SECOND CHANCE: KILLER KITTY #2 + LEANNE + VINNY

20 Feb SECOND CHANCE: KILLER KITTY #2 + LEANNE + VINNY

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 new pow pow. Yes, finally, it’s here.

Deconstructing the Portrait of the Killer Kitty – Part Two

Last week the Second Chance Humane Society Pet Column challenged the media blitz on a contested “research” study that isolated cats as the uncontested species responsible for the demise of all birds and small mammals.  The column encouraged the application of independent thinking on this, as well as focusing energy on a realistic approach, such as controlling cat populations through spay/neuter and feral cat programs that Second Chance operates within the region.  Today I want to explore a few other proposed ideas as well.

As the discussion on the “research” circulates through the animal welfare industry various ideas of how to find a balance between cat lovers and bird and wildlife lovers are surfacing.  One thought would be to create communities where cats were treated the same as dogs with regulations and staff to enforce dumped animals.  In such communities cats wouldn’t be allowed to free roam, would have to be licensed, and animal control would respond to cat calls as well as dog.

Ok, not very realistic, palatable or affordable for most communities – and definitely not for our area.  But this approach does lead to a new trend in thinking about cats – particularly feral cats – and that is that they are now being referred to as “community cats”.  This shift in terminology helps communities to recognize that they are the responsibility of the communities that they live in – at some point all feral cats were domestic or descended from the domestic cat.  And who domesticated cats?  And for what purpose?

We have now circled back to the feral cat program – so let’s begin there and keep working the trap neuter release programs that are proving to be so effective.  And before we start laying the blame on “killer kitties” for any declining numbers of wildlife or birds let’s look a bit closer at how humanity is impacting the environment, the shrinking habitats of birds and wildlife, and other factors that are clearly not caused by the feline species.

Leanne

LEANNE:

My name is Leanne, I came to Second Chance because my previous owner could no longer care for me. I am very low maintenance though so don’t think I am here because of something I did wrong.  I have a very pleasant temperament and enjoy doing crossword puzzles.  Because I used to hang out with a small child in my former household, I also enjoy watching Yo Gaba Gaba. Although I seem a little shy at first it is just an act and it doesn’t take me long to warm right up – like your lap would do if you brought me home. Come down to Second Chance and meet me!

Vinny

VINNIE:

My name is Vinnie and I am an adorable 1 year old pug/dachshund mix.  Sadly, things were a little rough for me before coming to Second Chance.  I was originally surrendered to another shelter because my owner was older and beginning to lose their eyesight.  It didn’t take long for me to find another home, but they later decided that I had too much energy for them.  Things are starting to look up for me now that I am at Second Chance.  They have only known me for a short time, but they can already tell that I am a wonderful boy.  I love everyone I meet and appear to be house-trained.  I do have some energy, but that is not a bad thing, and purely a reflection of my exuberance for life.  It is actually contagious and I share it willingly.  I will make a great hiking buddy and enjoy going clubbing at the dog park as well.

Second Chance Humane Society Animal Resource Center and Thrift Shop are both located in Ridgway but service San Miguel, Ouray & Montrose Counties.  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.