Ben Swan's Page

There’s a crisis at the Española Valley Humane Society. It’s called too many kitties.

If this sounds like a common refrain, stop me. Or better yet, make a vow to help stop pet overpopulation.

The shelter is desperate to find homes for at least 50 felines who risk euthanasia simply because there’s no room at the inn. Nina Chiotasso, who handles the shelter’s community relations, says her Thanksgiving wish is to give these furry wonders a second chance.

The late warm autumn weather and the “con… Continue

Those who spent last weekend’s Halloween festivities decked out in funny garb probably would have felt right at home at Zoe & Guido’s Pet Boutique. Crazy was the order of the day, from owner Pam Hagan’s green skin and black hat, to a unique “pet psychic” with her own big hat and helpful suggestions. There were plenty of costume-clad canines and owners, although Cindy Roper’s homage to recycling won top honors from the judges.

And if you’re into canine freestyle, the Santa Fe Dog Dancing Clu… Continue

Those who work to improve the lives of animals know that it’s an often frustrating effort, marked more by setbacks than anything else.

So it’s great when a group of like-minded animal lovers can come together to simply celebrate and acknowledge that there have been successes along the way, despite what sometimes seems like insurmountable odds.
Last Sunday, Animal Protection of New Mexico celebrated 30 years of working toward the humane treatment of all animals at The Chalk Farm Gallery on Canyo… Continue

A female, black-haired Chihuahua mix showed up at Liz Stefanic's rural home on Sunday. I told her I would post the information on Scoop, in hopes that someone recognizes the dog. Here's her note:

She is a female, black haired chihuahua - graying on the nose and a little bit of white on the throat - otherwise… Continue

R. Thomas Berner recently wrote about his family's beloved golden retriever, Lucy, and said I could share it with fellow Scoopers. Here it is:

A couple of years ago we replaced our noisy garage door with one that was so silent, Paulette and I never knew when one another had come home. On the other hand, Lucy would usually jump up from wherever she was and mosey down the hall to the laundry room and await the person or persons who had just driven into the garage.

We knew, though, she wouldn't b… Continue