In Albuquerque, Dogs have friends in high places.
A dog named Duke helped elect the mayor of Albuquerque!
Duke happens to be best friends with Mayor Martin J. Chavez - and he lent his image to baseball cards, billboards, and even postcards. The Mayor's critics didn't appreciate it, but Duke sent postcards to all the pets in town asking them to be sure and tell their moms and dads to vote for his dad - because he would help take care of lost, abandoned, and abused pets in Albuquerque.
Since Albuquerque's citizens DID vote for Duke's dad, we think it speaks well for the citizens, as well as the Mayor.
Mayor Chavez has a goal to end euthanasia in Albuquerque by the end of this four year term. And he doesn't just talk about it. He has created adoption centers in malls, he hosts a local TV program promoting adoption, and he brings adoptable pets to city hall and to press conferences in hopes of finding homes for them.
Mandatory spay, neuter, and microchipping went into effect in August - which should greatly reduce the overpopulation while ensuring that lost pets find their way home.
Mayor Chavez is an example to hold up to your local politicians as a role model. Tell them you want them to behave in a similar fashion - or at least to cooperate with their local animal shelters and rescues. A County Commissioner once told me that he couldn't possibly take a stand regarding animals, because it would make too many people mad. (Maybe that's why I worked to keep him from being re-elected.)
What can you do to help?
Dogs in every community need help. Even in cities where the puppy problem is under control, there are still people who abuse and abandon their dogs.
You can start to help the dogs around you by reminding everyone to spay and neuter, and also by talking to people about dog training.
As a rescue person, I learned that the reason many dogs are "thrown away" is the people failed to teach them any manners when they were young. When they are cute little fuzzy puppies, people play with them and let them get away with misbehaving because its "cute." But then, they get older and it isn't so cute any more. Large breed dogs become especially hard to handle.
Here are some of the things dogs should learn in order to be good citizens:- To share their food: Growling when you come near the food dish is NOT acceptable.
- Come when called - this is for their own safety as well as yours
- Sit - Because sometimes they need to calm down and behave
- Stay - so that you don't have to chase after them
- Get off - so they don't knock Grandma on her bottom!
- Wait - so you can open the door for them to go out without being knocked down yourself
Another thing you can do is remind people that dogs have feelings, and that they should never get a dog unless they're committed to keeping it for life. Dogs don't understand having a home and family one day and being thrown away the next. Think how you'd feel!
A dog is one of the most loyal friends you'll ever have - if not the most loyal. Always remember to repay that loyalty by taking good care of your dog and keeping him safe.
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