Friends of the Shelter

Odin has had a hard life. He and his two siblings were found one morning in front of Cottonwood Veterinary Clinic covered in ticks. One of the puppies was dead, and Odin and his sister were taken in by the Clinic. Friends of the Shelter decided to pay for the medical costs in order to save the two remaining puppies, and once they were deemed healthy to leave the Clinic they were taken in by Friends of the Shelter and fostered until they were old enough for their forever homes. We adopted Odin as a wedding present to ourselves and we immediately fell in love with his affectionate nature and playful attitude. 




One day, about four weeks after we adopted Odin, he started to get ill. A few days later he began stumbling when walking, and his condition has slowly gotten worse over time. He is now unable to walk or move on his own.  After five visits to our veterinarian in ten days, we still didn't have an answer as to what was wrong with Odin or how to fix it. Our vet suggested that we see a specialist, but the price of a specialist was too much for us to handle. That's when Friends of the Shelter offered to pay for the cost of the veterinary specialist.


Friends of the Shelter has gone above and beyond in helping us and Odin, and we are incredibly grateful for everything they have done. Therefore, we would like to help them raise the money they need to continue helping sick and abandoned dogs like Odin.

Friends of the Shelter's mission is to improve the welfare of homeless dogs and cats in northern New Mexico through spay/neuter programs, vet care subsidies, and education outreach.

All donations will go directly to Friends of the Shelter, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible.

Please consider donating to this wonderful organization so they may continue to do their good work helping other animals like Odin.



For more information, please visit the official Friends of the Shelter website.

Nova Rey - a brave little puppy who needs your help

Near the end of April, a small, 8 week old, American bulldog/pitbull terrier mix was surrendered to our shelter.   All the owner wrote on the form was that the puppy had a heart murmur and that they couldn't afford the medical costs. They also provided a CD with X-rays but you could physically feel the murmur with your bare hand.

In spite of her medical condition, Nova Rey was the most human-loving little girl we had ever seen; her entire body wiggled in a frenzy to snuggle with us. Everyone fell in love with little Nova Rey. She showed no signs of any illness but our vet did confirm a very pronounced heart murmur and recommended that we take her to a veterinary cardiologist for a full work up and diagnosis. Meanwhile, the shelter staff found her a great foster home where she is receiving plenty of love and attention as well as the companionship of other canine playmates. She continues to astound us with her energy and heart.

After the cardiologist exam we all learned what was causing little Nova Rey's heart murmur. She has Pulmonary Stenosis and it is a very serious condition.   It may cause her to start fainting, getting weak or collapsing at any time as her heart struggles to push blood through to her lungs.  There is no actual cure and, without  treatment, she might live no more than a few years.  The good news is that there is a treatment that can lessen the effects of this condition and extend her life.   This little dog's brave spirit matches her great love for life and she is currently busy just being a playful and curious puppy.  We believe she deserves a chance to comtinue enjoying her life for as long as possible.

Nova Rey needs three things: a surgery, a daily medication, and a family to love and care for her.

The recommended surgery is a balloon catheter dilation of the narrowed pulmonary valve. When done by an expert, this often extends the lifespan of the dog at least a year or two more. We want quality of life for our Nova Rey. Anything that gives her more time to be a happy, loved puppy is important to everyone involved with our shelter. She will also be on medicine for life. The medication is not expensive but missing a dose is very dangerous and she will need good, consistent follow-up care.  Even after the surgery, she will need to be taken to the cardiologist for regular follow ups, possibly up to twice a year.  So the third thing that Nova Rey needs is a forever family able to give  her the love and support to live as long and happy a life as she is able.  Nova Rey will return the favor with all the love and joy she has to give.

This is why our non-profit Los Alamos Friends of The Shelter is hoping to raise enough money to pay for the surgery and some of the necessary follow ups with a veterinary cardiologist. Since her adoptive family may be the ones to take her to the surgery, which must also be done by cardiology specialists, we also hope to raise enough to cover their travel costs for the surgery and initial follow up.

ideally, Nova Rey would be able to have her surgery in the next one or two months, when she is about half a year old.

If you feel you can support this little puppy with a heart that is so beautiful but ultimately may fail her, please consider donating to her campaign. 

And if you want to apply as the special family to care for her we would love to hear from you - just let us know - GoFundMe will help us get in touch.

All of us connected with Los Alamos Friends of the Shelter appreciate your reading about this very special young dog and hope you will help us to help her.

Thank you!