SECOND CHANCE: DOG CARE EXCHANGES

15 May SECOND CHANCE: DOG CARE EXCHANGES

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 now living at the no-kill shelter, Angel Ridge Shelter, a dog and a cat, hoping to find them loving permanent homes.

The column is sponsored by Ted Hoff of  Cottonwood Ranch & Kennel, who from time to time exercises his skills as a dog whisperer, partnering with Kelly and her staff to help train a particularly challenging animal.

By the by, there is no better place to park your pup than Cottonwood whenever you head out of town (for locals) or are heading to town and staying somewhere that does not allow pets. Consider joining Ted’s Very Important Dog (VID) Club for added benies. (Details on Ted’s website.)

Pibb

Pet Care Time Banking

Did you know that there are more pets in American households than kids?

We’re talking more than 50 million dogs and 50 million cats! With that statistic in mind, you have to know we pets must be doing something right. So today I, Pibb, will be blowing the lid off of one reason why there are still millions of homeless pets in the nation – despite the fact we are widely considered more likeable than kids…

“I just travel too much.” This is one of the rationales I hear from people visiting Second Chance. I agree that is a valid reason; we are happiest when with our families. However, let me assure you most pets can become very comfortable with a regular caretaker or in a “second home,” where they go while their parents are away.

The expense of such pet caretakers is a significant obstacle. But there are solutions to the money challenge as well. You can develop a community of trusted people in your neighborhood who would help care for your pets for free. Don’t roll your eyes. It is really is quite feasible.

Heard about the growing community movement called Time Banking, through which people are essentially bartering services? Through this creative approach – not long ago exchanges were the primary form of goods passing from one person to another and is still very alive in various parts of the world – members can receive a service from another participatantin the time bank for each hour they “bank”.

For example, a bike mechanic can be called upon by someone in the Time Bank for an hour of bike wrenching and that banked hour can be applied toward an hour from a plumber to fix the mechanic’s sink or an hour from an accountant to prepare taxes. What a fabulous grassroots community building program and solution to the challenging economy (By the way, I hear that there is a Time Bank being organized in Ridgway …)

A concept similar to time banking but designed specifically for dog owners also exists: It is called Dog Care Exchanges. Members trade dog watching with other animal lovers in the group. However, I recommend limiting your “exchange” to just a few families (as well as including other pets), so that your pets do not feel bounced around too often and can develop a trusting relationship with families other than their own.

So go start talking to your pet loving friends and families in your neighborhood and get your own exchange started.  The benefits to this approach are multi-layered: reduced stress, pets receiving more personalized and tailored care consistent with their regular play and sleep schedules, etc.

So there, no excuses. You are now free to adopt me!

PIBB:

More about me: I am fun- loving, playful, good-natured, very handsome, and travel sized!  I am particularly seeking a family who would appreciate my great enthusiasm for life. If you adopt me, you will be bringing a great deal of joy into your life. Now meet Second Chance’s cat of the week.

MONROE:

Hi, I’m Monroe. I ended up at Second Chance because my owner passed away. Despite my unfortunate circumstances, I am a sweet happy girl who loves to laze about and get scratched behind the ears. I’m a tuxedo cat, so I’ll also fit right in at any fancy parties you may have. How about we start with an adoption party!?!

Note: 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.