Animal shelter celebrates Independence Day with $17.76 sale

By S. Derrickson Moore / dmoore@lcsun-news.com

Posted: 07/06/2013 05:34:22 PM MDT

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LAS CRUCES - Dozer smiled shyly, sat down and held a paw to a friendly stranger during a Saturday stroll with trainer John Casanover through the Las Cruces Farmers & Crafts Market. The pair were accompanied by volunteers and animal lovers Elliott Birkman, who's currently fostering a Labrador-rottweiler mix, and Cynthia Cubero, who's volunteering to help care for homeless dogs.

'My daughters really love pitbulls. It's a very good breed. It all depends on how they're raised,' Cubero said.

'We're always looking for more trainers and people to walk and help with dogs,' said Cassanover, heading for an area teeming with wagging tails and animal aficionados.

If you're looking for a furry amigo, this could be the perfect time.

You can liberate animals from an uncertain future and celebrate pet ownership during the third annual Spirit of 1776 adoption event, ending today in Las Cruces.

For just $17.76, you can adopt a dog or a cat from noon to 5 p.m. today at Animal Services Center of the Mesilla Valley, 3551 W. Bataan Memorial Hwy.

'It's a big savings. Regular adoption fees are $75 for dogs and $50 for cats. And this includes age-appropriate vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, rabies vaccination and a microchip,' said Beth Vesco-Mock, DVM, and ASCMV's executive director.

'We wanted to do something exciting to celebrate the Fourth of July,' said Vesco-Mock, who reports the center has a 'full-house' of about 500 animals.

Added to that are a record crop of more

than 30 firework-traumatized dogs, many of whom were being reunited with their relieved owners on Friday and over the weekend, she said.

The adoption fiesta began on the Fourth of July and included adoptions at Petco and the Las Cruces Farmers & Crafts Market.

Julie Merchant, visiting from Charlottesville, Va., toured the downtown market menagerie and said she was interested in the 1776 program.

'We're very active with the ASPCA in Virginia and we're always looking for good ideas,' said Merchant, who revealed she was traveling with two yellow Labs.

Volunteer dog walkers Andrew Moreno and Jese Gonzales started the day with a trio of adorable puppies.

'I'd like to take her home myself,' confessed Gonzales, snuggling with a mixed-breed beauty with a heart-shaped patch of white fur on her back.

Nearby, Christen Skillman surveyed a group of equally cuddly cats and kittens with her enthusiastic 11-month-old toddler, Lorraine.

'She loves kittens. All her books have kittens,' said Skillman, pondering how a new feline might fit in with the family dogs.

Prospective animal adopters wandered through an eclectic group that ranged from a small, winsome terrier to a very large, mellow fellow that looked like a St. Bernard but was identified as a pit bull-terrier mix.

Lois Joiner of Las Cruces is still mourning the loss of a beloved companion, a Chow-Blue Heeler mix, but it was clear she was happy to return greetings from the sea of wagging tails that surrounded her.

'I have a big yard, with lots of room,' Joiner mused.

Many people seem to be seeking the dog - or cat - of their dreams.

'We had about 20 adoptions in the first two days. We're all working to ensure these wonderful animals get a chance at living a life free from a kennel. There are good people in the community. We're trying to save lives and we're making a little progress,' Vesco-Mock said.

S. Derrickson Moore may be reached at 575-541-5450. Follow her on Twitter @DerricksonMoore

If you go

What: Spirit of 1776 Pet Adoptions Program

When: Continues today from noon to 5 p.m.

Where: ASCMV at 3551 W. Bataan Memorial Hwy., 3551 W. Bataan Memorial Hwy.

How much: $17.76 (includes microchip, shots, spay/neutering)