Twenty-nine cats and 10 dogs have a new home thanks to the Cortez Animal Shelter’s 12 Strays of Christmas event.

Jennifer Crouse, shelter director, said this year’s adoption drive and fundraiser built on last year’s success and raised $1,775 through individual and business sponsorships.

That’s up from the $1,580 raised during the 2013 fundraiser.

“It’s been a really good month,” said Crouse. “Every year, it goes up.”

She says the funds will go to new kennels, dog walk maintenance and general enrichment for the animals in the shelter’s care.

“It all goes back to the animals. We’re on a really tight budget, so these types of events really help,” she said.

Winter is usually a slow adoption month for animal shelters with a lot of owner surrenders and new intakes, she says, but the 12 Strays event gives some adoptable pets more exposure.

Information: 970-565-4910