Legacy Dogs: Arden (Lady Perini)

Sixteen years ago, a black pit bull named Lady Perini walked out of our shelter and into the arms of a family who promised her forever.

Today, she is known as Arden. She is 16 years old.

This week, Arden slipped out of her yard and ended up at the pound. Because she was microchipped — and because Animal Village NM remains the primary contact on all our adopted animals — we were notified immediately.

There was never a moment of worry.

The McCaffery family, who stepped in when a family member deployed, responded right away. Arden was home almost immediately.

What followed were photos. Dozens of them. A lifetime of love.

Arden is now a senior dog with managed liver failure. She takes her medications. She is cherished. She is safe.

This is what commitment looks like.

At Animal Village NM, our responsibility doesn’t end when an animal leaves our care. Sometimes, it lasts a lifetime.

Arden’s story is why microchips matter.

It’s why follow-through matters.

And it’s why prevention, responsibility, and community partnerships save lives quietly — every day.