SECOND CHANCE: TED HOFF REMOVES OBSTACLES

22 May SECOND CHANCE: TED HOFF REMOVES OBSTACLES

JASPER

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.)

This week, Kelly Goodin says thanks to Ted through another animal he has helped.

Last week I attended the Love Your Valley Festival in Ridgway. It is a fun little event with live music, beer, and dogs…the furry ones, not the edible ones on a bun. I went with about 10 other dogs from Second Chance Humane Society – all with hopes of finding our new families. Two of us did, but I was not of the two. I was, however, the focus of attention when it was announced that this was my second straight Love Your Valley Festival as a homeless dog. And no, the Festival is not monthly. It’s annual….

I am not sure why I have been homeless for over a year. Some may think it is because I have a few crooked teeth. Others  guess it is because I am small and this is hiking country – although I am an excellent hiker and can keep up with the best of ’em. Could it be because I am often a little nervous around some people? – for all of about 30 seconds. I myself hold to the thought that my intended family simply not yet found me yet…

I have done all my adoption prep work. I even went out to Ted Hoff at Cottonwood Ranch and Kennels for several months to work out some kinks, but I returned full-on ready for adoption. Ted, who worked with me diligently at Cottonwood, is my hero. He takes dogs from Second Chance having a hard time getting adopted and helps us overcome our adoption obstacles.

He just worked wonders with my friend Ginger.

Ginger spent many months with Ted and came back a happier, more confident and mature dog. Ted has a beautiful and spacious ranch in Crawford and doggie clients come from all over the world to work with him, yet Ted finds time to work with Second Chance dogs like me for free. Pretty awesome!  And, after 10 months of waiting, Ginger was adopted within two weeks of her return from Ted’s tender love and care. Surely my time is near.

JASMINE

Sometimes second chances take longer than expected, but here at Second Chance Humane Society the important thing is that they do come eventually. My name is Jasper and I am adored by the staff and volunteers here. I have a new little friend here named Truffle, who is way smaller than me but we play well together and it should be quite apparent that I have a very sweet soul. So I know that problem is not with my nature. It’s all about getting people to really see ME.

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.