Second Chance: Be Kind to Animals Week

10 May Second Chance: Be Kind to Animals Week

This first week of May I invite you to join in a 102 year old tradition (started by the American Humane Association in 1915) – “Be Kind to Animals Week.” In this annual celebration, humans (well, at least the sort of humans I value…) commemorate the role animal’s play in their lives, promote ways to continue to treat us humanely, and encourage others to do the same.

Magpie

In the spirit of this week I have compiled a proclamation to help you recognize its importance and relevance to humanity:

Whereas: Humans have been endowed with a moral obligation to protect animals from pain, fear, and suffering;

And Whereas: Humane education is an important resource for instilling virtues of kindness, compassion, and respect in children;

And Whereas: Be Kind to Animals Week is the oldest commemorative week in American history and the longest-running humane education effort in the nation’s history;

Therefore: By virtue of the power vested in me as the Second Chance Shelter Pet Representative, I do hereby heartily commend to all our citizens full participation in this honorable week of being kind to animals.

An ultimate act of kindness toward a pet is to provide a loving home for one in need, before agreeing to abide by my proclamation, let me tell you a bit about me…

My name is Magpie. I am alive today because of the kindness of a human. I was abandoned, hungry, and lonely and sought out someone to care for me. I spotted a nice family in Ridgway and decided to make their home my new home. Although they could not keep me, they were very kind and made sure I made it safely to Second Chance.

I am naturally sweet and very lovely with a beautiful med-long black-and-white coat. I get along well with other cats and am currently living in one of the communal cat rooms here at Second Chance while I wait for my new life to begin.

In the short time of my existence (about a year) on earth, I have quickly discovered that those who offer kindness are the ones I want to follow. Lead with kindness. I can assure you that you will be rewarded everyday –particularly if your generous, empathic act involves adopting a homeless pet like me.

Bluebell

Or, if you are more of a dog person, I would recommend taking a look at Bluebell, a six-year-old German Shephard here at Second Chance.

Bluebell was rescued from a puppy mill and despite such a wretched experience, she is very sweet and affectionate with people and gets along well with other dogs. You would never suspect she had such a rough start in life and while she is not expert at basic obedience, she walks well on a leash and has good manners.

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 or get your pup (or adult dog) trained 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.)

Second Chance Humane Society Animal Resource Center and Thrift Shop are both located in Ridgway, but service San Miguel, Ouray & Montrose Counties. Call the SCHS Helpline at 626-2273 to report a lost pet, learn about adopting a homeless pet, or about the SCHS Spay/Neuter, Volunteer, Feral Cat, or other Programs. View the shelter pets and services online: www.adoptmountainpets.org

Vetting the Vet: Dr. Michelle Dally, DVM, J.D. is Medical Director of Second Chance Humane Society. She also has a private practice, Dally Veterinary Medicine, 333 S. Elizabeth Street, Ridgway, Colorado. Her service area is  San Miguel Mesas, Placerville, Ridgway, Ouray, and Montrose. For more on Dr. Dally, go here.

Michelle & Wallowby