNOT wait to play with once everyone is all better!! So yes….I think Miracle Dog pretty much sums it up & we could not be anymore thrilled for him!! He has a wonderful Mom that lives by example…just the kind of LIFE we hope for all of our dogs! She told me today that she felt a little sad by doing the adoption. No one has ever said the adoption made them feel sad before…I was a little caught off guard She said sad because “now that he is adopted, I don’t want you guys to go away” ♥ It made me smile. I replied…”We never go away, you are part of SHILOHS family now. See you in class Tuesday night”. Welcome to the NMDDB family, SHILOHS Mom ♥ THANK YOU for always knowing you were meant to be his! SHILOH deserves the best & Miracles DO happen!! Read SHILOHS original story here.

LUCKY LUCY — (02/03/2013) This picture makes me giggle ♥ these 3 kids all have a very special place in my heart! Today we made it official for our sweet gal, LUCKY LUCY (on the right with the pretty bow!) We first met LUCY at the clinic when her person brought her in for a tumor removal post op follow up appt. I knew the second she walked through the door, something was very, very wrong we took her to the back for an exam & realized she had an embedded E collar!! It was a first for all of us Her guardian agreed to surrender her to our care & for that we are grateful. We are also grateful to NMDDB Alumni MAX & his one of a kind Mom for opening their home to LUCY…& that is why we call her LUCKY LUCY ♥ They have been her caretakers, her constant & her unconditional family…& today, on her estimated 12th birthday…gave her the gift of forever ♥ MAX & LUCY’S Mom first became part of the NMDDB family a couple of years ago. While working as a social worker in a super rough part of Valencia County, she contacted us about a senior golden Shepherd dog….in really bad shape, “living” at the end of a chain We worked with her people & were able to rescue EMILY…living today as the treasured friend & companion to her own special person♥ Because one person spoke out & became involved, three beautiful senior souls finally have the LIFE they always deserved & will know nothing other than a soft spot in the world, for the rest of their days. There are SO MANY amazing, incredible & beautiful senior dogs that have waited a very long time to know what LOVE is…or maybe they had LOVE & lost it. Consider opening you heart to a senior dog in need…making their golden years GRAND!!! Congratulations to LUCKY LUCY, MAX, EMILY & their incredible Moms! How can this story not make your heart beam?

PANTHER — (01/27/2013) PANTHER (the big beautiful black dog on the left, with the cat like yellow eyes) made it official…..he is ADOPTED ♥ PANTHER was picked up by NMDDB in the middle of a S Valley street, dragging his (NMDDB record holding in length & weight) chain! A chip scan revealed that he had been adopted from the local city shelter….long story short, we gained legal custody. PANTHER spent a long time with us here at NMDDB, learning to trust, walk on a leash, tons of impulse control work & LOTS of LOVE later, he blossomed into one of the most AMAZING dogs we have had the pleasure to know ♥ Just as sweet as they come, eager to please & SO READY to be a house dog….he is now living the LIFE he always dreamed of! A sprawling Corrales home, a Mom that saw in him what we did & an almost twin brother dog….this kid has it made! Daily walks & bunny chasing, Bridge Club meetings on Tuesdays, Ladies Tea on Saturdays & regular trips to Enchantment Pet Resort ♥ PANTHER still greeted me with his signature Pretty Boy Panther Hug, as if it was just yesterday we rescued him. He made so many friends along the way, but one special friend in particular he asked me to thank for him. So Melinda…if you are out there, LOOK AT YOUR BOY NOW! He is FOREVER grateful to you for the extra time you spent, the hours of training & car rides…& especially, the piece of your heart that you gave him ♥ He will keep it with him for always. Rescue takes many….& as we say here at NMDDB, “It only takes one person to throw an animal away, but it takes a whole VILLAGE to give them a new LIFE”! We are thankful to those that make up this Village, & our DOGS are thankful. The difference it makes when one person takes the extra time to give, makes ALL the difference to them for the rest of their lives. So to PANTHER, his new Mom & brother dog, Buddy….congratulations, we think you all hit the jackpot!!

BROWNIE — (01/20/2013) It was a few months ago…just as there began to be a chill in the nights air, that we first met little BROWNIE, (aka; BROWN BROWN). We were contacted by BROWNIES guardian, because they knew he deserved better than to be chained all alone, vulnerable to stray dog attacks, scared & now it was beginning to become quite cold at night…& BROWNIE was so skinny. We rallied the troops & asked the NMDDB Village to contribute to help us with not only BROWNIE, but also 2 other wonderful deserving chained kiddos. All 3 were rescued right away & today we celebrate the fact that they all now have the families & HOMES they have always dreamed of ♥ A couple of weeks ago, CODY found his forever & today so did BROWNIE & sweet little VALLIE. PUP PUP HOORAY! BROWNIES story has not only brought much joy & fullfilment to me as a rescuer, but he has also brought a treasured member of the NMDDB family into our lives ♥ His mom has become a very active NMDDB volunteer & avid supporter of our Mission! We have been double blessed & are so grateful! Once a cold, skinny, lonely chained dog…now a treasured family member with an active stay at home Mom, a kind & gentle Dad, a little human sister to grow up & learn with, & also a wonderful & wise elder canine sister to teach him all he will ever need to know ♥ Sara Tops is a VERY special dog as well. This is truly one of the HAPPIEST tales & have had the honor to tell….& no DOG or human(s) deserve it more! WE LOVE YOU BROWNIE…& your incredible FOREVER family!! We also LOVE your new forever name….SIR BROWNIE RUSTY BOTTOMS WHITE SOCKS. WoW!! See ya around, BROWN BROWN.

