S.F. husky mix at home in Alaska
In late March, the Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society received a call from Matthew Graham, 41, who was interested in adopting a husky mix he saw on the shelter’s website. Graham was calling from Juneau, Alaska, over 3,000 miles away.
As The Santa Fe New Mexican reported (“Power of the Dog: A long-distance love is found in Santa Fe,” March 24), Graham was determined to adopt a husky mix after his dog Kilo, 12, died. A few days later, Graham arrived at the Santa Fe shelter and met Dmitri, a gray and white husky, who was just over a year old. With news reporters chronicling the meeting, Graham said he didn’t expect all this hype. But coming from Juneau, where there is only one dog available for adoption, it was a big deal and an opportunity for a Santa Fe dog to begin a new life in Alaska’s capital city.
It has been more than a month since Dmitri, now known as Wilco, started his adventures with his new family. Graham recently sent the shelter staff an email written from the perspective of Wilco, and the shelter wanted to share it.
“Well, I’ve been living here in Juneau, Alaska, for almost a month. I never thought I’d be so fortunate to see such beauty! I’ve got a nice home, a big deck to keep an eye on things, a nice yard and a wonderful Mommy and Daddy whom I love so much! I can’t let them out of my sight. Everything is wonderful here,” Graham wrote for Wilco. “I’ve been on many trails, and we take walks on the beach regularly (I love the sand on my paws). We also went camping in a forest and hiked a glacier too.”
Graham finished Wilco’s email: “Daddy says we have to thank my late brother Kilo every day. He is the dog that passed before my arrival to Alaska. We have to thank him for all of the love and life lessons that he has taught Daddy in order to teach me so that I can have a happy and fulfilling life. I also want to thank the Santa Fe animal shelter for keeping me safe and healthy until I found my new family.”
Tracks
Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society: Dozer is a 1-year-old mixed-breed dog who weighs about 60 pounds. Dozer enjoys people and is very playful.
Kane is a 5-year-old dog who weighs almost 60 pounds and is an all-around swell guy. Kane loves people, to play, to hangout and to go on walks.
However, Kane is picky about other dog.
Both dogs’ adoption fees are waived through Sunday.
These and other animals are available for adoption from the animal shelter, 100 Caja del Rio Road.
The shelter’s adoption hours are from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Call 505-983-4309, ext. 1610, or visit SFHumaneSociety.org.
Española Humane: Ollie was brought in as a feral, untouched and terrified dog, but through loving, patient work by his foster, Ollie is now social, brave and joyful.
Goose is a 4-year-old, 10-pound cat. He is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.
All adult dog and cat adoption fees are waived through Sunday and puppies and kittens have reduced fees of $25.
Visit espanolahumane.org or call 505-753-8662.
Felines & Friends: Twoyear-old
Vicky was trapped in a feral cat colony along with many brothers.
As she was recovering from spaying surgery, her rescuer realized that Vicky was a sweet, docile girl. Vicky is a petite, calm tuxedo cat who melts and purrs when petted.
She also enjoys rolling around in laps, sleeping next to people and playing with toys and other cats.
Five-year-old Xena, a tuxedo cat, has learned to trust staff and volunteers who are gentle with her.
She enjoys treats, head rubs and the undivided attention of one person at a time. Xena will need a quiet home without children or other pets; given time to adjust, she will shower a patient adopter with gratitude and affection.
Apply at FandFnm.org.
Dew Paws Rescue: Chalk, is a sweet, young male dog. Chalk is great with other small dogs and seems to do fine with cats. Chalk is very sweet and affectionate and would make a great companion. Call 505-412-9096 or go to infodewpaws@gmail.com.
The Horse Shelter: Flo is a 25-year-old gray mare who enjoys being groomed. She is quiet and gentle with people and other horses. Flo does have some chronic health and lameness issues that require extra care. She is available for adoption as a nonriding/companion horse. She gets along with mares and gelding. Call 505-577-4041 or visit thehorseshelter.org.