SECOND CHANCE: GRATITUDE AND LOVE, RUSTY + SASHA

13 Mar SECOND CHANCE: GRATITUDE AND LOVE, RUSTY + SASHA

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 for our hills for a few turns in the pow pow.

LOVE & GRATITUDE

Second Chance Humane Society’s Sixth Annual Wine & Whiskers happens in just a few days. Although we are excited about sharing all the event has to offer, it is also a humbling time. Again, it takes literally hundreds of businesses and service providers, artists and individuals, who give (through sponsorships, auction donations, in-kind donations, or other) to make Wine & Whiskers the success that it has always been. Required volunteer hours also number in the hundreds, which adds to awe-inspiring generosity in the region.

Homeless pets directly benefit from all this. We live and work amongst communities that care, comprised of people wanting to make a difference. For that we are forever grateful.

These same communities have also been collectively grieving because of the horrible tragedy that recently befell upon one of our families. And these same communities are rising up and offering love and support in the hope that in some small way we can bring a moment of peace and healing to the Charrettes.

As we continue to grasp for an understanding of why such horrible things happen to lovely people, we are learning one important lesson about community. And through this intensely difficult time, we are feel our connections more deeply while we are reminded in a clear and profound manner, why we live here. Yes, the beauty and access to our outdoor passions count, but primarily we live here because of a remarkable extended community.

Thank you to everyone for reminding us how fortunate we are to have each other. We love you Axel. We love you Charrette family.

Rusty and Sasha are our sponsors today. They want to throw in a little self-PR into the mix.

RUSTY

RUSTY:

My name is Rusty. I came to the shelter because my previous owner had to move to a home where dogs are not allowed. She was terribly sad to have to let me go, but she wanted me to have a chance at a great new home, so she brought me to Second Chance. I am best described as a loyal, sweethearted snuggle bunny. I am bright and loving with a slight deformity in my right front foot. Although the deformity doesn’t hold me back, it seems to hold some adopters back. I probably wouldn’t be a good mountain climber, but I love to go on walks. Adopt me if you believe that love conquers all.

SASHA:

I am Sasha. Like Rusty, I was returned to Second Chance because my owner could no longer care for me.I am sweet natured, mellow, and enjoy cooking and checkers.  Basically I am a pretty cool cat, but I have been repeatedly overlooked by adopters and have been waiting for my new home for over a year. Although I can be a little shy at first, once I get to know you I’ll be your best friend for life. Adopt me if you believe that dreams can come true.

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.