The Dewitt Bolden Training Center

TOGETHER, LET’S TURN THIS AROUND – The Dewitt Bolden Training Center The property that housed unbelievable animal cruelty and neglect at the hands of a truly heartless and ruthless business owner has been purchased. With the vision of Dr. Finnie Coleman and the help of individuals like you, and multiple city, community, and state organizations, the facility is being fully remodeled to become The Dewitt M. Bolden Training Center.

“It’s just cruel,” said Dr. Finnie Coleman, who purchased the property mid-June. “We see this purchase as an opportunity to right what’s wrong.” The training center will work with those animals at most risk of euthanasia in the Albuquerque and Bernalillo County shelter systems. “Initially we had hoped to open much sooner,” he said, “But now we realize that extensive remodeling work is going to be required in order to provide safe and effective services to these animals.”

“I was shocked to see the evidence of so much animal cruelty when I arrived to discuss our partnership and future plans for the site,” said Lani Nash, Executive Director of Cross My Paws Animal Rescue. “Cage walls are ripped apart and covered with bite and claw marks from animals who must have sought desperately to escape the horrors.”

Now hoping to open in October, the site will eventually serve as the home of non-profit programs such as NM Vets for Pets, a training program benefiting veterans and dogs, and “NM90”, an innovative new program aimed at reducing euthanasia rates in local shelters with the goal of increasing shelter survival rates above 90%. The program is modeled after the “Best Friends Save Them All” program.

“We also hope to provide a food pantry for those animals who are food-insecure and/or pets of those currently homeless,” Coleman said. He envisions a partnership with the City of Albuquerque to provide services for pets of those serviced by the Gateway Center. Future job training programs will serve foster kids who are aging out of the system and place domestic abuse survivors in jobs related to animals. Coleman is also planning to partner with CMPAR to provide low- or no-cost spay and neuter clinics for the public and shelters. “We have already begun working with the Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department and the Bernalillo County Animal Care and Resource Center to save these animals. However, “Right Now” resources are needed to start the remodeling.” Dr. Coleman said it will take the whole community working together. “We want to turn this situation around 180 degrees,” he said. “We plan on celebrating the good things and good spirit in our community. We have a responsibility to give the animals that come into our custody the greatest experience possible.” He concluded, “I had no idea what it would take to refurbish the facilities, but now we realize that initial costs will run as much as $3000 per kennel, or $115,000.”

While the organization is seeking funding from city, regional, and state programs, immediate donations from the community are key. The sooner the facility opens, the sooner it can begin the work of saving animals in our shelter system. If you can help with any amount, please consider donating to The Dewitt M. Bolden Training Center. Together, let’s turn this around!

Dr. Finnie Coleman Founder, Lead Consultant The Dellsly Group