VALLIE — (01/20/2013) Who would imagine, in a million years, that this little Princess of a girl was once chained, having multiple litters of pups….just out on the mesa of Rio Rancho She was abandoned by her “people” when they moved out & left her & her last litter there all alone, way at the back of the property….sitting Coyote food. When the new tenants moved in, they discovered them, began taking care of them & contacted us for help ♥ We were able to take custody of the pups right away, (later dubbed “the puppies that ate Rio Rancho due to their ginormous size!! good job, VALLIE! wow). They were transferred to Colorado Puppy Rescue & all found wonderful homes! Thank as always, CPR….Puppy Angels!! We were then able to get Miss VALLIE & provide her with the care she needed. VALLIE was not initially interested in the company of humans, (or much of anything for that matter), but who could blame her?! With a little time, a lot of LOVE, safety, stability & reassurance, this sweet Angel of a Dog was able to blossom into her own…& boy has she ever!! Today she is a Princess…with a whole entourage at her beck and call & an outfit for every day of the week (as it should be) ♥ Pictured here are her incredible Mom & Dad…and looking up in awe (just out of frame) are her other wee doggie brothers & sisters. Here is another beautiful example of the incredible humans these incredible DOGS bring into our lives!! VALLIES mom is also a treasured NMDDB TEAM member who gives so much in support of our Mission ♥ Again….we are truly blessed. Well WAY TO GO Miss VALLIE pants….I cannot imagine it ANY other way ♥

MANA — (01/20/2013) Every now & then, we get a call that rocks us to the core…such was the case with our sweet Mexican sisters, MANA & TOSA ♥ No dog should ever have to endure the suffering these two kids endured. But TODAY…that is all behind them & TODAY…MANA MANA BANANA is home….home with the family SO good, they make up for all the bad she ever knew! MANA & her sister TOSA came to us from Sonora, Mexico where they were severely emaciated, chained in the plaza by a group of kids & tortured daily with stones, kicking…until one day they lit these babies on fire!! Just so happens, our Mexican Dog Angels were passing by at the very moment they were supposed to…just in time to save them! Both girls underwent extensive, long term treatment under the care of their Angels…then they found their way to us here at NMDDB ♥ MANA has now permanently joined a very special forever family…another of our NMDDB treasures. She has 2 canine brothers that she absolutely adores (Happy the Beagle not pictured…because the nose knows!) but pictured here with Joey. MANA loves to run, romp & play in her incredible fenced in, grassy, N Valley acreage home! One of her faves is doin’ the Zoomies & now…she can do them to her hearts content!! We are sooo happy for you sweet MANA, you are so smart, so forgiving & just simply amazing!! Thank you for the honor of being your RESCUE ♥ MANAS little sister, TOSA, still waits patiently for her forever to come… Read Mana and Tosa’s original story.

LENNY — LENNY (the handsome guy on the right) was adopted from a local shelter & ended up at the end of a chain as a “guard dog” for a super shady “car lot”. One day, LENNY just had enough & stood up for himself, he broke free from that “life” & ran, ran, ran….dragging his ridiculously heavy chain behind him. I got the call from our friends at Camp Bow Wow…one of their staff came upon him, swooped him right up & took him to safety. NICE JOB!! I headed right over to meet him & scan him for a chip. I made contact with the registered owner & that is how I found out his story. We got animal control involved & they were able to secure an owner surrender & released him immediately to our custody. THANK YOU AWD! LENNY came to us just as sweet as could be, a bit underweight, grateful for a comfy place to sleep, a kind word & a good meal ♥ Today…that is all LENNY knows…along with the fact that having a REAL family ROCKS! His new Dad is a “mountain man”, a firefighter & EMT!! When Dad is out saving the world, LENNY hangs out in town with his new girlfriend ZOEY & her Mom ♥ When Dad is home, the girls come hang out there & LENNY & ZOEY spend their time romping through the woods, playing in the snow & chasing squirrels. LENNY has also proven to be a HUGE help chopping wood & working on the truck. Makes your heart hurt knowing that all of that talent was just wasting away at the end of a chain, huh? LENNY got lucky & so did we the day he came into our lives!! He now has the LIFE he was always meant to have with a family that simply adores him! We LOVE you, LENNY & we are grateful you now have all that you deserve!! ♥ LENNY was rescued the day that LENNOX was killed We could not think of a better way to honor him than to save another in his name. RIP LENNOX…your fight continues.

