Second Chance: New Dog Den, Amen

07 May Second Chance: New Dog Den, Amen

My name is Baja and I am honored to be amongst the first dogs to take refuge in the new Dog Den at Second Chance’s Angel Ridge Ranch in Ridgway! Not long ago, my life outlook and prospects were rather grim, and I was close to being euthanized before arriving here. But, thanks to the amazing community that helped to make the Dog Den a reality, this comforting, cage- free facility has literally saved my life!

BAJA

So I am among a group of homeless pups giving the Dog Den a test run as some minor finishing touches are completed and we wait for the outdoor dog runs to be constructed. (Hopefully, and especially for those who haven’t had an opportunity to donate to the Dog Den project yet, the remaining funds to complete this slice of heaven will be donated soon!)

With confidence in the community’s generosity, the Ribbon Chewing Ceremony to mark the opening of the Dog Den is being planned now. And, because Second Chance is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the idea is to put on a major bash. This double celebration takes place Saturday, June 7, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Our whole extended community is invited to attend, tour the facility, and enjoy the festivities.

The Dog Den project, combined with the purchase of Angel Ridge Ranch, has been a long undertaking involving a strong true grassroots effort on the part of hundreds of donors, volunteers, and staffers working together to create the first purpose-built animals shelter in the region. We want to make sure everyone recognizes that the success of this project is the direct result of compassion and generosity.

Thanks for my life and for my future.

For the record, Baja is an 18-month- young Sheba Labinu who is very friendly with people as well as other dogs. He is the happy-go-lucky sort (but not in an Adam Sandler kind of way, rather, in a brainy way) and a pleasure to be around. Baja is currently appreciating the cage-free social environment of the Dog Den, but most desires a forever family of his own.

For those cat lovers, this week’s Cat of the Week is Tony, an 8-month-old tabby. Tony can be rather picky about who he hangs out with. Some would call his behavior shy; we like to call it selective. Regardless, with some patience and love, he will become your new best furry friend. Tony arrived with his brother who has already been adopted so he is feeling left out and definitely ready for his new family…

TONY

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.

Ted Hoff & Mae

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.)