There's a crisis at the Española Valley Humane Society. It's called too many kitties.

If this sounds like a common refrain, stop me. Or better yet, make a vow to help stop pet overpopulation.

The shelter is desperate to find homes for at least 50 felines who risk euthanasia simply because there's no room at the inn. Nina Chiotasso, who handles the shelter's community relations, says her Thanksgiving wish is to give these furry wonders a second chance.

The late warm autumn weather and the "continued challenge of coping with unaltered cats" has left the shelter more packed than usual, she said. The facility has about 50 cages and an extensive foster network, but that's not enough, even after doubling and tripling the cats in each cage.

The shelter has more than 200 felines, Chiotasso said.

If there's one thing the shelter hasn't give up on, it's hope. That's why the shelter's quickly put together an adoption event Saturday and Nov. 22.

The weekend event, called the Second Chance Cat Adoption Fair, will feature adoptable felines for just $30 or two cats or kittens for $50.

Organizers are also trying to get a buzz on the fair with local radio personality Tomas "No Mas" of Que Dice, 950-AM. He'll be at the shelter on Saturday doing a live webcast. The event will also feature live music, roasted corn and public tours.

Lisa Gipe, who handles the shelter's program development, said in a news release that she's never seen anything like the feline population explosion.

"Keeping up with the cats and kittens has always been a challenge," she said, "but this year we are just running out of resources. In turn, the cats are running out of time."

If you've never been to the shelter, now seems to be the chance. And if you've got room in your adobe, how about carving a spot for a companion for life?

"We need help from the public," Chiotasso said. "Help in getting their own cats spayed or neutered and help in adopting these wonderful babies who just need a second chance."

Cats and kittens ages 8 weeks and older will be available all weekend to go home with adopters immediately, she said. Adopters receive a cat carrier, cat food samples and a gift bag.

The fair's hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. The shelter is at 108 Hamm Parkway.

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It seems you can't turn anywhere these days without hearing that one nonprofit or another is squeezing the most out of its precious dollars. Staff reductions have hit just about every animal-welfare organization that I've come in contact with, including The Wildlife Center. The Arroyo Seco group, featured in today's Scoop, had to trim two staff members recently. The group's executive director, Katherine Eagleson, said the center's not in danger of closing, but "times are hard."

The group's working to get more exposure in the community through educational programs and partnerships. "We can't afford to stand alone," she said. "We've got to figure out who does what the best and support that. We've got to run a lean ship; our donors deserve that."

Luckily, people in Northern New Mexico are generous and creative. Artist SJ Shaffer is brainstorming ideas to help Felines & Friends, while others are putting fundraising projects into motion.

Elaine Anton hopes she's hit upon a way to help animal-welfare advocates everywhere. On Tuesday, she'll open Open Paws — For the Love of Animals. The nonprofit thrift shop, 1100 Hickox St., is chock-full of just about everything, she said. Anton used to manage the Open Hands thrift store, so she has an experienced hand.

The money generated from the enterprise will go to area animal rescue groups, along with those who can't afford food or medical care for their animals. Groups and individuals will need to apply for grants, she said, and the funds will be awarded by a committee.

Many people can't afford to donate directly to their favorite groups, she said, but this way people's consumer dollars will benefit animals. And that goes for people who donate items to the store as well.

"Everyone has stuff around the house, and giving it to us would be their way of helping."

Anton is planning a grand opening sometime soon. For now, the store's hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.