The nation’s economy may be experiencing a downturn this year, but not so the giving spirit among Albuquerque’s pet lovers. On March 28, they came in record numbers to raise a record amount of money for the loving pets at Animal Welfare, through its foundation of Albuquerque Kennel Kompadres. 
160 people plus pets attended the event at the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, eclipsing last year’s then-record total of 147.

   The 2009 Dog Ball also set another record for money raised, with a total of $16,500. That eclipses last year’s total by about $5,000. In fact, both the Live and Silent Auctions chipped in well over a quarter of the final total. Lunch with Mayor Chávez and First Dog Dukes once again brought in the biggest amount during the Live Auction with a $400 donation. Other big ticket items purchased during the Auction were behind-the-scenes tours of the Rio Grande Zoo and lunch and a ride-along with the APD’s Canine Unit. “We so appreciate the undying support of the volunteers for Albuquerque Kennel Kompadres and especially its director, Vickie Fisher.” said Jeanine L. Patterson, MS, RN, director of Albuquerque Animal Welfare, “As usual, she surpassed herself in making the Mayor’s Dog Ball such a successful event in insuring our loving pets will get all the extras they deserve this year.”

   Albuquerque Kennel Kompadres, the charity arm of the Department of Animal Welfare, uses the money to purchase many of the extras that make the temporary stay of homeless pets at the shelters and Lucky Paws more bearable; items such as toys, beds, litter pans, food bowls, soft food, grooming supplies, collars and leashes, crates and adoption event decorations. Kennel Kompadres is also the sole financial contributor to the Department's Elementary School Outreach Program. This wonderful program of humane education and dog bite prevention, which currently targets elementary schools, reaches around 2,500 children a year.