If you’re a human in custody, you don’t want to see Janelle Chavez, with the Albuquerque Police 
Department. If you’re a dog in custody, you DO want to see her- fast. 4 years ago, Janelle Chavez started a no-kill canine rescue at her home outside of Las Lunas, New Mexico, and hundreds of dogs have their lives, and new homes, because of the loving care shown them by Janelle and her daughters. 20 “second chance” dogs is the typical pack number at Almost Home at any given time, and these dogs come from shelters where they are either hours away from being destroyed, or from court cases involving animal abuse. This is the story of Reuger and his probably brother, Magnum, from a starvation case where the two dogs were seized from a life on chains. The authorities pla
ced them in the care of Almost Home at 25 and 35 pounds, respectively. Janelle and her daughters were given not only the challenge of helping them to stay alive in their emaciated conditions, but also to help them get over ‘food aggression,’ common in starvation cases, and a death sentence in most shelters.
While Janelle is an expert in food aggression, we must advise that viewers do not attempt these protocols without the advice of a professional.
Following this on-site interview there is an update to this story, which was filmed in the summer of 2008. The update is titled “Almost Home Update” and you will learn the fates of not only Reuger and Magnum, but also Spanky, the spaniel also featured in this video.
Our thanks to Janelle Chavez and her daughters, for saving and providing new lives for lost, abused and ‘throw-away’ dogs of New Mexico. Adoptable dogs and puppies can be seen on the website, applications can be made, and donations made securely at www.almosthome.org. A video of Reuger is also available on YouTube: www.youtube.com/profile?user=AlmostHomeNM#p/u/0/Q7IsHaH4ip4.
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