Kidie (pronounced “Ky‑dee”) Halbert Thornton was born on April 8, 1959, in Sonora, Texas. A proud Texas Tech Red Raider, she graduated in 1981 and carried that spirit with her throughout her life. As a girl, Kidie spent her summers in Ruidoso at her family’s cabin, a cherished place dating back to the 1940s. In 2019, she made Ruidoso her permanent home.
Kidie loved the beach, adored her two sons, and had a lifelong devotion to animals. Growing up on her family’s ranch in Sutton County, she developed a deep respect for the creatures in her care. Over the years she shared her life with many beloved pets, but in 2020 she adopted a rescue dog named Bell, an adoption that changed everything. Bell’s resilience and unconditional love inspired Kidie to join the Board of Directors of the Humane Society of Lincoln County in 2023, where she poured her heart into helping the animals who needed it most.
On July 29, 2025, we tragically lost our wonderful Kidie. Her energy, compassion, and love for life touched countless people and animals. To honor her legacy, we created Kidie’s Corner, a tribute to her unwavering dedication to the underdogs…older pets, shy pets, and those who simply need a little extra love.
Each month, we will highlight one of “Kidie’s Heroes” – an animal still waiting for their forever home.
Kidie's Hero of the Month
Our first five Kidie’s Heroes – Boba, Rose Gold, Sunshine, Guero and Rocko have been adopted, Wabi-Sabi and Ewok were transferred to Best Friends. We are now featuring Maxine.
Maxine, the Friendly Halloween Sprite
Once upon a spooky season, in a land filled with pumpkins, crunchy leaves, and moonlit adventures, there lived a delightful little dog named Maxine.
Maxine is a 9-year-old Heeler/Husky mix who weighs about 40 pounds, just the right size for sharing couch space, joining neighborhood walks, and accompanying her favorite humans on everyday adventures. With her striking black-and-white coat and those wonderfully expressive ears, she looks as though she stepped right out of a storybook.
This sweet girl is known for her gentle nature, playful spirit, and love of making new doggy friends. Whether she’s trotting alongside a canine companion, investigating interesting smells, or enjoying a fun play session, Maxine approaches life with quiet joy and an open heart.
At 9 years young, Maxine has discovered one of life’s greatest secrets: you don’t have to be a puppy to have fun. She still enjoys playtime and adventure, but she also appreciates the simple pleasures, a cozy bed, kind words, and people to love.
As a proud participant in HSLC’s Facebook Spooky Season Pet Costume Contest, Maxine is hoping her magical ears, charming smile, and storybook-good looks will earn her a few admirers. She’s considered dressing as a woodland sprite, a friendly ghost, or a pumpkin princess, but truthfully, Maxine’s sweetest costume is simply being herself.
Now this lovable Halloween heroine is searching for the greatest treasure of all: a forever family. A place where she’ll be cherished, where her playful spirit can shine, and where every day ends with the comfort of knowing she belongs.
Could your home be the happy ending Maxine has been wishing for?
Come meet Maxine and discover for yourself why this enchanting girl has everyone under her spell. Her fairy tale is waiting for its next chapter… and it just might begin with you.
If adoption isn’t possible, we invite you to support Kidie’s Legacy Fund, which provides care for the least adoptable animals and those with special needs. Your contribution directly honors Kidie’s passion for giving every animal a chance.
In Kidie’s memory, please donate today and help us continue the work she loved.
