Second Chance: Keep Your Friends Close

16 Apr Second Chance: Keep Your Friends Close

Hello human citizens of Ouray and San Miguel Counties. Clarence here. Many of you know me as the feline overlord, aka “greeter,” at Second Chance Humane Society. I would like to dish about a couple of my friends here at the shelter.

Emerald

Durango is a happy six-month-old shepherd mix boy. He can be a little shy with new humans at first, but comes out of his shell with a little encouragement and patience. Durango was found as a stray and is now neutered and available for adoption. He plays well with other dogs and has made a few canine friends here. He would be a great hiking or running companion and, at the end of the day, he’ll curl up next to you on the couch and watch a movie. When I met Durango in the house he was a little afraid of the cats, but I think that was because he didn’t know what in the heck we were. I feel now he might coexist well with a dog-friendly cat. The humans here have started teaching him some basic manners such as wait at doors and sit. No doubt Durango would make a great pet for an active person or family.

Emerald is a beautiful six- to eight-month old grey tabby, who  loves to explore the house and play with other cats. She enjoys lying in the sun, doing kitty yoga, scratches behind the ears, and snuggling with people. Emerald is very curious and would enjoy finding all the fun places in your home. She is as fond of snuggling in a nice fluffy bed as she is of exploring her surroundings. At times, Emerald is a bit of a chatterbox, but her large repertoire of anecdotes and jokes makes her the life of every party (not that we cats spend all our time partying). She enjoys being around other cats and does well with the dogs who live at the shelter. Emerald would be a great companion for other cat-friendly animals.

I have many more friend at Second Chance in need of forever homes, so if you’re looking for a feline or canine companion come down and see me. I would be happy to make the introduction.

Durango

On another note, now that the weather is getting nice, many families will be out and about with their pets. I see a lot more stray dogs and cats coming through the shelter this time of year. As much as I love every animal who lives here, your pets are much happier with you than they are here. So do them a favor and keep them close –  especially when you go to an unfamiliar area.

Editor’s note: It’s no secret. The Telluride region is dog heaven. Well, pet 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 at least one, generally 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.)