Second Chance: Dog Den Dedication

02 Jul Second Chance: Dog Den Dedication

So here I am hanging out at the new Second Chance Humane Society Dog Den thinking, “hmmm, I think I’ll go outside to lie in the sun”…and I do. That kind of freedom has never before been available for shelter dogs in this region. Now we have big cageless rooms to lounge in or we can go out into our own outdoor dog runs at our leisure. And there are so many more of us here now in this large facility (our former facility was like a closet in comparison) – all getting our second chance because of this big wonderful compassionate generous community we landed in. Thus, the emphasis of today’s Pet Column is quite simply gratitude.

Emerald

Thank you to all the donors and supporters of this project. Collectively you helped to raise over $700,000 in less than two years to make this facility a reality. Your generosity was boundless and bountiful. Additionally, as you were all aware – Second Chance had to keep regular operations going during the capital campaign – and you supported that in tandem with funding the new facility.

Thank you to the Second Chance board of directors for believing in this project and having the courage to begin it and to see it through.  Without your vision it would not have happened. Without taking the risk to begin building prior to having raised all the money first you would have lost out on critical grant awards for the project. Your trust in the community showing up for this project allowed that to happen.

Thank you to the Second Chance staff whose sweat and dedication to the effort gave the project wings and assured a safe landing. You give in so many ways and we are so lucky to have you.

And thank you to the volunteers of Second Chance who contributed countless hours to support the project and the organization along the way. Maintaining a capital campaign project and regular operations is taxing on an organization and your commitment kept things in forward motion.

Thank you to Calvin L. Wilbourne Architects for the project design and Mountain Builders for pulling it all together to create a facility that the region can be very proud of. This building is calming, quiet, efficient and very welcoming – truly what is desired in an animal shelter, but rarely is the reality.

Thanks to all the other professionals who supported this project with fat discounts and strong commitments: Lisa Issenberg of Kiitella Designs for the donor plaques, Choate Excavating, Apex Cabinets and San Juan Surveying.

Baja

The Dog Den is a true testament to what the collective can do to make a difference in the world. It demonstrates the compassion of our wonderful extended community and inspires my faith in humanity. Now I just need to find a forever family for my final happily ever after.

My name is Baja and I am youthful, energetic, playful, athletic, and just a pure happy-go-lucky kind of guy. I love all people and dogs and even appreciate cats. I will entertain and be the best companion you could ever ask for. Come see me and check out the new Dog Den!

And if you are a cat person, the cat of the week is Emerald, a true jewel here at Second Chance and ready to put the sparkle and glitter back into your life with a bit of her cuddly love and self-esteem-boosting adoration. Let Emerald bring the bling to your world!

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 & friend

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.)