Rio Rancho resident and local business owner Susana Vasquez donated over a ton of dog food to Sandoval County Animal Services at Pet Food Gone Wild on Oct. 29.
Vasquez has owned and operated Pet Food Gone Wild in Rio Rancho for 13 years and has held many donation drives for animals.
This drive resulted in over 3,000 pounds of dog food being donated to the county’s animal department.
Sandoval County Director of Community Services Jayme Espinoza, county kennel supervisor Mark Webb and Sandoval County Commissioner Jay Block, with his dog, Titan, all joined Vasquez at her Rio Rancho store to accept the donation.
“It is an honor, and I am humbled that I am able to do this for our county but more than anything, because of them,” Vasquez said with a nod toward Titan.
Espinoza said the county’s shelter currently houses 59 dogs, and the donation will significantly aid their care.
“Without businesses like this and community members in Sandoval County, we wouldn’t be able to provide the care we do with the food, the money for vaccines and spays and neuters, all of those things,” Espinoza said. “We are extremely grateful for this gift. It is amazing.”
Espinoza also pointed out that there is a bond on the ballot this year that would give the county $7.5 million for designing, constructing and furnishing a new animal shelter.
“We are building a new animal shelter so get out there and vote yes on the animal shelter bond,” Espinoza said.
Pet Food Gone Wild has been selling pet food, treats, toys, and more in Rio Rancho for over a decade and Vasquez said she plans to lead more donation drives in the future.
“We very much appreciate Susana and everything that Susana and Pet Food Gone Wild has done for the community by donating and being involved, helping out with our animal shelter. We have come so far in Sandoval County with our animal shelter,” Block said. “It’s amazing what we’ve done here together.”
To adopt, foster or make a donation to Sandoval County Animal Services, visit sandovalcountynm.gov/departments/community-services/animal-services/.
Pet Food Gone Wild, located at 2415 Southern Blvd. SE #102, is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.