Second Chance: Crook & Alley – And You?

27 Apr Second Chance: Crook & Alley – And You?

Hello my name is Crook and I’m a six-month-young Beagle/Corgi (known as a Beagi) pup. For this week’s Pet Column, I am going to give some pet training advice.

Crook

But let’s keep it real: my advice may only be serving as a front for some unadulterated, unapologetic self-promotion.

In other words, the true purpose of today’s Pet Column is to get me and my friend Alley adopted.

Into your family…

I’ve been here at the Second Chance Humane Society Shelter since the beginning of April and I’ve already learned some valuable lessons (i.e. I am smart and highly trainable). Initially playing and getting love was all I was interested in (i.e. I am so lovable and adorable), but now I realize (see comment on me being smart) that I get to play more and get more attention when I interact with others in a more calm and controlled manner (i.e. I am not a spaz anymore).

I will admit that when I first arrived I thought the best way to get attention was to bark and jump,so whenever anyone showed me any attention, I worked desperately hard to soak up as much affection (see comment on me being so lovable) as possible as quickly as imaginable.

I learned pretty fast (due to my aforementioned sizable brain capacity) that wasn’t the best method as I get much more attention when I’m not so demanding (tip for pet parents with dogs that are spazzes like I was).

The Second Chance staff quickly recognized my elevated cognitive volume and have also been teaching me some basic obedience along with improving my manners with the other shelter dogs. When I arrived I got along swimmingly with small dogs (because of my great temperament), but bigger dogs were (understandably) intimidating, so I just barked hoping they would go away. My sharp mind quickly deduced that barking didn’t get me what I wanted, but with a little reassurance I now see big dogs aren’t bad, and some are pretty fun. (Did I mention I am adaptable as well as adoptable?)

I’m not the only one that needed help learning the best way to interact in the shelter. My new feline friend Alley found the Shelter’s Cat Castle to be scary at first, so she did a lot of hiding. Staff helped to reassure her with treats and gentle petting and now Alley is much bolder and likes to explore the Castle.

She especially enjoys the kitchen with all of its windows and she freely welcomes scratches and love. She is no longer intimidated by the other cats or the hustle and bustle that used to keep her at bay.

Alley

To summarize, Alley and I agree that sometimes you need to try new things in order to live a happier and more fulfilled life (hmmm…sounds like a great lesson for all you potential adopters…).

We’re both ready to take that next leap into the unknown with you as our new loving families.

Come meet us today.

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.)