As part of its 94th annual Homecoming celebration “Wolfstock – Peace, Love and Lobos,” The University of New Mexico Alumni Association will feature a community service project with a unique twist designed to benefit cats and dogs.  

Beginning the week of Sept. 24, the UNM Homecoming Committee will collect pet food, supplies and toys to support the UNM Staff Council’s Happy Tails drive held annually in December. Items can be dropped off throughout the week at Hodgin Hall Alumni Center, Monday through Friday, Sept. 24-29 from 8-5 p.m.

The Happy Tails drive was the idea of long-time councilor and Staff Council administrator Kathy Meadows, who realized Albuquerque didn’t have a holiday charity drive for homeless animals.Thanks to Meadows’ efforts, the annual Happy Tails Drive is celebrating 11 years of gathering essential items for homeless pets. The UNM Staff Council conducts the Happy Tails drive annually as a collaborative effort with New Mexico Animal Humane

Every year, New Mexico Animal Humane serves more than 25,000 people, providing more than 100,000 lbs. of free pet food to families in need, provides over 1,000 free pet behavior consultations and cares for more than 10,000 cats and dogs. Those numbers include services to low-income families, through the Animal Humane food pantry and thrift store, and Donor-subsidized Veterinary Clinic.

In connection with the weeklong community service project, the UNM Alumni Association hosts Peace, Love and Puppies on Monday, Sept. 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. near the south entrance of Zimmerman Library. The Southwest Canine Corps of Volunteers will be on hand to help the campus community start off its week with wagging tails and healing hearts (aka pet therapy). SCCV is a local, not-for-profit organization in the Albuquerque-area with more than 100 members and 120 dogs. 

As part of Peace, Love and Puppies, participants are encouraged to donate pet items (dry food and toys) to supplement the community service project to help the UNM Staff Council’s Happy Tails Drive.

SCCV has been offering pet therapy in Albuquerque for more than 30 years. The organization partners with over 40 facilities, allowing our members to visit a wide variety of locations and provide pet therapy to hundreds of individuals in need of a furry friend.

For additional information, visit Southwest Canine Corps of Volunteers.