Best Friends Animal Society’s Sanctuary in Kanab recently took in 22 dogs from an abuse and neglect seizure case in Albuquerque, New Mexico. There were 55 dogs on a single property, and in a house rife with feces and urine and no dog food in sight.
All the dogs were initially taken in by Bernalillo County Animal Care, which is a Best Friends Network Partner. Like most shelters, Bernalillo was already having over-capacity issues with its dog population, so Best Friends worked with the shelter to help.
“Best Friends endeavors to help smaller shelters with huge intakes whenever we can, as such situations can almost double their capacity in a single day,” said Ali Waszmer, director of Dogtown at Best Friends Sanctuary.
The 22 dogs taken in by Best Friends ranged from six weeks to several years old and were in various states of health. Many were emaciated and had fresh and/or old wounds on their face and/or bodies.
Upon intake on Friday, June 23, at Best Friends’ medical clinic, the dogs were given full medical exams by the Best Friends veterinary staff to determine any necessary medications or behavior plans.
“Despite their condition, the dogs were friendly with one another and Best Friends staff,” Waszmer said. “If you’re able to foster a dog or puppy, it would really help us learn about what they’re like in a home environment and help us find them the best adopters once they’re ready.”
Stacey Clark of Kanab and her husband Jeff are currently fostering two of the pups from New Mexico, named Micans and Milk Confetti. At seven weeks old, they’re a lot of fun to watch grow up.
“They are adorable and so curious about everything. The puppies love to snuggle with us and each other and give kisses. They also love laying in the sun,” said Stacey Clark. “We are fostering to provide the ability for Best Friends to take in more dogs in need and give these two a little extra TLC.”
Best Friends already had more than 70 puppies on the premises before taking these dogs in, a higher than usual number than previous years.
“What we’re seeing in communities is a lack of access to spay/ neuter, which often results in dogs having puppies that end up in shelters,” Waszmer said.
To help find these puppies homes, all dogs under six months are free to adopt through August. To view adoptable puppies, visit bestfriends.org and click on Adopt + Foster. Interested parties can email fosterkanab@bestfriends.org for more information or visit bestfriends.org. The dogs will be spayed or neu- tered, vaccinated and microchipped prior to being placed for adoption.
“We know adopting a puppy is already a big expense and experience for people. We just want to make it as welcoming as possible,” Waszmer said. If you can’t adopt from Best Friends, Waszmer stressed the importance of adopting from other shelters and rescues to find the perfect pup.
“Shelters are in an overcapacity crisis and need adopters and fosters more than ever,” she said.
Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is open daily from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., at 5001 Angel Canyon Road. There are adoption hubs at the Welcome Center and Puppy Preschool to meet adoptable pets in person.
To find out more about a particular pet, contact adoptions@bestfriends.org or call 435-688- 2327.