SHADOW — SHADOW came to NMDDB after he & his sweet little sister, STAR were dumped onto family members that could not provide for their needs. They were living in crates outside in Las Cruces during the blistering summer months & they knew these kids deserved better!! STAR was adopted some time ago & today…SHADOW found his forever with someone he already considered a friend ♥ His mom is an NMDDB Volunteer Dog Walker & waited so long, until the time was right in her life, to add a FOREVER DOG!! SHADOW also has his very own kitty sister who he just loves…such a GOOD BOY he is!! We are so blessed to have these amazing people and dogs in our life & when they find each other….well it just makes it ALL worthwhile!! CONGRATS to both SHADOW & his wonderful new Mom on this exciting day!!! WE LOVE YOU SHADOW….you SO deserve this ♥ Pup Pup Hooray!!!

JEWEL — JEWEL & her baby pup, HOLLEY, were both rescued during our 2012 Thanskgiving Eve Outreach in Las Vegas, NM ♥ Many of you know HOLLEY from our “Real Men Are Kind to Animals” poster, & her forever Dad! This is the beautiful girl that protected HOLLEY & nurtured her until we came along to take over & give the same to her!! JEWEL came to us shutdown, afraid of men & unsure of the world around her. Today….she has HER very own (retired) FOREVER Dad that she absolutely adores & well….he feels the exact same about her. You know the saying….”Who Rescued Who”? These two kids rescued each other!! JEWEL has brought the kind of loyalty, companionship & LOVE into the life of her Dad that can only come from a DOG ♥ We made a great match here folks….one that warms my heart to the core. I mean….you can see the LOVE on both of their faces! We are so proud of JEWEL for being so brave & working to overcome the scarey past she had & we are SO PROUD of her Dad for giving her all that she needs to do so! We know they are just perfect for each other….for always from this day on ♥ We have again been blessed with an adoption that was just meant to be!! Oh…HAPPY HAPPY DAY!! I LOVE YOU JEWEL…you are a very special girl!!

CODY — NMDDB CODY was once a chained dog out on the Zuni Rez. He came to us carrying deep emotional wounds, a blank stare in his eyes, multiple .22 slugs & a lot of fear in his heart How horrible his previous “life” must have been….long, dark cold lonely nights & brutal, blazing, hot summer days..one after the other, after the other. Sitting, longing..watching the world pass by, only to be interrupted by the shot of a firearm, aimed right at him. We heard that there were folks shooting at CODY, but no one ever told us he had actually been hit, & on multiple occasions. Maybe no one ever noticed. We are HAPPY we were able to be there for this kid…who really only needed a safe place, a gentle touch & reassurance that he would never be hurt again…to learn to trust. We are SO PROUD of our brave, brave boy & we are so thankful that his was such a smooth & graceful transition into his forever home!! His foster Mom spent 3 weeks with him & just knew he was where is was supposed to be…& so did we ♥ What a true Cinderella story for a DOG that deserves the best….a true sweetheart of a Bear, our CODY!! Congratulations to CODY, his big sister Piper & their wonderful forever Mom! We wish them the happiest of Holidays…the perfect gift to make CODYS best dreams come true ♥ I love you CODY BEAR!!

PANCHO PETE — For such a little guy…PANCHO PETE sure has had one great, BIG adventure since coming to NMDDB & he has stolen the hearts of many along the way ♥ But today….PETEY made it official with the one who has HIS heart…his forever Mom & his new forever family of fursisters ♥ PANCHO came to us from a hoarding case we worked earlier in the year…a very sad & frustrating situation. But ours was nothing compared to the sadness he survived, living in a tiny, feces filled crate…all alone. We are blessed to have been able to rescue him & the others, giving them the chance the so deserved ♥ PANCHO PETE has had Angels watching out for him ever since. Since day one, so many amazing women have touched this kids life directly & because of that LOVE….little PANCHO PETE is the DOG he is today!! He is happy! He is healthy! He is HOME for the Holidays! PANCHO PETE is home…forever ♥ Merry Christmas, PETEY!! I am SO happy for you, little buddy!! You got just what you deserve…the best.

BROOKS — Words, words, words…where do I find the words? Do we even really need any?!? I mean, c’mon…does it get much better than this? Oh, ok…so. NMDDB BROOKS (on the ground with his Mom) officially joined the AMAZING family of NMDDB Alumni, SLICK (up on the couch with Dad) & “big” sister Gizmo ♥ (who rules the roost, btw…with the kitty). BROOKS was tied to a tree & left behind…picked up by AC & pulled by NMDDB. We have dubbed this Pittie/Husky x boy the “NMDDB LOVEchild” & that is what he is surrounded by ♥ SLICK was once a chained little pup, left to “guard” the junkyard, living literally…in a puddle of oil He found this special family just about a year ago & has now welcomed his NMDDB brother!! These 2 boys are right about the same age, almost to the day. They are best buds, snugglers & keepers of the kitty. We cannot imagine them not together today & are beyond grateful for the LIFE they now have. Mom & Dad have been a part of the NMDDB family for some time & have given so much along the way. The gift of forever can never be repaid ♥ Thank you for making the lives of these special kids everything we wished for them. MERRY CHRISTMAS BROOKS….you got exactly what he wished for!! LOVE!! LOVE!! LOVE!!

