Albuquerque rescues animals from Texas shelters
Feb. 25—ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Let's hope Fluffy and Fido like green chile.
The Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department rescued two dozen cats and dogs from Texas animal shelters affected by last week's extreme winter weather.
Two Albuquerque employees journeyed to the Lone Star State earlier this week to pick up 13 dogs, including a mother and two pups, and 11 cats collected from shelters in the coastal town of Ingleside and the central Texas town of Junction.
The two shelters are temporarily closed as they recover from a week of bitter cold, snow and ice storms, power outages and flooding from burst pipes.
"Helping our neighboring state in their time of need is the right thing to do," said Carolyn Ortega, Animal Welfare Department director. "I'm proud of my staff for working so quickly to put a plan together to help give these Texas pets a safe and warm place to stay, until they find their forever homes."
Mayor Tim Keller checked in on the furry Texas transplants at the Westside Animal Shelter on Wednesday.
"Albuquerque gained 24 new residents today, and I know there will be plenty of folks lined up to give them a good home," Keller said. "When the chips are down, that's just what neighbors do."
The animals were vaccinated before the trip to New Mexico. They are under observation in city shelters for a few days, and some will be available for adoption beginning Saturday.
