From Warren Eckstein - City offers help for pets of homeless people
Dec-16-2015

Albuquerque's Animal Welfare Department is doing what it can to make sure pets of homeless people stay warm and have enough to eat this winter.

Homeless people bond with their pets just like everyone else, and sometimes that means they brave cold nights outdoors, because their pets are not allowed inside shelters.

"They're not going to leave their animal and go into a shelter because that is their family, that's their kid," said Paul Caster, deputy director of the Animal Welfare Department.

A man named Andrew is an example of that. He has had his dog, Ginger, for three years. He saw someone throw her out of the back of a truck, and he picked her up.

The pair bonded over the one thing they have in common -- they are both homeless. Andrew said he does whatever he can for his best friend.

"She gets fed better than I do," he said.

That's thanks to the dog food and blankets he gets from Animal Welfare. They also provide vouchers for vaccines and spay and neuter services.

An Animal Welfare employee, Cpl. Kathryn Waite, started the program to make sure animals get the help they need.

"Having a pet for most people is a bond, it is a family member, it is their companion, and the homeless, this is all they have," she said.

It's something the homeless people, and surely their pets, are grateful for.
"It's a godsend," said Andrew.

The program is paid for through grants, and with the help of nonprofit organizations.

The program is in need of leashes, collars, blankets and pet sweaters. Donations can be dropped off at the Eastside Animal Shelter at 8920 Lomas Blvd. NE, or the Westside Animal Shelter at 11800 Sunset Gardens SW.

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