TRANS AM — TRANS AM came to NMDDB when he was only three months old, after he got tangled up in his mean old nasty chain, broke his leg, was left there for who knows how long & then surrendered to the Las Vegas, NM shelter He was slated for euthanasia & well….we just couldn’t let him go out without a fighting chance & what a little fighter he is! We took him in, got him all fixed up & found him the most AMAZING foster home on the planet!! I guess she thought he was pretty darned AMAZING herself…because today we made her an official NMDDB foster failure ♥ (not bad considering this is her 4th or 5th NMDDB foster kiddo!) Today TRANNY is living the good life, he is all healed up from his ordeal, LOVES his new forever brother & sister dogs & kitties & of course….his FOREVER Mom!! He attends regular hydrotherapy sessions with the incredible Dr. Hady & will live a long, healthy & HAPPY life thanks to everyone involved in his recovery ♥ (foster Mom at the top of that list!) We are SO happy for them both…because we know this is a case of TRUE LOVE & that our boy, TRANS AM, will always have everything he will ever need! For that…we are FOREVER grateful ♥ WE LOVE YOU TRANNY & your superstar MOM!!!

HEY JUDY — HEY JUDE….you really DO know how to take a sad song & make it BETTER!! We met our JUDELBUG when he was only hours away from being euthanized at the Rio Rancho shelter He was picked up by animal control running down the street….dragging a huge chain & wearing a ridiculous spike collar that was nearly 2x too big for his then tiny little neck. HEY JUDE is definitely not the “spike collar type”…he is more about flowers & butterflies & he will be the first to tell you that ♥ We worked his cute little butt right into one of our incredible foster homes….one that we knew would allow him the time he would need to adjust to the GOOD LIFE! Because when JUDE came to us he was scared…of everything & pretty much everyone. It is because of the kindness, patience, understanding, compassion & LOVE he found in foster that he has blossomed into the HAPPY DOG he is today ♥ (there is no way to express what these foster homes mean to our dogs…because they mean the world!!) Another NMDDB foster failure & again…one that was just meant to be! We could not imagine HEY JUDE being anywhere other than right where he is now..& honestly, I don’t think he could either! The transformation in spirit that this kid has made is nothing short of….well, it’s just BEAUTIFUL to witness! We are beyond thankful to his now FOREVER family…for all they have given him & for all he will be given for the rest of his days ♥ I just LOVE this Dog….he is indeed a special, special soul! Thank you HEY JUDE, for the honor of being your rescue & THANK YOU to his parents…for the honor of calling you our friends ♥ There are no more words needed, I mean really….just LOOK at this pic!! It says it all ♥ CONGRATS HEY JUDE…no more sad songs, not ever!

SAMPSON AND BRANDY — SAMPSON (on the left) was an itty bitty puppy with a broken leg abandoned in a yard in Valencia County when he was rescued by a good Samaritan. We got his little leg all fixed up. After that, he was in foster with us for quite some time. SAMPSON was adopted at about 6 months old, and lived with a wonderful big sister that he loved very, very much…until one day, a tragic accident took her from him & the family.(♥ RIP BELLA…a treasured friend & companion to her people & SAMPSON ♥) After some time of healing & mourning, her family decided that the best way they could honor her was to give another wonderful dog in need a wonderful home & SAMPSON really missed having a buddy too! Enter BRANDY (the little cutie pie on the right) saved from a horrible hoarding case from which NMDDB removed 29 dogs. BRANDY was born on that property & was kept in a small outdoor cage with another now NMDDB kiddo, RUFUS, for all of her 2 years. She was the recipient of regular beatings & became pregnant by RUFUS many times. The last beating she received resulted in skull fractures & the loss of her litter…which was still inside of her when she came to us BRANDY’S capacity to LOVE & FORGIVE is mind boggling….but then again, she is a DOG ♥ Today she is a treasured member of this FAMILY!! Thank you to SAMPSON & BRANDY’S mom & her roommate, for opening their home & their hearts to another precious soul in need & for honoring BELLA by adopting BRANDY. I always say nothing fills the hole they leave in our hearts like the LOVE of another DOG ♥ This happy tail brings tears to my eyes….because it embodies the full spectrum of our work. Congratulations to ALL involved….may you all live a long & amazing LIFE together & FOREVER be a part of the NMDDB Village ♥ Our heart is full of JOY for each of you!

STAR —Sweet little STAR (the itty bitty Husky in the middle) came to us here at NMDDB after she & her brother, SHADOW, were dumped onto family members that did not have a yard & were allergic to dogs Although these folks did the best they could for them, STAR & SHADOW lived for almost 3 months in crates outside during the blistering summer down in Las Cruces. We are SO GRATEFUL that they contacted us for help & that we have been able to find STAR such a FABULOUS home….where she fits in as though she has always been there ♥ (twin brother SHADOW is still available for adoption ♥ adopt@nmddb.org) STAR now has new GIANT brother & sister DOGS, a mom that could not LOVE her more & one of the most wonderful GIANT yards in the North Valley ♥ Congratulations to this sweet, SWEET little girl & her new pack!! ♥

