2 weeks Ago
This is a tale of two black dogs I observed meeting one another at Cornell Park one afternoon a few weeks ago. I was sitting in my car enjoying lunch when I overheard a conversation between two men discussing their dogs. I looked up and thought I was seeing double.
There were two black dogs that looked identical. Being the nosy dog owner that I am, I exited my car to meet the four. Samus, named after Samus Aran, the protagonist of the video game series Metroid by Nintendo, is a 3-year-old female shepherd-border collie mix.
Samus was surrendered to Española Humane in August 2021. She weighed 31 pounds, and shelter staff thought she was about 4 months old. After being spayed, vaccinated and microchipped, Patty, as the staff had named her, was adopted by Jeremy Romero on Sept.
5, 2021, and he decided to change her name. Although Samus does get “skittish in certain situations,” Romero said she has learned to adapt to her environment. “She is so very loving and loves everybody.
Samus is especially nice to those that give her attention and have good energy,” said Romero. Samus loves chasing squirrels and lizards and loves her red ball. “She’s not food driven but ball driven,” he said.
I also met Raqui (pronounced Rock-ee). Raqui was 1 year old when Raph Hehr of El Prado adopted her from the Portales animal shelter. “I found her when I was still on Facebook,” said Hehr.
“A friend of mine worked on a farm near Clovis and posted the Portales animal shelter page. I scrolled through it, thinking, ‘These are some good-looking dogs and they’re not all pit bull mixes.’ Then I found her mugshot and knew she was the dog for me.
I texted my sister, who lives in Portales, and told her to get the dog and I would be down to pick her up.” Hehr adopted her June 9, 2018, and renamed her Raqui, who is a shepherd-Labrador mix. Raqui has responded well since being adopted.
Hehr used to work as a ski patroller at Taos, and his last day on the job was when everything shut down due to the pandemic. “I had health issues that prevented my continuing the job, so I retired after 28 years there,” Hehr said. He and Raqui have been together since.
“I still work as a landscaper, and she comes to work me with me every day. She is a really wonderful dog. She loves Frisbee and daily walks,” said Hehr.
Hehr credits Raqui for helping him through his health issues. Adding, “It’s a joy to be her human.” National Black Dog Day was Oct.
1. It is celebrated to encourage the adoption of dark-colored dogs. Although I am a bit late, it’s never too late to celebrate black dogs, especially the two that I was so lucky to meet.
Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society: Mia is a soulful girl who opens at her own pace, needing a patient owner to earn her trust. She is finally comfortable in foster care. With her furry friend Poe by her side, Mia enjoys playing fetch, wrestling and cozying up for cuddles.
Nala is a gorgeous, silky pit bull with a tender heart and a resilient spirit. With gentle care and patience, she has come out of her shell. She is ready to shower a family with all the love she has to give.
The shelter’s adoption hours are from 11 a.m. to 5 p.
m. daily. Call 505-983-4309, ext.
1610, or visit SFHumane Society.org . Española Humane: Casper, a 1-year-old boxer, has a bunch of training and is a cute and cuddly clown.
He is a warm-hearted and ready for adoption. He is neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and comes with six months of free heartworm prevention. Pumpkin, a kitten, might have some spice, but with socializing may lose her hiss.
Pumpkin is spayed, vaccinated, dewormed and microchipped. The shelter is open from 11 a.m.
to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Call 505-753-8662 or visit espanolahumane.org . Felines & Friends: Pedro Pony is a 6-month-old mostly black kitten with a white chin and mittens.
The active boy loves to be picked up, kissed and loves back scratches. Pedro enjoys playing with his toy mice and all his friends. He would like another young playmate.
Billie Holiday loves to wrestle with her lookalike brother, Dino, chase balls and create havoc. Once she’s tired, Billie sleeps peacefully. The 6-month-old jet-black kitten was rescued with her mother and siblings.
Meet Pedro, Billie and more kittens at the Turquoise Teapot Cat Café, which is open Tuesday to Sunday. See more cats at Petco, open daily. Visit FandFnm.
org to learn more and apply to adopt from Felines & Friends NM. Dew Paws Rescue: Lillie is a 3-year-old bully mix. She is medically vetted and trained.
Lillie is well-mannered and is good with other dogs. Anyone interested in adopting or fostering Lillie may call 505-412-9096 or email [email protected] .
The Horse Shelter: Vinny is an 8-year-old sorrel gelding. He is adoptable as a companion, nonriding horse. Anyone interested in adopting Vinny may review his video at thehorseshelter.
org or call 505-577-2193..
