Second Chance: New Look for Education Programming

26 Aug Second Chance: New Look for Education Programming

Wednesday, August 26, was National Dog Appreciation Day and Colorado ranked the #16 most “Dog Happy” U.S. state, according to the Milo’s Kitchen ‘Dog Happy’ Survey. #16? No one talked to the strays and abandoned pups in the Telluride region – or the dog owners. They would rank the region covered by Second Chance Humane Society #1.

Here are some other interesting findings from the survey:

* 86% of dog parents say their dog “comforts them immeasurably”
* 71% say their dog “reminds them to seek out more joy in life”
* 64% say their dog “makes them look forward to going home more than anything else”
* 63% say their dogs “make them much more patient and responsible”

For more details on the “27 Definitive Ways That Dogs Improve Our Lives,” go here.

Watch this video to remind us why we should hug our dog today, then read about Second Chance’s new community outreach program.

Greetings! I’m Conan, a year-old Lab mix chosen to By participating, community members can experience a rewarding journey that leads to a deeper bond with your pets (and animals in general).

Conan

To help us kick off our new initiative we recently welcomed both the Voyager Youth Program from the Ridgway and Ouray School Districts and a Montrose Home Schooling Group to the shelter to learn about what it takes to make animals like me happy and healthy. We explained the importance of attending to the various sensory needs of animals to help maintain a healthy mind and body. For example, the soothing classical music played in the animal kennel areas, the various scents of the day that fill the air, or even just a fresh bone to chew on throughout the day.

We taught the kids how something as simple as mealtime can be improved by appealing to the foraging instinct using treat-dispensing toys and how a yard becomes so much more fun when you can splash around in a kiddy pool. But my favorite part of the day was when we all got to go on walks and play. And let me tell you those kids had no shortage of love and snuggles to give.

My large feline friend KitKat told me the kids spent time learning about the cats as well. They watched vaccinations administered and were taught what steps are necessary to keep us animals healthy for years to come. They learned about appealing to the senses of cats, as well as providing varied environments like shelving or elevated areas for “tree” cats or boxes and bedding areas down low that provides “bush dwellers” a place to hide.

Our creative young visitors also crafted new cat toys and treat dispensers and spent time testing them in a fun-filled playtime. Kitkat’s buddy Pacha also demonstrated how some cats need more than just toys to maintain a happy vibe. Pacha demonstrated how he is taken out daily on a leash for a short walk and time in the yard to hunt grass hoppers and butterflies.

KitKat

There is a reason we classify our education programming under “community outreach.” The biggest changes involve getting our educators and animals out into the community to make a strong impact. So keep an eye out for more pet columns regarding exciting new changes.

And now a word from our sponsor, Cottonwood Ranch & Kennel.

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 &  Magnificent 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.)