MEMPHIS RAINS —MEMPHIS RAINS (the little rascal on the right) was once a little pup left to fend for himself & little sister ELEANOR (adopted! — see her happy tail below), on the ruff streets of Bernalillo. We worked with their people, trying to get them to provide properly for these kids, but they just couldn’t seem to get it together. Finally (after much persuasion) they realized these pups deserved better & we were able to secure an OS ♥ MEMPHIS RAINS wiggled his little butt right into the heart of his foster mom & foster sister, Cleo, and now he has his own forever FAMILY! In rescue, we call this a “foster failure,” but we have to say: We are beyond thankful to MEMPHIS’ mew mom for all she does for so many of our dogs & all of the LOVE she gives to them as our designated “puppy foster” ♥ It takes a special person to take in a litter of compromised pups off the street, out of a backyard, away from their chained mama, clean them up, socialize them, keep track of everyone & keep everyone safe & disease-free until we place them. So to you, MEMPHIS RAINS’ MOM…our paws are HIGH & our hats are off!! MEMPHIS….you don’t know how lucky you just got little buddy ♥

DANCER —NMDDB DANCER (Dancey Pants) met her soulmate when she started going to Camp Bow Wow. ♥ DANCER was picked up as a county stray. She was one hard kiddo to catch..but after a nice hour of dancing me in and out of traffic, I finally won! DANCER has been with us for quite some time. We believe she knew just who she wanted to be with… it just took the rest of us a little longer to figure it out. Her new Dad has been her BFF during her time at CBW…but he was not allowed to have a dog where he lived ;( She played her cards perfectly though & somehow convinced him to buy a house JUST FOR HER! We are BEYOND grateful to the folks at Camp Bow Wow for keeping her safe & happy while that whole process played out, so that she could be with her true LOVE ♥ It is the LOVE of DOG & dedication of many, that make what we do here at NMDDB possible. It takes a VILLAGE….& this is the result of the hard work of The Village ♥ Thank you to all of you, for being a part of our mission & PAWS HIGH to DANCER, her new Dad & the whole gang at Camp!! Congrats on you new house, DANCER, & your new LIFE ♥ You SO deserve it!!

CHU CHU — Little Chu Chu’s new Mom is just a little camera shy so we have opted to use his bedtime pic as his HAPPY TAIL ♥ Chu Chu (far left upper corner on the pillow) came to us from a horrid hoarding situation where we removed 29 dogs….many are still there suffering in small outdoor cages, no water, no vet care, and moldy dog food We have been working with authorities in rural San Miguel County…but unfortunately they don’t seem to take animal issues seriously & continue to condone this awful situation, despite all of the documented evidence that has been provided to them on a silver platter. All dogs that have been removed have been done so with no financial support from other, larger organizations & between NMDDB, AWC & a couple of other very small groups…we have done all we can. Little Chu Chu lived in a filthy outdoor pen with no positive human interaction and was denied the most basic vet care. Chu Chu had a pretty severe case of double cherry eye when he came to us & he was completely emotionally shut down. Thanks to his INCREDIBLE foster family Chu Chu has managed to make great strides in realizing he is a brave, confident & treasured DOG ♥ Now he has found an AMAZING forever FAMILY to call his own….one that appreciates his special personality & continues to provide him with the understanding & patience he needs! We are beyond grateful to these fantastic folks that step into the lives of these special dogs & give them unconditional LOVE & acceptance! Chu Chu has a safe, quiet, retired country home that he shares with other great dogs & horses. He will be treasured, protected & cared for for the rest of his days thanks to his INCREDIBLE new mom…who has been a member of the NMDDB village even before there was an NMDDB ♥ WE LOVE YOU Chu Chu & Mom…..congratulations to the both of you!!

BUBBA — It has been a long time coming, BUBBA’S happy tail pic…but it is FINALLY here!! BUBBA was a Sunday morning pajama rescue on the Pueblo with five other dogs that were running at large. All other dogs were returned to their people (chipped & altered) but BUBBA had sustained injuries after being attacked by other dogs or maybe coyotes. He had to have his beautiful tail docked, but we made sure we left enough to WAG ♥ Today, BUBBA lives with his foster (now FOREVER) Mom & his sister, Brie. (Brie is pictured here on the couch, but you can hardly see her!) He is a HAPPY HAPPY boy, has blossemed into the DOG he was always meant to be & will never be left to fend for himself again (can you tell??). BUBBA loves to play & romp in his giant yard & enjoys relaxing in front of the TV on movie nights with his FAMILY ♥ We are thrilled that BUBBA had such an easy go at finding FOREVER….he truly deserves it!! WAY TO GO BUBBA!!! You are one of the NICEST dogs we have had the pleasure to know ♥ Thanks. “Mom”…for giving him all that his heart (& tummy) desires!!

REMY AND LIBERTY — Nothing better than 2 NMDDB pack members finding a wonderful HOME together ♥ LIBERTY (on the left) was saved by one of amazing volunteers from a rural NM shelter. This volunteer took her in as her foster dog, paid for all of her vetting & care. Pet Food Gone Wild agreed to have LIBERTY spend days at the store to help socialize her ♥ Her RESCUE was a TEAM effort! REMY (on the right) had been in the Las Cruces shelter since May, as a wee pup. We met REMY at Woofstock when we heard he had not been adopted & would be going back to the shelter Well….we just felt like he probably spent enough time there & needed to come with us! Today….LIBERTY & REMY found forever TOGETHER & will now be brother & sister. This makes us SO VERY HAPPY!! These kiddos have a wonderful LIFE ahead of them in Durango, CO. Their new mom and dad spend a lot of time in the great outdoors… and now they have two great DOGS to do it all with!! PUP PUP HOORAY!! CONGRATS to the whole family!

