Mailing
Address ONLY:
1512 Deborah Rd SE #203
Rio Rancho, NM 87124
Telephone:
505-771-0140
Toll-free Fax:
866-664-5967
For more information,
e-mail us at: wmranchnm@aol.com
Adoption
and Foster Care Program
"All
those who enter will find love." This statement holds true for
the hundreds of dogs and cats that are rescued and placed into loving
homes each year. Watermelon Mountain Ranch places 100% of the animals
that are surrendered or brought in as rescues to our facility. Each
month, up to 200 animals are placed into temporary foster homes until
qualified permanent homes are found for them. Our volunteer foster families
work tireless hours feeding and caring for these abandoned animals until
they are socialized and ready for adoption.
Mobile
Adoption Program
Volunteers transport our animals into the community in an effort to
help make it easier for potential owners to meet and adopt our available
cats and dogs. We hold mobile adoptions at several local retail
locations. We also participate in many local adoption events.
Humane
Education Program
The
Watermelon Mountain Ranch Educational staff recognizes the need to provide
teachers with a hands-on, ready-to-use curriculum guide, which will
not only promote both humane education and the "Character Counts"
program, but will do so while enhancing academic skills. Using this
approach, the varied activities in our curriculum guides can be easily
worked into lesson plans. Because of irresponsible or uneducated pet
owners, thousands of dogs and cats are killed or euthanized in New Mexico
each year. You can help us make a difference in these animals' lives
by scheduling our presentation in your classroom. Please call 771-0140
for more information. Only through education can we change society's
behavior and attitude toward pets.
Spay
and Neuter Clinic
for Rescued Animals
Our
spay and neuter clinic, which was in the planning stage for so long, has become a reality.
At Watermelon Mountain Ranch, we believe
in educating the public about responsible pet ownership. Spay/neuter
programs are essential in stemming the tide of unwanted pets and unnecessary
euthanasia. All animals that are adopted out from Watermelon Mountain
Ranch have been sterilized, in addition to receiving all age-appropriate
vaccinations and a microchip.
Don's
Angel Fund for Injured Animals
Don
Johnson was a beloved Animal Control Officer in Sandoval County who
dedicated his life to the animals. Don was tragically killed in an automobile
accident on the night of his retirement party, after working as an animal
control officer for twelve years. In his memory, we have started Don's
Angel Fund, which helps provide medical care for sick or injured animals
that are brought to the Ranch.
Children's
Special Needs Program
Each
week, a group of children with physical or development challenges visit
Watermelon Mountain Ranch and interact with the animals. The children
experience the joy of being around the animals and the unconditional
love that each has to give. The kids also help out with special projects
around the Ranch. They're learning valuable lessons in responsible animal
care—and having fun too.
Community
Service and Information Programs
In
addition to the programs described above, we currently offer a free
lost and found service, where we help owners get the word out about
a lost pet. We feature our adoptable animals on "Pet of the Week"
programs in local media. As we grow, we'll continue to expand these
programs. And we'll add new programs as well. Currently in development
are programs that will focus on positive human/animal relationships
such as:
- Grief Support Group
- Speakers Bureau
- 4-H Programs
- Summer Day Camp for Kids
-
Candy Striping Pet Therapy in Nursing Homes, Hospitals, and Schools
- Rehabilitation Projects with Troubled Youth
- Animal Behavior and Training Seminars
Kids at Risk
Animal Welfare Program
Troubled
teens from juvenile justice programs participate in
our outreach program benefiting homeless animals. As part of a community
service program, teens arrive each weekend at Watermelon Mountain Ranch or
mobile adoption sites to help groom,
exercise and provide affection for the many homeless animals that are
available for adoption. The teens take great pride in showing the animals
to perspective adopters and their greatest hope is that the animals
will go to a permanent home at the end of the day. When a placement
is made, it is a celebration for all. This program helps the participants
learn the value of compassion along with the importance of responsible
pet ownership. When the teens have completed their community service
time, nine out of ten participants return to continue weekly to help
the even more animals find homes.
Testimonial from participant:
"This was a very good experience for me because it showed me
that doing good felt a lot better than doing bad".
