Second Chance: Maverick & Echo

03 Feb Second Chance: Maverick & Echo

As newest arrival at the Second Chance Humane Society shelter, I am a true Maverick, hence my name.  It is not often that canine dads stick around with their brood. But I am a true family man, arriving here  with my gal Charlotte and our eight pups (all of whom will be available for adoption once they wean off of their momma’s milk).

But now that they are all safe and warm, it is time for me to mosey along to a new home of my own. So let me tell you a little more about myself…

Maverick

I’m a black lab mix that’s been around these parts for about a year now. Charlotte, the kids and I all arrived at Second Chance after running into some bad luck. Our human family got evicted from our home and decided to move without us. Luckily we were discovered fending for ourselves (not an easy thing to do in the middle of winter…) and brought to the shelter. Because I’ve been on my own for a spell, I’m a little shy upon first introductions, but I warm up quickly, and my bubbly personality soon  surfaces.

I love to play even though I don’t know all of the games perfectly yet, but I’ll chase toys and hop around with just as much enjoyment as any dog on a mission. Once I’m played out, I love nothing more than to settle down and receive some loving, including possibly a belly rub. I’m learning some basic behavioral training and I enjoy walks and perform well on a leash. I’m also starting to make friends here as I get along well with other dogs.

A dog can’t be a Maverick all his life I suppose…

I made a new cat friend since I’ve been at Second Chance too. His name is Echo and he was telling me about how he has made some new friends recently as well. When Echo first arrived at Second Chance, he was understandably frightened (even a Maverick like me experiences unease upon first arrival to a new place). But after moving into a Cat Communal Room, Echo started to feel much more comfortable as he was free to chillax and interact with other homeless cats like himself.

Echo

Echo also admitted that in the beginning he wasn’t sure about people and tried to avoid them, but after hanging with them more and more, he has learned just how much he likes and needs affection. Now rather than hide from people he seeks them out.

Echo and I are now current on all vaccinations, neutered, and microchipped. So if you’re looking for a new furry friend consider a Maverick like me or a cool cat like Echo.

And keep an eye out for when Charlotte and my young’uns are going to be ready for adoption. They are mighty sweet too…

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.)