More Animal Kingdom

• Pets of the Week: Jan. 17, 2008
• Healthy treatment for animals is a growing trend
• Dog owners OK with throwing parties for their pets

MOST RECENT TRIB STORIES

• ABQTrib.com to remain available
  08:48 a.m., February 25, 2008
• Congressman is indicted
  08:37 a.m., February 23, 2008
• Series of attacks target Green Zone
  08:36 a.m., February 23, 2008
• Iran is defying U.N., agency says
  08:35 a.m., February 23, 2008
• Waterboarding approval probed
  08:34 a.m., February 23, 2008

TRIB IN THE BLOGOSPHERE*

• Ty Murray Invitational thrills fans in Albuquerque
• Is Rome Burning?
• Ominous Skies
• The Road to Invalidation
• Albuquerque company participates in “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”

*Note: The Tribune does not create and is not responsible for the blogosphere's headlines and stories. These links to blogs talking about ABQTrib.com are automatically generated. Use them at your own risk.

STORY TOOLS

• E-mail story
• Comments
• iPod friendly
• Printer friendly

SHARE THIS STORY [?]

When the Animal Humane Association of New Mexico recruited Peggy Weigle as its new executive director this past fall, Weigle drew up a program of adoption initiatives for 2007 that will be no small feat to implement.

But have no doubt, she will exceed even her expectations.

Weigle served on the Blue Ribbon Panel on Aviation Security following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. She was named one of the 50 most powerful people by Networking Magazine; acted as CEO of Sanctum Inc., a leading Web application security testing and firewall software company; and recently retired after a successful 20-year career at Intel Corporation.

At 16 she worked with show dogs, acting as handler and kennel manager and appearing at major dog shows, including Westminster. She has been known to chuckle that her career has come "full circle" starting with dogs, ending with dogs.

This powerhouse is now shifting her attention to the association's ability to adopt 4,400 animals in 2007. Last year, 3,552 animals were adopted through the association, which in itself was a 128 percent increase compared with the previous year.

One key to accomplishing Weigle's goals is the "Wish List" program, matching adopters with pets of specific age, breed or type.

The program works with shelters across the state to connect the right animal with the right owner, so animals that might otherwise be euthanized because of lack of space, money or ability to adopt within their counties have an excellent chance at finding a new lease on life in Albuquerque. All you need to do is fill out a Wish List card.

Another key to Weigle's efforts is keeping individuals like Anna Todd, adoption manager for the association. Todd was largely responsible for the huge adoption increase last year with her transfer program, bringing in pets from counties that lack direction, passion or money to place their animals locally.

Increasing mobile adoption events, promoting the Seniors for Seniors program, opening two new satellite adoption centers, introducing post-adoption follow-up service: These are but a few of the issues being addressed by Weigle.

The city's animal care centers are no less intent on increasing adoptions for 2007.

Anna Sanchez, the centers' marketing manager, has a program called Save a Pet Restaurant Campaign, which started with the seven local Garduño's participating.

When seated at the table, your attention is grabbed by a photo of a sleeping puppy with the headline reading "Enjoy a nice siesta after a satisfying meal? Find someone to cuddle up with at the Animal Care Center."

As a dining patron you can then download a discount coupon to be applied to adoption costs.

Chili's joined the program with a photo of a pooch licking its chops, and the headline "Doggie bag, but no doggie? Find someone to share with at Animal Care Center."

The city supplies the printed materials at no cost to the participating restaurants. The program enhances the establishment's involvement in the community. Most importantly, adoption awareness increases.

Macaroni Grill, O'Niell's Pub, Scarpas, Scalo's, the Cooperage and Christy Mae's are but a few of the restaurants with the adoption center's miniposter on their tables. To join this program, contact Sanchez at

To comply with the new HEART ordinance requiring all Albuquerque dogs having a microchip, the AACC is offering the public the opportunity to chip their pets for $15. No appointment needed, just walk in, get chipped. If you are 65 years or older, or are low income, the chipping is free.

Want to combine your passion for pets with volunteering for your community? Captain Nina Bruce of AACC is heading the Animal Service Reserve Officer Program. You will be trained to work closely with Field Service Officers pertaining to the care, handling and impounding of wild and domestic animals, investigate reports of animal cruelty and abandonment issues.

Count me in!

Don't forget the 4th Annual Dog Ball, hosted by first dog Dukes, and his dad, Mayor Martin Chavez, on Feb. 10th at the Albuquerque Museum. Call 764-1164 for more info.