Pets

By BERNADETTE LAURITZEN
Executive Director
Champions of Youth Ambitions

Do you still need a resolution for 2026? The fun and furry friends at Santa Fe Animal Shelter would love to see you. Plus, they couldn’t do it without you.

“As we step into 2026, we’re incredibly grateful for the community members who continue to show up for animals in so many meaningful ways. That collective care inspires us to keep finding new opportunities to connect beyond Santa Fe,” said Lex Gowans, Associated Director of Marketing and Communications. “For those looking to support animals our wish lists and donations Read More

Tabitha is a 7-year-old tortie who survived the hard part and is ready for the soft landing. She came to us injured and out of options, lost her tail to save her life, and healed with quiet grit and grace. Now she’s luminous, lovely, and very much herself. She has yellow eyes like a winter moon, a nine-pound frame, and a heart that opens deeply once trust is earned. Affectionate and chatty on her terms, Tabitha loves closeness—but she’ll let you know when she’s had enough. The shelter is tough on her nerves; in a calm, patient home, she blooms into something truly tender. Tabitha has excellent litterbox Read More

Well excuse ME, mister cuteness. Honestly, it’s rude how cute Clyde is. Clyde clearly did not get the memo that ears are supposed to match. One is flopped over and speckled, doing its own artsy little thing. The other is jet black and straight up like it was carefully glued on at a 90-degree angle and never looked back. On his bright white body, it’s a statement. Add in those warm, endearing amber eyes, a smile that could flip even the worst day right side up, and you’ve got 47 pounds of perfectly portioned, fun-sized joy. Clyde is a 4-year-old Border Collie mix with just the right balance of charm, goofiness, Read More

Hot Pocket began life on the coldest edge of heartbreak—found alone in a frozen barn, barely hanging on. For a time, we didn’t know if he would survive. Our medical team warmed him gently, refused to give up, and Hot Pocket chose to stay. Once he thawed, his name—and his spirit—became obvious. He went from ice-cold to piping hot, revealing a perfectly toasted little lovebug who lives for cuddles and play. This handsome marbled kitten makes biscuits on everything—your lap, the air, maybe even imaginary friends—kneading the world with pure joy. Hot Pocket is warm, wonderful, and ready for his forever Read More

Molly is an almost-grown kitten with whispering whiskers and a heart full of gentle charm. At around 10 months old, this brown and white tabby is that perfect ‘tween age: playful enough to keep things lively, calm enough to curl up and keep you company. Molly gets along beautifully with other cats and would be a lovely addition to a multi-feline household. As for dogs, she’s undecided for now—she prefers thoughtful, slow introductions (a girl who appreciates good manners). Sweet, soft souled, and quietly affectionate, Molly has a way of making a space feel warmer just by being in it. If your home Read More

Noodle doesn’t have much of an ear. Just a tiny flap, like someone pressed pause halfway through. She was surrendered to the shelter as part of a litter born to a feral mom. When she was a newborn, her mother was moving the kittens to safety and Noodle lost her ear in the process. Just one of those things that happens when life starts rough and fast. What’s surprising is how quietly she carries it. Noodle, 4-months-old, hasn’t been heard to cry or meow once since she’s been at the shelter. She’s calm, observant, and steady. She watches before she acts. She takes things in. But she’s still very much a kitten Read More

Harry is an 8-year-old orange tabby who arrived with a broken body but an unbroken heart. Found injured by a kind stranger, he was lovingly pieced back together by the Española Humane medical team. He lost one eye and sees only a little from the other—but somehow, he sees love perfectly. Harry will need a safe, indoor-only home, where the world stays gentle and predictable. He’s fine with other cats, curious about everything, and endlessly devoted to people. Touch him once and he melts—kneading, purring, clinging to every second like it’s a gift. Harry doesn’t just want a home; he wants someone Read More

EH News:

ESPANOLA, N.M. — Española Humane is offering fee-waived puppy adoptions from Dec. 29 through Jan. 4, helping young dogs find homes while the shelter continues recovery work following recent roof repairs.

The shelter is also welcoming guided walk-throughs of the dog kennels with a staff escort, allowing visitors to safely meet adoptable dogs during ongoing mold remediation.

Cat intake remains open, while dog intake is limited and handled on a case-by-case basis due to reduced kennel capacity.

“As we head into the new year, there’s something especially meaningful about welcoming Read More

Oakley is just weeks away from being officially “paw-roled” from our Paws in the Pen program—our extra-special partnership with the New Mexico Corrections Department that turns good dogs into great dogs. For 8 merry weeks, Oakley has been paired with two dedicated inmate trainers, learning the ropes of good manners and holiday-worthy behavior. Oakley is a 1 year, 8 month old handsome holiday showstopper with a stunning red coat that could be matchy-matchy with Santa himself. He’s bursting with energy, personality, and joie de vivre. Toys are his love language, playtime is his passion, and Read More