Pregnant dog abandoned as owners move

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Animal Humane of New Mexico is caring for a dog and her new pups that were abandoned in Torrance County over the weekend.

Torrance County Animal Shelter suspects a family moved away and left their pregnant dog behind.

Zerra is a 3-year-old Blue Heeler and the new mother of six puppies, according to Sam Blankenship with Animal Humane.

“The house had been abandoned,” says Blankenship, director of adoptions. “There were no signs of anybody—no personal belongings, just the animals.”

The Torrance County Animal Shelter director says the sheriff's department rescued Zerra from her home in McIntosh when she was pregnant over Thanksgiving weekend after neighbors reported the owners moved away.

Blankenship says it happens more than he would like.

“I think some people feel guilt taking the animal into a shelter. They don't want to have to deal with it. They assume someone will step up and take the animals in,” he says.

But sometimes it's too late--like in the case earlier this month out of Santa Fe. Police found two dogs dead in a home. They'd been left for weeks without food or water.

The Torrance County Sheriff's Office says Zerra was left alone for about a week before neighbors reported it.

“There are no other signs of abuse,” Blankenship says. “Obviously, she wasn't spayed. She had fleas and ticks. She has scars from them. She is skinny but that could be because of the pregnancy and being a nursing mother.”

Blankenship says Zerra and her babies have been doing well at the shelter.

He says she is smart and attentive.

“She is a good mom,' he continues.  "She takes care of her babies. We haven't had any issues so far.”

Zerra will be with her puppies for five to six weeks before she will be ready for adoption, and the puppies will be available in eight weeks.

Anyone suspect animal abuse or neglect and contact Animal Humane of New Mexico at 1-877-5-HUMANE (877-548-6263).

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Online from KRQE.com:  Pet of the Week adoptable pet from Animal Human.