Message from the Director
From Dr. Finnie D. Coleman, Founder
Thank you for visiting, and for taking a moment to learn about what we’re building.
New Mexico Vets for Pets began with a hard look at two stubborn realities that all of us agree merit greater attention in our community.
First, I saw how much our animal shelter system is asked to do—and how hard they work to do it. What became clear to me is not that the system is broken or incompetent—it’s that it is underresourced, given the scale and complexity of the need. The people who care for Albuquerque’s shelter animals are doing truly commendable work, often without the full support and community infrastructure they deserve. After visiting our primary city and county shelters, I knew that with just a little more support, we could make a big difference.
Second, I’ve long believed that the term “homeless veteran” should be an oxymoron. As a young soldier I remember reading a banner on the wall of the post comissary that read “We Accept Food Stamps.” From that moment to this, I have never been able to understand how such a sign could ever be necessary in our country. I know the work ethic, resilience, and deep sense of service that veterans bring with them. It’s never made sense to me that so many are left without support, purpose, or a pathway forward after their military service. We owe them more than slogans—we owe them systems that work.
Bringing these two realities together—curbing euthanasia rates for animals and reducing suicide risk among veterans—was not just morally right. It made practical sense. Working with animals provides therapeutic benefit, meaningful work, and emotional healing. And the need is everywhere.
I didn’t fully anticipate where this journey would lead. Today, our work has taken us into encampments and underserved neighborhoods, where we partner with Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS) and Roadrunner Food Bank to deliver food, water, grooming supplies, and basic triage to the pets of unhoused individuals. In doing so, we’ve built relationships not just with animals—but with people who are surviving unthinkable conditions and who trust us to show up.
This work is not only for veterans in crisis. It’s also an opportunity for veterans who are stable, successful, and looking for ways to give back. We’re creating leadership roles, peer mentorship opportunities, and the chance for veterans to stand shoulder to shoulder with others who share their values: duty, service, and care.
I want to take a moment to recognize and thank the legislators, business owners, city and county officials, and members of the general public who have supported us so far. Your early investment, encouragement, and advocacy have made all of this possible. Your faith in our mission is not only appreciated—it’s foundational.
At 500 Wisconsin Street, we’re building something new. Not just a grooming salon or a training center—but a model for how care can be delivered with dignity, connection, and purpose. One that lifts both people and animals—and brings a community together in the process.
Whether you are a donor, a volunteer, a policymaker, or someone just discovering our work—thank you. You are part of this vision now.
With gratitude and urgency,
Dr. Finnie D. Coleman
Founder, New Mexico Vets for Pets