Kirtland Family Housing to hold Mutt Madness in March Published Feb. 26, 2015 By Ryan Stark Nucleus writer KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Kirtland Family Housing is making March a month about the kitties and pooches. This is the first year of "Mutt Madness," Elise Thomasson of Kirtland Family Housing said. Mutt Madness will be at the Mountain View Club starting at 11 a.m. on March 7. There will be working-dog demonstrations by the 377th Security Forces Group, presentations by the Kirtland veterinary clinic, sessions about animals native to the Southwest, raptor demonstrations by Talking Talons and more. "It's all about positive relationships with animals, both domestic and wild," Thomasson said. "So many of our military families aren't from the Southwest. They don't know what to do when they see a coyote." During the month of March, the housing department hopes to enhance Kirtland residents' understanding and appreciation for animals. To encourage pet ownership during the month, the usual $100 pet deposit for base housing units will be waived for anyone who adopts a "rescue" dog or cat during March. "If people are saying, 'Oh, I don't want to get a dog or cat,' we can remove the barrier and allow them to bring a pet home without a fee," Thomasson said. To help ensure pets on base are cared for, base housing is also working with Dogs on Deployment, an organization that specializes in finding temporary homes for pets belonging to military members during their deployments. Anyone who is taking care of the pet of an Airman on deployment can have the fee waived as well. For more information on Mutt Madness, call the Kirtland Family Housing leasing office at 232-2049.