Welcome to Hobbs, New Mexico, a hidden gem in the Land of Enchantment that is quickly capturing the hearts of those who discover it. Picture a community where the spirit of growth and progress collides harmoniously with the timeless charm of friendly neighbors and vibrant landscapes. Hobbs offers the comforting allure of a small-town vibe, coupled with the dynamic energy of a city on the rise.
Hobbs is not just a place to live; it's a place to thrive. With a
burgeoning economy driven by key industries such as energy and agriculture, opportunities here are boundless, attracting entrepreneurs and professionals alike. Boasting a robust education system, Hobbs is an environment where learning seeds are sown and future aspirations take flight.
The heart and soul of Hobbs reside in its recreational spaces and cultural hubs. Local parks and sports venues create an atmosphere of community bonding, while the Lea County Event Center
Hobbs, New Mexico
4 | HelloHobbs, New Mexico • Winter Issue
Hello Hobbs, New Mexico • Winter Issue |5
hosts a captivating array of shows and local events. Residents revel in the arts at the Western Heritage Museum and Lea County Cowboy Hall of Fame, which celebrate the rich cultural tapestry and history of the Southwest.
In Hobbs, enchanting desert sunsets provide the backdrop for a life brimming with potential and positivity. Every day in this enchanting city invites you to become part of a warm,...
Hobbs, New Mexico
Hobbs, New Mexico: Where Opportunity Meets Charm
Welcome to Hobbs, New Mexico, a hidden gem in the Land of Enchantment that is quickly capturing the hearts of those who discover it. Picture a community where the spirit of growth and progress collides harmoniously with the timeless charm of friendly neighbors and vibrant landscapes. Hobbs offers the comforting allure of a small-town vibe, coupled with the dynamic energy of a city on the rise.
Hobbs is not just a place to live; it's a place to thrive. With a burgeoning economy driven by key industries such as energy and agriculture, opportunities here are boundless, attracting entrepreneurs and professionals alike. Boasting a robust education system, Hobbs is an environment where learning seeds are sown and future aspirations take flight.
The heart and soul of Hobbs reside in its recreational spaces and cultural hubs. Local parks and sports venues create an atmosphere of community bonding, while the Lea County Event Center hosts a captivating array of shows and local events. Residents revel in the arts at the Western Heritage Museum and Lea County Cowboy Hall of Fame, which celebrate the rich cultural tapestry and history of the Southwest.
In Hobbs, enchanting desert sunsets provide the backdrop for a life brimming with potential and positivity. Every day in this enchanting city invites you to become part of a warm, welcoming story of progress and possibility. Come discover Hobbs, where every corner beckons with promise.
Featured Story
What Your Pet Can’t Tell You
Most pets move through daily life without showing obvious signs of discomfort. People often expect a clear reaction when something hurts, yet animals rarely respond that way. They learned long ago that showing pain can make them look weak, so they mask symptoms even when the problem becomes serious. A
dog with a tender paw may adjust how it walks rather than cry out. A cat with a stomach issue may simply rest a little more or turn away from certain food. These quiet changes can be easy to miss in a busy home, but they often mark the earliest stages of a developing medical problem.
6 | HelloHobbs, New Mexico • Winter Issue
What Your Pet Can’t Tell You
Most pets move through daily life without showing obvious signs of discomfort. People often expect a clear reaction when something hurts, yet animals rarely respond that way. They learned long ago that showing pain can make them look weak, so they mask symptoms even when the problem becomes serious. A dog with a tender paw may adjust how it walks rather than cry out. A cat with a stomach issue may simply rest a little more or turn away from certain food. These quiet changes can be easy to miss in a busy home, but they often mark the earliest stages of a developing medical problem.
Veterinarians rely on these subtle signs because pets cannot explain what feels wrong or when the issue began. An owner might notice that a dog hesitates before jumping onto the couch or that a cat seems less playful in the evening. Those shifts may appear minor, but they help guide an exam toward areas that deserve closer attention. When a vet compares the pet’s current behavior with past visits, the pattern becomes clearer. The goal is to catch concerns early, before they grow into situations that limit comfort or long-term health.
Routine checkups support this process. Even when a pet seems healthy, the exam provides a baseline for weight, heart function, dental condition, and muscle tone. A small change in weight may not draw much notice at home, yet it can affect mobility or signal thyroid or kidney issues. A slight increase in heart rate may reflect early cardiac stress. Regular exams give structure to these observations and help track them over months or years. When something shifts, the vet can respond with testing, monitoring, or treatment plans that match the pet’s needs.
Dental disease in pets develops gradually. Tartar builds up, gums become inflamed, and a painful tooth can form beneath the surface. Pets often continue eating despite discomfort, so owners may not see a clear sign until the disease is advanced. Bad breath, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth can suggest trouble, but these signs appear late in the process. Cats in particular hide dental pain well, and many continue normal routines while living with significant discomfort. Because pets do not show dental pain clearly, early exams and cleanings play a major role in protecting long-term health.
Kidney disease presents different challenges. It develops slowly, with small internal changes that do not always cause visible symptoms early on. A pet may drink slightly more water or urinate more often, yet still appear normal. Bloodwork during routine visits often reveals the earliest changes in kidney values. Detecting these trends gives owners a chance to adjust diet, hydration, and monitoring before the condition limits quality of life. Early awareness improves comfort and helps pets maintain a stable routine.
