This puffy puppy didn’t just show up cute, he showed up gifted. Stanford looks like he’s quietly solving a riddle while napping, then aces recess with playful enthusiasm. Curious, clever and already perfecting his “I’m adorable but also very intelligent” expression, he’s got future honor roll student written all over those Australian Shepherd speckles and spots. He’s currently accepting applications for his forever family (no essays required — just love, commitment and maybe a good throwing arm). Stanford is available for adoption along with his litter mates at the Ojo Santa Fe Puppy Patch. Apply on the Española Animal Shelter website to schedule an appointment!
Noodle doesn’t have much of an ear — just a tiny flap, like someone pressed pause halfway through. She was surrendered to the shelter as part of a litter born to a feral mom. When she was a newborn, her mother was moving the kittens to safety and Noodle lost her ear in the process. It’s just one of those things that happens when life starts rough and fast. What’s surprising is how quietly she carries it. Española Animal Shelter staff hasn’t heard 4-month-old Noodle cry or meow once since she’s been there. She’s calm, observant and steady. She watches before she acts. She takes things in. But she’s still very much a kitten — she roughhouses with her litter mates, plays hard, then immediately wants to be pressed up against someone warm because she sleeps better that way. She’s been around adult cats and fits right in, like she’s always known how to share space. Now shes ready to share your space too! The shelter is open to walk-in adopters from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday.