11 May Second Chance: Why Dogs Are the Best Pets!
Second Chance Humane Society’s Animal Resource Center and Thrift Shops have been serving San Miguel, Ouray & Montrose Counties for 27 years. Call 626-2273 to report a lost pet, learn about adopting a homeless pet, or about our Emergency Response, Community Medical, Spay/Neuter, Volunteer, or other servicesView shelter pets and services online: www.adoptmountainpets.org.
Go here for more options from Second Chance.
I saw last week’s pet column, “Why Cats are the Best Pets,” and I was confused. Why would anyone question the superiority of canine companionship? When you see the funny, playful, adorable, loyal dogs here at Second Chance, you might want to adopt them all! Here are just a few of countless reasons why a dog is the very best pet.
Loyalty. Dogs are there for you no matter what you’re going through (unlike a cat or a person). A dog will love you unconditionally. We’re good listeners and will never judge you for confessing your embarrassing secrets. Dogs are there for you.
Positive outlook. Most dogs get excited over the simplest things – sticks, dropped food, the mailman, a hike in the mountains. We will help you appreciate and notice life’s joys, large and small.
Warm cuddles are good for you. What is better than relaxing on the sofa with a dog (or two) next to you (or on your lap)? Scientific studies have shown that petting a familiar dog lowers blood pressure, slows heart rate and breathing, and relaxes muscle tension. And we don’t hog the remote.
Making friends. Walking an adorable dog is a perfect conversation starter. In a world where more people are working from home and moving to new places, a dog might just be your ticket to having a social life.
Laughter. We dogs can be goofy, silly, funny additions to your life. We might bark at the neighbor’s lawn ornaments, twitch as we watch a squirrel out the window, or just give you that look when you don’t offer treats as often as we expect.
Dogs get you moving. Taking your dog out for walks gets your steps in. A study discovered that people with dogs in their lives are nearly four times more likely to meet daily physical activity guidelines. That means you’d spend nearly 300 minutes every week walking, running, and moving. That’s 200 more minutes than people without a pup (or people who have a cat).
A dog is always happy to see you– whether you stepped outside to get the mail or had an extra-long day at work. Your spouse, teenager, cat, or smart speaker will not greet you at the door with a look of total adoration.
Yes, it’s your decision. When adding a new family member, will you make the obvious choice and adopt a dog? You might even consider a dog who likes cats (and have both).
Dodger
My name is Dodger. I’m just a pup, about 8 months old. I’m friendly, cute, playful, smart, and silly. I am still learning my manners, but I’m making great progress. I’m the perfect size (medium-ish), have easy-to-care for short hair, and an adorable white stripe down my nose.
I’m sure a dog is the right choice for you (maybe me!).
AND… To continue the new Second Chance Highlights section we wanted to share the following:
Meet Sam Dalsing
Sam is a human whirlwind. She has incredible energy and passion for our pets, which makes her such an important part of our team.
Kelly Goodin, SCHS executive director, is a huge fan of Sam:
“Working in animal welfare takes hard work and deep commitment, and Sam has a huge amount of both wrapped up in a great attitude and a big heart. I am grateful to have Sam as part of our incredible shelter team, who are the foundation of this organization and so greatly appreciated.”
Sam came to Second Chance in December of 2019 as a Pet Care Specialist and was promoted to Assistant Shelter Manager in early 2022.
She spends her days talking with other rescue organizations, taking care of daily shelter operations (finances, event planning, adoptions), being an ambassador in our community, helping with social media, and of course spending time with all of our dogs and cats!
Sam first came to Colorado in 2016, then spent some time in North Carolina, working in welding, construction, and in the swimming pool industry. After moving back to Montrose, she found her happy place in animal welfare.
Sam says: “I have always loved animals! My family knew I would be doing something with animals when I grew up.”
In her free time, Sam loves to be out hiking or traveling with her furry boys Rocky and Oakley. When asked her favorite part of her job, Sam says: “My favorite thing is finding new homes for all of the animals. The most rewarding piece for me is fostering a shy dog and watching them blossom and become happy-go-lucky! I have fostered 13 dogs during my time here at Second Chance and seen a happy story for each one!”
Sam’s hardest challenge is not having enough room to take in every animal. Knowing there are so many animals in need can be truly heartbreaking.
Sam is incredibly grateful for Second Chance Humane Society and the small family that came with the job! She has met amazing people, saved many lives, and plans to continue with that!
Second Chance Pet Wellness and Vaccine Clinic
Friday, May 13 from 11 am-3pm: Second Chance Humane Society’s Vaccine and Wellness Clinic at Nucla Fire Station, in collaboration with Hoof & Paw. Variety of medical services for your pet including vaccines, microchips, nail trims, and more.
Call (970)428-7568 to schedule a time or walk-in.
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