SECOND CHANCE: RESCUED PETS PERFORM AT PALM

26 Dec SECOND CHANCE: RESCUED PETS PERFORM AT PALM

Editor’s note: It’s no secret. The Telluride region is dog heaven. Unless you are one of our furry friends who gets caught in the maw of neglect and abuse. Then heaven is on hold until Second Chance Humane Society comes to the rescue.

Second Chance is the region’s nonprofit dedicated to saving animals’ lives and promoting responsible pet parenting and human-animal bond. In her weekly blog, executive director Kelly Goodin profiles two of the many animals from the no-kill shelter, Angel Ridge Shelter, a dog and a cat, hoping to find them loving homes.

The column is sponsored by Ted Hoff of  Cottonwood Ranch & Kennel, who from time to time exercises his skills as a dog whisperer and partners with Kelly and her staff to help train a particularly challenging animal. And there is no better place to park your pup than Cottonwood should you be heading our hills for a few turns in the pow pow.

POPOVITCH AT THE PALM:

Since the days of Lassie and Rin Tin Tin the animal rescue industry has had to stay vigilant about the animal-based media Hollywoord is producing. Why the close watch? Because film and television that incorporate animals has a huge impact on animal shelter and rescue organizations.

For example, soon after “101 Dalmatians” hit the big screen in 1996 there was an explosion of Dalmatians in shelter populations across the nation. The fun and unique looking dogs had children everywhere asking parents to find them a spotted friend. Well intentioned, but ignorant parents soon learned Dalmatians may not be the best pet for a busy family, especially one lacking the resources and time to train this very high energy breed.

Fortunately, the tides have changed and the growing trend in the entertainment industry is to use animals much more responsibly. For example, the world-famous Popovich Comedy Pet Theater, a unique, family-oriented blend of comedy and juggling skills, features the extraordinary talents of Greg Popovich and 15 cats and 10 dogs he rescued from animal shelters and trained, who now love to show off onstage, performing a variety of stunts and skits. And not only does Popovich use rescued shelter pets, he also promotes rescue and spay/neuter practices everywhere he performs.

Saturday, December 29, and Saturday December 30, 7 p.m., Telluride’s Palm Theatre presents “The Popovich Comedy Pet Theater” live. The show, which has an international following and has been featured on “The Tonight Show,” “Letterman,” and “America’s Got Talent,” brings these once abandoned pets into the spotlight.

Here’s how Popovitch describes itself:

“Audiences will be delighted to see this extravaganza of European-style clowns, amazing juggling and balancing acts, and of course very talented performing pets. It’s a show that both adults and kids of all ages enjoy! Gregory Popovich, winner of many international circus competitions, and his furry friends bring their Comedy Pet Theater to Telluride after a world tour of more than 20 countries.”

For a preview of the performance, go here.

This is not the first time that Popovich and pets have thrilled Telluride audiences.  Popovich returns for a second time, thanks to the generosity of the Wags & Menace Foundation, who sponsored the sell-out show in 2010.

The Wags & Menace Foundation is based in Denver, but has a long history in the Telluride region as the primary supporter of the Second Chance Humane Society. Wags & Menace Foundation Medical Fund is dedicated to shelter pets with special medical needs. As a result of the fund, pets who would otherwise be unadoptable due to significant health issues or injuries have been treated and then adopted into loving homes.

Cindy Lee,  founder of Wags & Menace and the proud sponsor once again for both of the Popovich performances this weekend, presents before each performance to encourage donations toward this fund.

We are delighted to have Cindy Lee back in town to represent the great works of the Wags & Menace Foundation!

Advance Popovich tickets ($36/adult and $28/student) are available through the Palm Theatre in Telluride. (Add $5 at the door.)  And although adoptable cats (like Tabitha below) are not so keen on attending, Clancy will be there to hopefully find his new home – or stardom. Nothing wrong with both.

Clancy

CLANCY:

Hey there. My name is Clancy and I arrived at Second Chance after losing my way from home. I was in desperate need of a new hair style as  my own had become quite unmanageable. So a nice lady from Montrose Mobile Grooming drove over, styled me up and made me feel soooo much more agile I decided to try out for a spot with Popovich Pet Comedy. I already know my basic commands and my good-mannered friendliness should assist me further in becoming a great stunt dog. Meet me at the Palm Theatre this weekend and if I get turned down by Mr. Popovich, I would love to learn dance moves and tricks at your home.

Tabitha

TABITHA:

My name is Tabitha and I am a recently retired momma cat. Being a great mom is a lot of work and I am quite relieved to have had “the surgery”.  Being homeless is hard enough without having to manage a litter of homeless kittens as well, but I am proud they are all healthy and strong despite the challenges. So now I am looking for someone to care for me for a change. With my playful personality, I think you will find me quite delightful. At Angel Ridge Ranch, I am the grand greeter: friendly “hello” welcomes everyone who enters my room. So of course my New Year Resolution is to find my forever home….

Note: Call the SCHS Helpline at 626-2273 to report a lost pet, learn about adopting a homeless pet, or about the SCHS Spay/Neuter, Volunteer, Feral Cat, or other Programs.  View our shelter pets and services online: www.adoptmountainpets.org.