Hundreds of homeless pets got a chance to start a new life during 2009 Fall Adoptathon in Albuquerque September 11, 12 and 13.  And despite a sluggish economy, adoptions for the three day event still managed to surpass last year’s totals.

Watermelon Mountain Ranch, Albuquerque Animal Welfare and 15 other organizations from as far away as Arizona adopted out a total of 325 dogs and cats at the PetSmart across from Cottonwood Mall, the PetSmart on Eubank NE just south of I-40, at Animal Welfare shelters and Lucky Paws store in Albuquerque and at Watermelon Mountain Ranch in Rio Rancho. The total surpassed last year’s by 15 pets.

“It’s incredible when people open their hearts and make the long-term commitment that is bringing a pet into their homes” said Jeanine L. Patterson, MS, RN, COHN-S and Director of Animal Welfare. “It’s even more incredible when it comes during tough economic times and we’re so grateful for their generosity.” Sophia Di Clemente, President and Co-Founder of Watermelon Mountain Ranch added “We were excited to be able to provide a second adoption location for people living in the Southeast part of Albuquerque. The result was that a lot of dogs and cats needing homes now have them, thanks to everyone who visited our event.”

People who missed the Adoptathon, but who are looking to adopt can still find loving pets at Animal Welfare's Eastside and Westside Shelters and at Lucky Paws in Coronado Center. They can also find pets at Watermelon Mountain Ranch at Progress Blvd NE & Westphalia Blvd NE in Rio Rancho.

The next big adoptathon of the year is the annual Home for the Holidays scheduled for December 18, 19 & 20.