ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The Bernalillo County Animal Care and Resource Center is over capacity, with over 200 in their care. Some dogs have been waiting over 100 days to be adopted like Chica. “She is about 11 years old, so she is our most senior animal here,” shared Tiffany Chamblee of the Bernalillo County Animal Care and Resource Center.
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Chica, a confident and loving dog, had been waiting over 4 months to be adopted. “She’s been with us for 128 days,” continued Chamblee.
Shelter staff like Chamblee are tasked with finding a family for Chica and the other 140 dogs in their care. “She’s such a great dog. And all of us that work in the shelters, I think we can all say that we see dogs and we’re like, why are you still here? She’s one of those dogs,” emphasized Chamblee.
Larger dog breeds like Chica have a harder time being adopted. “It’s hard to just get people to understand that, you know, don’t buy, come and adopt,” said Chamblee.
Right now, the biggest hurdle this shelter faces is overpopulation. “We have, what is it, 115 animals that came to us in one week, just as strays,” shared Chamblee. And with just 11 vet techs to care for over 200 animals, they have to put 2 or more dogs in some kennels. With limited space, shelter staff are hoping to get more people to adopt.
They are reminding folks that adoptions are always free, and each pet comes either spayed or neutered. “We’ll help you with food. We’ll help you with fencing. Whatever you need, we’re here to help you keep the animal in your home. And we’re here to help you, support you after you adopt your animal,” emphasized Chamblee.
And for those unable to open up their homes to a new pet, “You can volunteer. You can foster an animal. Or you can donate.”
As for Chica? She finally got her happy ending on Saturday evening!
For those looking to adopt a dog like Chica or a cat, click this link.
