Second Chance: 12 Days of Dogmas

06 Dec Second Chance: 12 Days of Dogmas

Dear Santa Paws,

Does anyone ever ask you what you want for Christmas? I imagine the answer is difficult for someone who has access to every gift in the world. But I had a thought of something you would probably really enjoy. It comes wrapped in warm fur and has a tail that wags and is full of love and joy. A joy that lasts past Christmas morning and a love that lasts forever.

Yes, the particular gift I am thinking of is me. I am only 3.5-years-old and sweeter than sugarplums and candy canes combined, although I am shy like Rudolph. I am a beautiful Border collie named Treasure and I am my name. And I’ll tell you what, having a dog in your life is like Christmas happening every day. Dogs are Christmas.

So besides offering myself as your personal Christmas gift (did I mention I like snow, sleigh rides and things that are sparkly?) I wanted to send you my Twelve Days of Christmas list. This is a list I put together on behalf of all the homeless pets here at Second Chance Humane Society:

1. Yummy training treats

2. Collars and leashes

3. Donations toward our special medical fund so all my friends can be healthy and adoptable

4. Toys!

5. Dog cookies!

6. Cat beds

7. Kuranda beds (orthopedic and chew proof dog beds)

8. Big jars of peanut butter (to fill up our Kongs)

9. Kongs!

10. Donations toward our spay/neuter fund so there are less homeless pets in the world

11. Volunteers to walk us and pet us

12. The best gift of all – a new home!!!

Rumor also has it that Mrs. Paws is more of a cat person. I would therefore recommend Tweetie for her. Of course, here at Second Chance they never recommend giving pets as Christmas gifts (because connecting to a new pet is a personal thing and you can’t pick out a pet for someone else and just expect them to click) you can give her a gift certificate toward adopting a pet.

Anyway, Tweetie is a brown tabby cat at 8 months young who is extremely friendly and delightful. She likes playing with toys, exploring and sun bathing. I call her Tweetie the Sweetie cuz she’s just that kind of girl. I am sure Mr. Paws would adore her.

Happy Holidays and I hope to see you soon Santa!

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