AFTER
BEFORE
A Life-Saving Center for Change Santa Fe Animal Shelter’s Rehabilitation Facility Offers More Than A Second Chance By Ben Swan, The Santa Fe Animal Shelter
R
ocky, a gorgeous Cocker spaniel, didn’t like to be touched in certain areas and would often nip at those who came too close. He was relinquished to a shelter that slated him for euthanasia due to his aggressive behavior, until their employees reached out to the Santa Fe Animal Shelter for help. Rocky was immediately transferred to the shelter’s newly opened Roddey Burdine Rehabilitation Center, where the shelter’s behavior staff quickly worked to resolve Rocky’s issues. Once Rocky’s
behaviors were changed, he quickly found a loving home. Since its opening in the spring, the center, known as “Roddey’s Rehab,” has become a life-saving facility for animals who otherwise would face an uncertain future. “It will be interesting to see what it will be like over the next few years,” says executive director Mary Martin. “The center is incredibly meaningful to all of us. I know there will be dogs we still can’t help, but this will give us the time we didn’t have before and that’s huge.”
The Santa Fe Animal Shelter, northern New Mexico’s largest animal shelter, is a private non-profit that relies on donations for supporting its programs and helping find homes for more than 5,000 animal companions annually. The shelter’s biggest annual fundraiser, the Barkin’ Ball, is coming up on Oct. 9th at their new venue, the Santa Fe Farmers Market. The party begins at 5:30 p.m. and canines are encouraged to accompany their owners. For tickets and more information, visit barkinball.org or call 505.515.0854.