Second Chance: Celebrate July 4 with your Dog

26 Jun Second Chance: Celebrate July 4 with your Dog

About 12 score years ago, America gained its independence, a feat we will soon be celebrating with parades, watermelons, fireworks, picnics, and… pooches. Yes, dogs have become a vital part of celebrating our independence, just as they have become vital in maintaining our independence…from loneliness, boredom, sadness & despair. So consider joining Second Chance Humane Society on July Fourth as we participate in Telluride’s big parade with our adoptable dogs, volunteers, and dog friends to celebrate independence – and our connection to dogs.

It may be worth noting that Scotland is preparing for a very historical vote on becoming an independent country next year. And how fitting that the pro-Independence folks, NewsNet Scotland, have chosen a dog cartoon to push their message.  The scruffy but likeable Scottish Terrier, “Duggy”, was chosen as a counter-balance to the what the group describes as the “fear and pessimistic claims of the ‘no’ to independence.”  The group felt that one of the most effective ways to combat fear was through humor. “Duggy Dog isn’t just likeable though, he is wise as well and those watching the cartoons will be taken on an enjoyable yet informative wee journey.”

And don’t forget the other connection between dogs and independence, as highlighted in a recent TIO post, the independence gained by people assisted through service dogs. Dogs can help people to see, hear, walk, live longer, live more safely and live fuller lives. The more we stop to recognize how important dogs have become to our lives the less homeless dogs will be searching for new families.

On that note, please let me introduce myself.

Kenai

KENAI

My name is Kenai, a young handsome yet homeless boxer mix here at Second Chance. I can be a little shy with new people, but am truly a big lover after I get to know you. I find great joy in taking walks, runs and hikes and, like Duggy, prefer humor to fear and will add great amounts of joy to your life.

Angus

ANGUS

Cats of course are known for our independent personalities – but we aren’t that fond of parades – so you won’t find me in Telluride on the 4th of July but you can find me at Second Chance in Ridgway.  My name is Angus but I am actually a small, orange, soft and cuddly 3 month young kitten.  I am playful, fun-loving, and enjoy an occasional steak.

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.)

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 the shelter pets and services online: www.adoptmountainpets.org.