Gallup Sun spotlights Dolly, a young dog seeking adoption

Dolly, a 1½-year-old Aussie mix, was found roaming and surviving on her own with her three babies, and now she is looking for a stable home in Gallup. The McKinley County Humane Society says the 50-pound dog is mellow, sweet, gentle, happy to meet new people and not a barker, the kind of temperament that can fit a family looking for a calmer companion.

The shelter named her Dolly because she is such a doll. She is already spayed and fully vaccinated, which makes her ready to leave the kennel and move straight into a home that can give her a consistent routine, daily walks and the kind of attention a young dog still needs.

Interested adopters can visit her at the McKinley County Humane Society, 1273 Balok St. in Gallup, New Mexico. Animal viewing hours are 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturdays. The City of Gallup’s adoption information page lists the same address and notes that animals available for adoption change often, making regular check-ins important for anyone hoping to adopt.

Dolly’s story also reflects the larger burden on animal welfare groups in McKinley County. The humane society says it is the only shelter in the area and takes in over 5,000 dogs, cats, horses and other animals every year. Cause IQ reported that in 2022 the organization assisted over 1,700 animals to find homes or other positive outcomes after taking in more than 2,400 animals in need, a reminder that one adoption can open space for the next stray, abandoned pet or litter that comes through the door.