Second Chance: Making 2016 Morally Merry

30 Dec Second Chance: Making 2016 Morally Merry

Well Pet Columners, this is just about the last Pet Column of 2015.

Twix

Here at Second Chance we are closing the year with hearts filled with gratitude and humility energized by great excitement and optimism for 2016. The Second Chance folks and I are feeling most fortunate to be part of such a compassionate caring community. But we are also pushing for more – read on if you are up for a challenge.

Mahatma Gandhi was said to have spoken these oh so true words: “You can judge the morality of a nation by the way the society treats its animals.” 

I believe you can judge the morality of a community in this same manner and our community is getting it right. However, there are still some gaps to fill and that is what Second Chance is targeting for 2016.

Gandhi also said, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Given the huge success of last week’s Telluride Gives campaign, I believe our community understands and even embraces that notion. And I challenge you to join Second Chance in becoming the change for 2016.  Help someone, some being, help yourself – just help, and create the change that is so desperately needed on our planet.

For our part, Second Chance will be putting its mission “Saving Animals & Promoting the Human-Animal Bond” into action in entirely new and exciting ways and you are most welcome to join us in any capacity you choose.

Pets have the power to change lives and this is what Second Chance will be really investing in for 2016 with its community outreach programming – for people who most need us. Our wish is that whatever change you pursue may it be grounded in love and connection rather than fear and exclusion.

I will bring my rallying cry to an end by stating that I, in particular, am filled with sincere appreciation as this Season of Light is upon us. I might not even be alive if not for people like you. Sounds morbid and dramatic but it is true. Without this community’s support for second chances such as I received, who knows where I would be…

My name is Twix because I do twicks for tweats – no actually my name reflects the sweet, fun-loving, liked-by-all-people-and- pets kind of beingness that is me. And I am hopeful that 2016 leads me to a loving home. This year, my letter to Santa read something like this: Dear Santa – please bring me a loving family in a loving community in a loving world.

(I should also add to my resume that I am very optimistic and idealistic, which is part of being a dog really…).

Munchkin

By the way, my feline friend Munchkin would like to join me in my new home as well. He is friendly and pretty laid back for a  four-month kitten, although he apparently does not like his photo taken because his photo makes him look unimpressed with the world, when actually he is quite jovial despite living a hard knocks life so young.

Warm fluffy holidays to you.

And, on behalf of Second Chance Humane Society, thank you for making a difference.

Let’s keep it up.

Bring it 2016.

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.)