Arthritis is another condition that remains hidden until the discomfort becomes difficult to ignore. Older dogs may seem stiff in the morning or slow to rise after resting. Cats may stop climbing favorite spots or hesitate before jumping. These changes often look like normal aging, but they can reflect significant joint inflammation. With early detection, a vet can suggest weight control, gentle exercise, joint supplements, or medication tailored to the pet’s daily comfort. Without that early step, pets may continue living with unnecessary pain.
Behavioral changes can also indicate stress, illness, or discomfort. A friendly dog that becomes withdrawn or restless may be signaling physical strain rather than emotional or training issues. A calm cat that begins hiding more often may feel unwell. When these shifts appear gradually, they can blend into daily life. That is why discussing even small changes during checkups helps. Vets combine clinical findings with behavioral notes to form a broader view. Each detail, no matter how small, adds to the picture.
Owners play a central role because they see their pets every day. They notice small shifts in routine or mood that a vet might not see in a short visit. When owners mention these details, the information becomes part of the health record. This partnership between owner observation and veterinary expertise supports the pet’s well-being. It creates an approach that respects the pet’s natural instinct to hide pain but does not overlook the signs that are always present for those who watch carefully.
Pets cannot describe their discomfort in words, but they constantly communicate through behavior, posture, and rhythm. Understanding these signals, paired with regular exams, helps reveal what pets cannot express. With time, attention, and steady care, their quiet cues become easier to read, allowing families and veterinarians to protect comfort and health at every stage of life.
Dr. Mark Justice
attention. When a vet compares the pet’s current behavior with past visits, the pattern becomes clearer. The goal is to catch concerns early, before they grow into situations that limit comfort or long-term health.Routine checkups support this process. Even when a pet seems healthy, the exam provides a baseline for weight, heart function, dental condition, and muscle tone. A small change in weight may not draw much notice at home, yet it can affect mobility or signal thyroid or kidney issues. A slight increase in heart rate may reflect early cardiac stress. Regular exams give structure to these observations and help track them...
rely on these subtle signs because pets cannot explain what feels wrong or when the issue began. An owner might notice that a dog hesitates before jumping onto the couch or that a cat seems less playful in the evening. Those shifts may appear minor, but they help guide an exam toward areas that deserve closer
Because pets do not show dental pain clearly, early exams and cleanings play a major role in protecting long-term health.
About the Author
Dr. Mark Justice is the owner and veterinarian at Double J Animal Hospital, where he provides compassionate and comprehensive care for pets in the local community. With over 20 years of experience in veterinary medicine, Dr. Justice is dedicated to ensuring the health and well-being of animals through preventive care, surgery, and emergency services.
HelloHobbs, New Mexico • Winter Issue |7
8 | HelloHobbs, New Mexico • Winter Issue
Where Community Spirit Shines Bright
Hobbs, New Mexico, is a vibrant city where the spirit of community and the warmth of its residents create an exceptional quality of life. This city stands out not only for its sunny weather but also for its welcoming atmosphere that
makes everyone feel at home. Home to a rich blend of cultures, Hobbs celebrates diversity with a variety of events and festivals that bring residents together in joyful harmony.
Education in Hobbs is truly a cornerstone of the community's pride. Schools here are dedicated to fostering a nurturing environment for young learners. Exceptional higher education opportunities are offered by New Mexico Junior College and the University
Hobbs, New Mexico
Hello Hobbs, New Mexico • Winter Issue |9
of the Southwest, both of which are vital to the town's thriving intellectual life.
Hobbs is also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. With excellent parks and recreational facilities, residents can enjoy everything from tranquil walks to energetic sports. The Western Heritage Museum and Lea County Cowboy Hall of Fame add a unique cultural touch, celebrating the area's history and love for the arts.
In Hobbs, neighbors
become friends, and simple living is celebrated with a richness of heart and spirit. It's a place where the quality of life is measured in meaningful connections and shared experiences, making Hobbs not just a place to live, but a place to truly call home.
Hobbs, New Mexico
Hobbs, New Mexico: Where Community Spirit Shines Bright
Hobbs, New Mexico, is a vibrant city where the spirit of community and the warmth of its residents create an exceptional quality of life. This city stands out not only for its sunny weather but also for its welcoming atmosphere that makes everyone feel at home. Home to a rich blend of cultures, Hobbs celebrates diversity with a variety of events and festivals that bring residents together in joyful harmony.
Education in Hobbs is truly a cornerstone of the community's pride. Schools here are dedicated to fostering a nurturing environment for young learners. Exceptional higher education opportunities are offered by New Mexico Junior College and the University of the Southwest, both of which are vital to the town's thriving intellectual life.
Hobbs is also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. With excellent parks and recreational facilities, residents can enjoy everything from tranquil walks to energetic sports. The Western Heritage Museum and Lea County Cowboy Hall of Fame add a unique cultural touch, celebrating the area's history and love for the arts.
In Hobbs, neighbors become friends, and simple living is celebrated with a richness of heart and spirit. It's a place where the quality of life is measured in meaningful connections and shared experiences, making Hobbs not just a place to live, but a place to truly call home.
