Second Chance: True Second Chances

07 Jun Second Chance: True Second Chances

I have never had a home or a family.

Pandalla

I have never gone on a nice walk feeling the sun on my face and a cool breeze brushing through my hair.

But all that is changing – the sun and breeze are wonderful – now that I have been rescued from a puppy mill and brought to Second Chance Humane Society.

My name is Pandalla and I’m an eight-year-old German Shepherd. For the first time ever my world is an exciting and wonderful place. Now I just need someone to share it with.

For most of my life I’ve been a momma and had the responsibility that comes along with litters of young ones. Having the chance to take some time for myself and enjoy the simple things in life has been a welcome change. I am determined this is going to be the summer of Pandalla.

Because I’ve cultivated that maternal instinct over the years, I have a very sweet and gentle disposition. I get along well with other dogs and love people, and since I’ve been at Second Chance, I’ve really embraced the attention and love that has been lavished upon me.

I’m still getting used to taking daily walks and, while I don’t see any marathons in my future I’ve loved exploring the beautiful shelter property. It’s not just leash walking that I’m learning about, it seems every day brings a new and novel experience, everything from the taste of hotdogs and cheese to the views on a hike and even my first cat friend, Skittles.

Skittles

Skittles is a two-year-old, short-haired cat who also recently arrived at Second Chance. She and the four other cats she arrived with all came from a rough background as well. They were rescued from a rather unhealthy hoarding situation and were pretty anxious and stressed out.

Skittles and I both agreed that as soon as we got some time move around and freely explore our new environment we felt a lot better. Skittles has now familiarized herself with the Cat Castle and loves all the nooks and crannies, many laden with soft blankets. Her favorite place is the scratching posts and pads. She even discovered this new thing, a keyboard, which she just loves to walk across K98][]+?$^&234hKLSDjfjhjij0293u9.

So I hope you all remember that when you adopt a pet you are not only giving us a new life to live for, but also hope and trust in humanity – something we may have never had before.

Although you will receive so much more in return – like a lifetime of unconditional love and affection – I would like to thank now whoever it is who adopts me or Skittles for giving us the chance at true happiness we have never had before.

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