Second Chance: Kangaroos? Really?

25 Jun Second Chance: Kangaroos? Really?

Recently there was an interesting article in National Geographic (April 2014) about wild/exotic pet ownership . The story discussed the motivation that drives people to own such pets as lions, kangaroos, lemurs, pythons, and more. (The piece also strongly emphasized the array of negative impacts upon the varying species, whether bred in captivity or illegally trafficked, that result from private ownership).

Peaches & Smee

Beyond the common motivation shared by exotic pet owners of wanting to own something unique (and in cases like lions, tigers, etc., the feeling of power and status) is that of feeling needed. That came to a surprise to us here at Second Chance because we get that sense of being needed every day just working with homeless domestic pets.

So we have decided in order to do our part to minimize the lure of wild pet ownership, we would begin a campaign to promote kitten-in-need adoptions. The Second Chance Humane Society region had a late kitten season this year, but now we are in full kitten overabundance mode! And although our spay/neuter program has had a significant impact in reducing the numbers of unwanted litters, we still have more work to do.

In the meantime, we need to find loving homes for all our adorable, cute cuddly kittens in need.  Although domestic felines tend to not be overly demanding of their people, you will certainly feel needed and loved when you bring one or more of them into your life.  Cats like all domestic animals need to feel loved and part of the family. And with kittens, there is no danger of losing a limb as you might as an owner of exotic wild cats. Kittens cost a fraction of the price of a wild sister and by adopting one, you make a real difference and save a life or two.

Smee and Peaches are two of the many kittens at the Second Chance shelter right now ready for loving homes. At only 9 weeks of age you will be able to bond with them for a lifetime. We also have younger kittens in need of foster care until they can be adopted out. And of course we have a range of ages should you prefer a more mature cat that will still make you feel truly significant by lounging on your lap – rather than pouncing on it.

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.)