Who We Are
Originally started in 2011 by a group of concerned Mountainair citizens, FOMAS raised over $35,000 to build a shelter building that provided our rescues with indoor/outdoor kennels. The kennels now provide not only shelter, but insulation and warmth, replacing the cinderblock and aluminum paneled dwellings these dogs had been subjected to for years.
After some time the original group disbanded. Then, in 2018 a new group of volunteers took on the task of caring for the shelter dogs. In addition to providing safe shelter, the volunteers recognized the dogs’ need for physical and mental stimulation. The dogs now received two walks a day, while play groups were organized to encourage socialization and good dog manners. FOMAS ultimately reactivated a relationship with Animal Humane New Mexico in Albuquerque, where the dogs from Mountainair would be transferred in order to have a greater chance of being adopted.
Since that time, FOMAS has raised money for medical needs and secured donations of linens, toys, leashes, collars, and food. Our most recent efforts include a fundraiser in which we raised over $11,000 to rebuild the outdoor kennels that were falling apart. We support Mountainair’s animal control officer in his many duties, including weekend feedings of the dogs and cleaning the kennels.
We have accomplished a great deal. But there is more to be done. Our goal is to rescue as many adoptable dogs as possible and place them into loving homes. We are raising awareness in educating the community about the importance of spaying and neutering animals as well as basic veterinary care. Other goals include providing humane education in the schools, creating a fence-building program, and working more closely with our other rescue partners in transferring our dogs to reach their “fur-ever” homes.
Your support is crucial in helping these programs get off the ground!
Board of Directors
President: Jill Mulder Jill hails from the flat lands of Central Illinois farm country, relocating to beautiful New Mexico just south of Mountainair in 2018. After selling her share in a small construction company specializing in remodeling and solar, she retired to discover her real calling—the Friends of the Mountainair Animal Shelter. Starting at the top, as a volunteer to walk dogs, she eventually joined the board and has helped the kennel remodel project by digging all the fence postholes. She and her partner foster dogs who struggle at the shelter, anywhere from 2 days to 3 months. She also consults on the many constructions projects FOMAS has in the works and actually enjoys digging post holes! An avid Cubs fan, she has discovered that all her foster dogs love Cubs baseball too. Contact: board@fomas.org
Vice-President: Karen Bernauer Ever since receiving her first chihuahua puppy when she was six-months old, Karen has surrounded herself with a variety of “fur-babies.” Equine, bovine, canine, feline and even swine! This includes Pierre the pot-bollied pig, Billy the goat, birds, hermit crabs and chickens! With the help of her husband, Mountainair Animal Shelter’s animal control officer Steve Bernauer, Karen has dedicated a good portion of her time to ensure that the dogs of MAS have a great quality of life. She also brilliantly coordinates all of FOMAS’ mobile spay-neuter clinics, helping people from all over Torrance County have access to this much needed service. Contact: board@fomas.org
Treasurer: Linda Brown Linda moved to Mountainair from Minneapolis, MN and is the proud parent of three beautiful border collies; Buzzy, Mel, and Dave. An accomplished jeweler and artist, Linda juggles time between her dogs, the shelter dogs and foster dogs! She has been known to pack our 20-year-old resident chihuahua Ziggy in her purse for outings and walks. Linda and Bill Dzuik spend time camping, working on their property and of course walking dozens of shelter dogs! Contact: board@fomas.org
Secretary : Philip Cox Philip grew up in a military family and crisscrossed the country as they moved from one duty station to another. His father bread field trial champion Britney Spaniels so, there was always 8 to 10 dogs around the house, not to mention his sisters cats and stray dogs she brought home and the occasional family horse. In 2021, Philip retired from a 30 year career in commercial design and construction in Seattle WA and settled in Mountainair NM. Not long after, Philip joined the shelter as a volunteer dog walker and has since joined the board of directors and has taken on administrative duties to help support the members of the board and volunteers. Dobby, a recent addition to the family, is quickly becoming a world traveler and the perfect side kick.