SANTANA — Ok. Breathe These are words I have fallen asleep dreaming about being able to say…..SANTANA found her ANGEL today ♥ ♥ ♥ She came to us right out of nowhere. She is perfect for our SANTI & there is no more perfect DOG for her, than SANTANA ♥ This is what we call a match truly made in Heaven. Many of you know SANTANA & her struggles since she has been with NMDDB. Many of you have grown to LOVE her with a very special part of your heart ♥ Many of you gave us HOPE that this day would come….it came today, thank you ♥ I am feeling as if I don’t want to take away rom the pure JOY of this picture with a bunch of words….alone, it speaks all that needs to be said. SANTANA…..thank you for being so good, so patient & so tolerant of our shortcomings. Thank you for teaching us important lessons & loving us through it all. YOU ARE AMAZING!! Thank you to SANTANA’s new family (omg!! I really just got to say that!!) for knowing where she was meant to be. This is an NMDDB HAPPY TAIL like no other & a day that will carry me through so many more.

KEI — KEI was once a chained, neglected & abused dog in Santa Fe….but today, he found a forever FAMILY. And not just any family, either! ♥ KEI’s new Mom was a co-founder of RAAP (Responsibly Adopting Albuquerque’s Pitbulls) & has been a personal hero of mine for, well…..a really long time ♥ So…not only is my heart full of GRATITUDE to this incredible family for falling in LOVE with our boy….but also for all that I will learn as this friendship is nurtured ♥ KEI now has his very own mountain home with acreage, lots of squirrels & lizards to chase, his very own chair, doggie door & so much more! Pictured here with Mom, Dad & new sister Maddie ♥ KEI is now a “Daddy’s boy” & we think that is FANTASTIC!! WAY TO GO KEI…you are one VERY smart fella ♥ Thank you so much to KEI’s new family….what you have given to both of us….well, it just means the world!! PUP PUP HOORAY!!

JAKE — Sweet JAKE ♥ was an owner surrender at a local shelter, then he got adopted!! YAY!! NOT! He was placed in a home with a history of domestic violence & put on a chain JAKE suffered physical beatings on a regular basis until one day he BROKE FREE from his chain & made a run for it. Unfortunately, JAKE was hit by a car. Luckily, someone from this family KNEW that JAKE deserved better & rushed him to Good Shepherd Animal Clinic for treatment. This family member did the RIGHT thing by telling the staff at the clinic of poor JAKE’s abuse & that is when NMDDB was called in to intervene. We secured an owner surrender from JAKE’s legal guardian & he got the medical care he needed. It took him a little time to realize he would not ever be hit again Today, JAKE is a HAPPY DOG….& he has his very own REAL family now! ♥ JAKE & his Dad are raising a family on their own & I am told he is a very big help!! In the mornings, he gets out of bed with his Dad, goes into each of the kids’ rooms to wake them with licks & sweet nudges! They get the kids off to school then Dad to work. JAKE spends the day INSIDE the home, watching TV, making sure the mailman behaves & awaits the return of his family! Here is what JAKE’s Dad told me last night when we finalized his adoption, “My favorite part of the day is after the kids are in bed, JAKE & I sit on the swing together on the front porch, he never leaves my side. It is really good to have a friend”. I am pretty sure our boy JAKE feels the same way.

JESTER — JESTER…another of our AMAZING dogs (pictured in the middle), has also snuggled his way right into FOREVER with HIS foster family ♥ We could not IMAGINE this boy anywhere else…he was HOME the second his paws hit the ground! Those were HIS kids & that was his pack ♥ JESTER came to us by way of one of our low cost S/N clinics. We could tell that JESTER was not happy where he came in from & with some encouragement & support, his people also realized he deserved better. JESTER was chained off & on in his backyard & when he was inside, he was usually getting yelled at I saw a different dog within days of finding the LOVE of this family. Now he tucks the kids in at night, watching over them until the fall asleep, before going into Mom & Dad’s room for the night. He accompanies them to Grandma’s house, soccer games, T ball & Taekwando ♥ Was it the “convenient” time to add another DOG to the family? Maybe not completely. Are all 3 DOGS & the kids going to fit into the family vehicle? Not so much Will there need to be a budget adjustment to allow for another DOG? Might have to skip the Starbucks every now & then. Could we IMAGINE this DOG anywhere else? Absolutely not!! Is he the most HAPPIEST & most LOVED dog on the planet? I am pretty positive he is!! With much joy & gratitude for JESTER & his perfect family….you all have our hearts!! THANK YOU for giving our boy the LIFE he deserves! GOOD JOB, JESTER ♥

