Vote for Pedro to become a member of some lucky family. This cute little muchacho was abandoned and starving when he was picked up a month ago, and was little more than skin and bones. He’s about 4 years old, and is very sweet and friendly despite his grim experience. Pedro is a white and buff chihuahua, with some great markings — a series of three clay-colored circles down the center of his back. He’s got big brown eyes and even bigger bat ears. He’s still a little thin, but is slowly gaining his weight back; he’ll fatten up after he’s fixed. He has a great disposition; he gets along well with other dogs, and is OK with cats. He loves being in the house, and is especially thrilled and happy to go for walks on his leash. Please consider opening your home to Pedro, or a lonely heart dog, cat, puppy, or kitten — and make this new year a chance for a happy life for one of them. The shelter is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on alternate Fridays. The shelter will be open for a half-day this Friday until 11:30 a.m., and will be closed Monday, Jan. 2 for the New Year’s holiday. Right now, the shelter needs Iams puppy or kitten chow, Purina or Pedigree adult dog food, Iams or Purina cat food, non-clumping cat litter, and all sorts of dog chews or rawhides to keep the dogs and puppies there occupied. The shelter desperately needs some dish soap, and could also use cleaning supplies such as bleach, Pine Sol, and paper towels. The new year is a good time to bring someone special — and furry — into your life. For more information, call the shelter at 565-4910. To view more animals, visit www.petfinder.com (enter 81321 zip code) or http://www.cityofcortez.com/government/animal_shelter.