As a part of our commitment to giving back to rescue groups, we select two organizations every month to be the recipient of our Buy One Give One (BOGO) program. Our BOGO program is based on online sales from our leash and collar collections. For every collar/leash purchased, one is donated to a rescue group.

Please join us in welcoming Watermelon Mountain Ranch (WMR)! We had the opportunity to meet the Founder along with one of our favorite PBC Ambassadors, Lauren Bobick, who just happens to be on the Board of WMR, a few years ago. We are beyond impressed with their commitment to homeless animals in New Mexico. The problems they face in that part of the country are very unique "so we asked Lauren a few questions to get our followers familiar with how they overcome some of the challenges they face.

"Thousands of lost, abandoned and stray animals are euthanized every year in New Mexico. When Watermelon Mountain Ranch (WMR) was conceived a group of like-minded volunteers began to rescue and find homes for animals in Sandoval County and Albuquerque. Since that time, our rescue efforts have expanded to most of the counties in Central and Northern New Mexico. From its small beginnings to the present time, WMR has rescued and adopted out over 100,000 animals into loving homes. The dream has become a reality, and WMR is one of the premier not-for-profit facilities in the Southwest. The 10-acre facility has become New Mexico's Largest No-Kill Animal Shelter."

What is involved in keeping a shelter-based rescue going? (How many adoptable dogs are in your program? Where do your dogs come from?) Watermelon Mountain Ranch has anywhere from 60-100 dogs under our care at any one time. We have a great group of fabulous fosters who assist in providing a loving temporary home for our pups for various reasons. Volunteers are the heart and soul of WMR. Without their countless ours of help either at the Ranch or with adoption events or foster care, we would be lost!

What are some of the things your group is known for?

We are New Mexico's largest no-kill animal shelter. There are many rescue groups around the state, but we are a pretty large establishment. We have the Ranch itself, then adoption centers in town and also adoptable dogs at our resale shop at the Cottonwood Mall in west Albuquerque.

Describe some of the more challenging moments in rescue and how you/the other volunteers got through it.

The most challenging aspect is having to say “no”. We are constantly asked to take in dogs from over-crowded shelters across the state. Luckily, due to our foster program and our dedicated volunteers, this doesn’t happen often if at all. We like to say “yes, we can help you.”

What is the most rewarding part about volunteering? What would you say to others who are considering volunteering for a group like yours?

Seeing the dogs get placed in loving homes is the most rewarding aspect of rescue work. Seeing them thrive and learn what love is all about–makes all the hard work very worth it.

Let us know anything else you’d like to share with us.

Without the generous support of the community, volunteers, donors, and groups like Project Blue Collar who are willing to help, we would be nothing. We can’t thank them enough!

Be sure to follow WMR on Facebook and Instagram.

Learn more about how we giveback and shop our BOGO PROGRAM!
Don’t need a new collar or leash right now? No problem.  By simply placing a note in your order, we will gladly send your purchase directly to the shelter, along with a note from you and the free one from us