HOT ROD — This Happy Tail pic has been a loooong time coming ♥ We are happy, proud & pleased to announce….HOT ROD has been ADOPTED by his long time wonderful foster family!! Pictured here with sister Angel & brother Chisolm (adopted from our friends at All Ears Basset Sanctuary ♥) HOTTIE’s foster parents have shown the utmost in dedication & commitment, sticking with him through thick & thin! He knew he was HOME after the foster meet & greet ♥ HOT ROD came to us as a young pup, picked up running in a very high traffic area. We took him in, vaccinated him & the next day, he broke with Parvo With the help of his guardian angels at Luvin Labs Rescue, we were able to raise the funds that paid for his treatment! THANK YOU, Luvin ♥ HOT ROD made a full recovery, but his immune system has always remained somewhat compromised. His incredible FAMILY has gone to every length to ensure that he always has everything he needs to stay healthy & continue to grow big & strong!! It was a VILLAGE that saved this amazing dog & we are blessed to be a part of it!! Congratulations Mr. HOT ROD….you nailed it buddy ♥

BEN — After nearly a year with NMDDB, Gentle BEN, or BEN G. as we call him ♥ has found FOREVER!! BEN came to us from a really awful place in the Florida swampland. He was originally pulled from a gassing shelter in SC, then transferred to B.U.D.D.I.E.S., where things only got worse Because of the devotion of one girl all the way across the country in UT, the bravery of one gal in FL, an army of volunteers on transport, one very special BFF to BEN in NM & the commitment of NMDDB….BEN finally has the LIFE he deserves!! BEN is a black, middle aged, Pittie/Lab mix. He is one of the very LUCKY ones, as the plight of the black dog (especially a black Pittie) is a sad one. Always the ones to be overlooked in the shelters & in rescue…they have a much higher euthanasia rate. I think BEN G. is a MIRACLE DOG….I know BEN G. is a SoulDog…now he has met his SoulMate ♥ BEN’s retired Dad recently lost both companions of 12+ years. He had a hole in his heart that ONLY a DOG can fill. Not anymore CONGRATULATIONS to BEN & his Dad ♥ THEY LOVE EACH OTHER! …and we LOVE you!

HUCK FINN — Little HUCK FINN was just a pup as he sat day in & day out in a very rural NM animal shelter…waiting for someone to choose him. Nobody ever did & one day….his time was up. We were there to pick up an elderly dog that had been chained when we met HUCK FINN (named so because he reminded us very much of our SAWYER ♥) & just could not leave him behind ♥ We thought HUCK FINN would be an easy in & out, not needing much from us other than a second chance. Well….as things usually go little HUCK needed a LOT. He was diagnosed with a severe case of hip displaysia. We started him on bone complex therapy, nutritional therapy & physical therapy in his wonderful foster home. During a visit of his foster family’s family….someone fell all the way in LOVE… and now HUCK is heading HOME to Illinois, where he will live the lifestyle of a pampered pooch with his retired mama ♥ HUCK FINN is already enrolled in swim therapy, to continue strengthening and he will live a mile away from the DOG BEACH in a safe, gated community. HUCK FINN will be attending training classes & doggie day care…where he will meet new friends ♥ We are so pleased with the new LIFE our boy HUCK has ahead of him!!

ANNA BELLE — Many of you will remember our sweet ANNA BELLE (to the left next to her Daddy, with Mom, brothers Happy & Joey to the right) ♥ Rescued in horrible conditions & in horrible shape off of a local Pueblo. She was chained with no shelter, shade or provisions. Emaciated & in the process of giving birth to pups when we took her into our care. ANNA BELLE has a true Cinderella Story ♥ She had so many ANGELS in her corner that day….so did her pups. All were transferred to AHANM & found great homes. ANNA BELLE spent a few more weeks in the care of our TEAM at Good Shepherd recovering from the whole ordeal. She was swooped up by one of our AMAZING Village People to foster & today they made it official by ADOPTING her ♥ When we got ANNA BELLE, she weighed a mere 37 lbs. Today, as you can see, she is HAPPY, healthy & has her very own FOREVER family, a beautiful HOME to call her own & a grassy 2+ acres with not a chain is sight ♥ THANK YOU to everyone that made her Cinderella Story a reality! For you, Princess ANNA BELLE…the perfect ending to a sad beginning ♥ That’s what’s is all about my friends!!

MONA LISA

Sweet, sweet MONA LISA was part of nine chained dogs rescued from a hoarder earlier this year. NMDDB was called upon to handle a case in an area with no animal control & we did the very best we could with what little resources we have. All dogs have found loving forever homes….& we saved the best for last ♥ MONA LISA was kept in solitary confinement in a horse trailer after she was “rescued” off a local reservation. She came to us very pregnant & scared to death of everything. We sent her to a wonderful foster home to have her babies. She raised them well & all of her pups found wonderful homes through Colorado Puppy Rescue. MONA LISA came back to us, was spayed & now she has found her DREAM HOME!! I knew this was the perfect home for her the moment I drove onto the property & met her incredible new parents…it was as if I arrived on the set of Green Acres ♥ MONA LISA has her very own goats, horses & new BFF, Skittles the cat! ♥ She is treasured, LOVED & is now one of the HAPPIEST dogs I have ever seen! We LOVE you MONA LISA…..enjoy your new LIFE….you absolutely DESERVE it ♥

