Neglected Pups Get a Second Chance

Phoebe the Maltipoo and Ravi the Australian Silky Terrier/Yorkie mix. (Photo by Owner)

Tessa - adopted from a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel Rescue. (Photo by Owner)

​  Dawn and her husband Peter have made it a practice to adopt their pets for nearly twenty years. When they relocated to Santa Fe from New York, they brought Tessa, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel that they had adopted from a breed rescue, but they were very open to finding a second dog to keep Tessa company. When they met Phoebe, they knew that she was a perfect fit for their family.
​   Phoebe, a two year old Maltipoo, had faced a rough start in her young life. She and another dog were being “housed” 24/7 on an outdoor balcony in Albuquerque, NM. They had been terribly neglected, ​​​malnourished and ignored. A caring delivery person knew of the situation and reported the owners to Argos, A Shelter Dog Rescue, a well respected local non-profit. ​

When Argos representatives went to investigate, the owners surrendered both dogs. Since Argos has no physical facility, they must depend on volunteers to foster, so in order to help more animals, they try to place their fosters in loving homes ASAP.  By using Facebook and networking with vets and other animal welfare groups they are able to spread the word about animals that need new homes. As soon as Dawn saw Phoebe online she was immediately attracted to her. She applied for the adoption and after careful interviews by Argos, including in-home meetings, it was decided that Phoebe had found her forever home!
   The girls got along great and loved playing together. Then, two years later, in 2020, Dawn and Peter lost Tessa to congestive heart failure which is sadly a common hereditary trait in her breed.
   A month or so later, another pup, Ravi, who had been saved by Lap Dog Rescue of New Mexico, appeared on Dawn’s Facebook page. Ravi was a very tiny 3 year old Australian silky terrier & Yorkie mix who was quite under-weight, neglected and in desperate need of a family. He was owned by a breeder, so it’s hard to understand how this dog had been so poorly cared for. An application was sent and when Dawn and Peter met Ravi, he quickly won their hearts - another happy ending! By-the-way, Ravi weighs only 7 pounds. Never the less, he is certain that he is a very big dog and he is quite fearless - he is the unquestioned lead of the pack!

​The stories of these wonderful pets illustrate a few points that we would like you to know:

• People who adopt their pets through reputable rescue groups will find that their newest family member has been thoroughly examined by a vet, spayed/neutered if needed, and given any other medical treatment required. Once a neglected animal is placed in a loving home, there is no reason why they cannot thrive.
• If you witness animal neglect or cruelty, always report the problem to the appropriate organization. An animal rescue group would be a good start. 
• If there is a certain breed that you would like, you can still save a life. There are breed rescues who would love to help you adopt. Also, thirty percent of all shelter animals are of a specific breed but, be sure to keep an open mind because you might just find that an animal you never considered is your next best friend!
• It is important to adopt a pet once you know for sure that you are ready to commit to caring for them long-term. Knowing what kind of pet fits with your lifestyle prevents the need to re-home.
• “Designer dogs”, like Maltipoos, are often bred in puppy mills – huge operations that house their dogs in horrible conditions without proper food, medical care or even clean surroundings while they produce litter after litter for the sole purpose of making as much money as possible.
• Please, Adopt Don’t Shop!