Dr. Dawn Duncan arrived in Las Cruces in August 2019 and immediately became involved in community, acting as Aunt Abby in “Arsenic & Old Lace” at the Las Cruces Community Theatre in February 2020, prior to the pandemic shut down. But her involvement in community has continued. In August 2021, Dawn founded the non-profit Animal Companions of Las Cruces to bring 24/7 emergency care to Southern New Mexico for the sake of our anxious pet owners and over worked veterinary staff. Dawn is Professor Emeritus of English, Film & Global Studies, Concordia College-Moorhead, MN, where she taught for 25 years and has authored 3 books, many essays, and a radio-play. In 2015 she began using a story-telling methodology developed by the non-profit Narrative 4 with her students and in community, establishing the organization at her college, as well as across Minnesota & the Dakotas. She now serves as an N4 Master Practitioner, Trainer, and the global Advisor to Colleges & Universities, which operates on 4 continents, in 18 countries, and 36 states, New Mexico becoming the latest. In March she trained faculty and staff in the N4 methodology and is proud to say NMSU is the first university in New Mexico to adopt its use. Dawn enjoys life in Las Cruces, New Mexico with her husband Dennis and their beloved rescue dogs, Fergus and Barney. Her mantra is: “Words have the power to harm or to heal; they are never neutral. I am called to use healing words.”
Nancy is a retired non-profit professional with 40 years of experience in fund development, board development and volunteer leadership and training. Prior to beginning her career in non-profit work she spent 5 years living and traveling in Europe. Upon her return she accepted position with the YWCA, American Heart Association, Arthritis F
Nancy is a retired non-profit professional with 40 years of experience in fund development, board development and volunteer leadership and training. Prior to beginning her career in non-profit work she spent 5 years living and traveling in Europe. Upon her return she accepted position with the YWCA, American Heart Association, Arthritis Foundation, Northern New Mexico College Foundation and Santa Fe Community Foundation. Her volunteer efforts include the establishment of Niches, a 501c3 ecological retreat in Southeast Ohio which later became an ecological preserve. She was part of the committee that created the Los Alamos Food Cooperative and was instrumental in the creation of the Española Community Market. She served on several volunteer boards throughout her career and currently serves with the Mesilla Valley Film Society. Nancy has lived with many cats and dogs including Echo, a cat who lived to be 23 years of age and her dear Tula who died after a midnight drive to the El Paso Emergency Clinic. She was inspired by Dawn’s letter to the editor this Spring and has the passion and drive to assure that a 24/7 animal emergency clinic is established in Las Cruces.
Linda Mandel is a retired interior plant designer who owned her business, Linda M. Mandel, Ltd for 35 years in the Chicago area. She and her husband, Steven raised their two sons in Highland Park, IL where they were both active in local politics and cultural programs. Linda served on the Sister Cities Committee for a time and continues
Linda Mandel is a retired interior plant designer who owned her business, Linda M. Mandel, Ltd for 35 years in the Chicago area. She and her husband, Steven raised their two sons in Highland Park, IL where they were both active in local politics and cultural programs. Linda served on the Sister Cities Committee for a time and continues as co-chair of the Board of Governors of the Highland Park Community House, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and enhancing Highland park's intellectual and cultural life. Linda and Steve had a second home near Hillsboro, NM which they frequented. After selling it in 2017, they made their move to Las Cruces in 2020 with their 9-year-old Portuguese Water dog named Gilbert. Linda now has another Portuguese water dog named Sullivan, her 4th. An impromptu run-in with Dawn Duncan and realizing that the nearest pet ER was 1 hour away in El Paso prompted Linda to join Animal Companions of Las Cruces and become a volunteer. She was recently invited to join the board.
Jean Berlowitz has lived in Las Cruces for 12 years. She is an avid visual and performing arts patron. A retired manager and business executive, she has county, state and federal government experience, as well as experience in private industries, such as banking and commercial aviation. Additionally, she assisted government and private e
Jean Berlowitz has lived in Las Cruces for 12 years. She is an avid visual and performing arts patron. A retired manager and business executive, she has county, state and federal government experience, as well as experience in private industries, such as banking and commercial aviation. Additionally, she assisted government and private entities with management issues through her own consulting business. Jean has served in many volunteer positions, prior to and during her time here in Las Cruces. Nearest to her heart are her assistance to asylum seekers and her participation as a Reading Buddy at Jornada Elementary. Her first pet was born the year before she was, an American Cocker Spaniel named Snoopy. Her uncle raised the spaniels for show, so during her youth, she also enjoyed Chester and Oliver. Her own dog, Jilly, saw her through many years in Texas, Missouri and Oregon, but since her Jilly's death, Jean has been a cat person. Her current fur babies are Gabi, soon to be 16 years old, and Lulabelle Wallenda (Lulu) who will be 3 next year.
In May of 2023, Wanda and her husband relocated to Las Cruces from Western Colorado after visiting Las Cruces and staying in Mesilla while exploring the community.
Wanda was born and raised in the San Luis Valley in southern Colorado. She used to play every day along the Rio Grande River as a child. She and her husband also spent a lot o
In May of 2023, Wanda and her husband relocated to Las Cruces from Western Colorado after visiting Las Cruces and staying in Mesilla while exploring the community.
Wanda was born and raised in the San Luis Valley in southern Colorado. She used to play every day along the Rio Grande River as a child. She and her husband also spent a lot of time biking and hiking in Utah. The transition to the Chihuahuan desert seemed logical, and they are very excited about now living in southern New Mexico.
Wanda remembers being shocked when she learned that the nearest 24-hour veterinary services were in El Paso. Two years ago, she adopted the sweetest dog in the history of dogs, Guido. He is the love of their lives and they can't imagine not being able to get him the veterinary help he may need in a timely manner. That is when Wanda became involved with this Animal Companions of Las Cruces and says It feels good to be proactive and work toward a solution to the lack of emergency veterinary care. After 45 years as a Registered Nurse, she retired in 2022. Throughout her nursing career, she remained committed to being an advocate and voice for the families she had the privilege of caring for. She hopes that passion translates to making a difference for the animals in our community.
Since moving to Las Cruces, Kelly has appreciated the serenity and hospitality of the community. A native of rural Northern California, she has a deep connection to all animals, nature, and the environment. Her passion lies in art and marketing. She developed her experience in design and branding by directing local businesses and non-prof
Since moving to Las Cruces, Kelly has appreciated the serenity and hospitality of the community. A native of rural Northern California, she has a deep connection to all animals, nature, and the environment. Her passion lies in art and marketing. She developed her experience in design and branding by directing local businesses and non-profit organizations in their marketing campaigns. She worked extensively with Steinborn-Better Homes Real Estate as a realtor, marketing specialist, and in digital/social media communications. Kelly was introduced to Dr. Dawn Duncan, Founder and Chair of Animal Companions of Las Cruces, after reading testimonials from local residents who expressed the dire need for 24 hour emergency veterinarian services. She loves cooking, learning wine-making, and traveling. She and her husband, Michael adore their rescue fur-kids: Riley, a 10 year old boxer mix, and two cats, Tippy & Suki.