WINSTON — WINSTON was adopted from a local shelter as a pup, nearly a year to the day after his adopters were cited for thier dog being on a chain & hanging himself….in the same juristiction. WINSTON “lived” at the end of that same chain, undetected for another whole year, until NMDDB was contacted to intervene. We wonder, “how does something like that happen?” We are thankful to those that came foward to lend their support & helped us remove WINSTON in record time…but we are left wondering how many others have found themselves victim to the same flaws in the system. WINSTON’s story has a happy ending, but let him speak for the many other “shelter alumni” that make up a suprisingly large percentage of NMDDB outreach & rescue ♥ Let WINSTON speak for the value in due diligence when it comes to placing these kiddos in the care of others. And…let WINSTON speak for the fact that a little extra work will always go a very long way ♥ CONGRATULATIONS WINSTON!!! Now PLAY! RUN & BE FREE! You are such a good, good boy!! (Pictured here in the middle — with adoptive Mom & Dad, along with big brothers Harely & Hunter)

REX — REX was one of REESA’s pups…one of the only 4 survivors of the litter. It was a LONG road to recovery for this …whole family from Las Cruces after mama was left emaciated, pregnant & chained to an abandoned trailer A road we could have never traveled without the supprt of the MANY folks involved in this rescue! THANK YOU to all of the puppy fosters that fought so hard for them all & to the AMAZING foster family that thought of REX as one of their own until the perfect home came for him! Mama REESA was picked up by the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Dept & taken to the local shelter…NMDDB was notified & got them all out of there as fast as we could! The other 3 remaining pups and mama have all found wonderful forever homes ♥ REX was the last one to be adopted & it was well worth the wait! He is the apple of his new mom’s eye & her BFF. I imagine we will see a lot of REX in the future as he attends NMDDB training & grows up big & strong! CONGRATULATIONS to this wonderful girl that knew REX was the love of her life & CONGRATULATIONS to this family of canines that definitely deserved better! WE LOVE YOU REX!!

COTTON — A Girl & her Dog ♥ NMDDB COTTON found her very own forever Girl today & we think they are nothing less than meant to be!!COTTON came to us from a rural NM town. She was living on the streets for weeks, scavenging for food & avoiding contact with anyone. It was the night the anti-tethering ordinance was passed in LV, NM that COTTON was finally captured….I won’t soon forget ♥ COTTON won’t ever be alone again. ♥ Here’s to all of the amazing times & LOVE ahead for COTTON & Her Girl! This is a MAGICAL day for the both of you! Being an avid runner, COTTON’s mom is so happy to now have a partner & who knew….COTTON is a water Husky I just couldn’t LOVE this one any more!!!We are blessed ♥

ELEANOR — Our little ELEANOR is growing up & now she has her very own FAMILY to grow with ♥ “Ellie” & her brother, MEMPHIS RAINS were rescued from a very uncertain, (or certainly bad), future on the streets of a tough NM town. Because of the HEARTS of the VILLAGE & an amazing foster home, both of their futures are now bright!! (Little brother MEMPHIS RAIN is still available for ADOPTION ♥ adopt@nmddb.org) ELEANOR found a wonderful forever family which includes a new brother Weimaraner, named Hunter ♥ & doggy day care during the week while her human parents fly fighter jet planes…not even kidding THANK YOU to all of the incredible ADOPTERS that come into our lives for THEM…it is because of YOU that we have these HAPPY TAILS to tell ♥ Congratulations Princess ELEANOR!!

REESA (03/12/12) — Ok everyone….grab the tissue box ♥ REESA has found FOREVER!!! And not just any forever…..the PERFECT forever!! REESA has her own 2 little human brothers, an ENTIRE soccer team that ADORES her, a new mom that is an avid daily runner & a dad that is as gentle & as nice as they come!! She has an in ground trampoline that she loves to sunbath on, a beautiful cozy home, a large shaded back yard to romp in with the kids & her…..wait for it……VERY OWN COUCH!! From a chained, emaciated, pregnant abandoned dog that was giving birth in a shelter, to a MUCH LOVED, treasured & adored family MEMBER ♥ REESA went on her trial last week, then the family had an already planned vacation, so she went to stay with her amazing foster mom for a few days. Well, her new family was not due back until Wedsnday & last night I got the call….”We came home early, we missed her so much. Can we adopt her tomorrow?” As we say here at NMDDB…YOU BETCHA ♥ Congratulations to REESA & her new family…..she is HOME now!!

ROCKY (01/05/12) — ROCKY really never knew what it meant to be treasured by anyone before. All he ever knew was a lonely existence at the end of a chain, longing for someone to LOVE him! ROCKY’s lucky day came when he was surrendered to Artesia Animal Control. Thanks to Paws & Claws, for letting us know about this INCREDIBLE Dog!! I visited ROCKY today in his new home, where he greeted me politely at the door (until he realized who I was, then he nearly took me down with his tongue! I love it when they do that!!) He is the center of this boys’ world & they are the BEST of buds!! ♥ You are SUCH a GOOD boy, ROCKY! It is an honor to be your rescue!