Second Chance: Better Than a Birthday Party

08 Nov Second Chance: Better Than a Birthday Party

My people here at Second Chance just celebrated my first birthday. Thing is, like most homeless pets, true birth dates are typically unknown. Does that bother me? Nah, I would rather celebrate more meaningful milestones.

Archie

Adoption Day – I am still waiting for mine, but when it finally happens, I want to celebrate it with a big party. This is probably the most important day of our lives and in my opinion, it’s a day that deserves a cake.

Vet Care Day – Vets help us have healthier, longer, and happier lives. If you make it fun for us with treats and praise and a fun walk afterwards then, if we didn’t enjoy the occasion, we can, at least, celebrate that it is over.

Core Vaccination Completion – Again, not necessarily fun for dogs, but so important to our health that it is worth a little celebration when they are complete. Maybe a nice relaxing couples massage for you and your dog afterwards?

Name Recognition – The first time your dog responds to its own name can be pretty awesome; it helps to cement the bond that is growing between dog and new family.   Marking it in some way can deepen the bond further.

Training Milestones – When your dog does well in its first dog behavior class (or home training), it is a wonderful thing to celebrate. This will encourage the new positive behavior and give your dog more confidence.

Socialization – When your dog is properly socialized to other dogs, which often takes training, confidence building, and proper dog to dog introductions, it is a good feeling. For some dogs it takes hard work to get along well with other dogs and display proper dog manners; let your dog know you are proud of him.

First Big Trip – For some dogs, it takes work and practice to be comfortable in a car or traveling to new places. Starting slowly and going to nearby fun places is a great way to work toward your first big trip, which of course should be marked with a great treat for your dog.

First Successful Leash Walk – Oh yes, you know this one is big. Walking properly on a leash can be the biggest of challenges for some dogs. Make sure you acknowledge when your dog accomplishes this, even if it is just around the block.

I’m a handsome Border Collie named Archie who is patiently waiting for when I can have my adoption celebration. I came from a rough situation, but am willing to let that all go when shown patience and gentle nurturing. I have made huge progress here at Second Chance and am ready to keep marking major milestones with a new family. I hope to celebrate with you soon.

And if you would rather celebrate with a cat, let me introduce you to Clementine, a handsome six year old cat with a beautiful orange coat and docked tail. She was surrendered to Second Chance after her owner passed away and is ready for to celebrate with you as she has been waiting almost a year to be adopted.

Clementine

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 with Cabella & Wilbur

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