Ellie

On Easter Sunday we picked up a furry bundle in Denver named Ellie, who is most likely an Australian Shepherd mix.  She had been tied up outside a garage in Kansas without access to the indoors, or even a dog house for her entire 6 years.  A nice vet nearby took her in, shaved her to remove all the matted fur, and got Ellie totally vetted and healthy.  After being with the vet in Kansas, she made her way to eastern Colorado on her way up to Denver   She got scared of something on the ranch where she was staying for a few days in eastern Colorado, and was lost on the plains for a FULL day and night.  Luckily, she was found soon enough, was not harmed in any way and made her way up to Denver where we picked her up.  

We have had her for almost 3 weeks now, and she has blossomed into a huge sweetheart and a funny girl to have around.  She is most likely getting adopted this weekend by a wonderful older man in Denver, who will spoil her to death and treat her like a princess...which is exactly what she deserves after such a journey.  

Ellie, enjoying the Colorado Rocky Mountains!

Please check out my Available Dogs page to see what dogs need homes from Summit Dog Rescue!

Re: Sleepless Nights

Well, some good news this morning.  Although not all the dogs that I posted yesterday are saved yet, MOST of them have been. Three of them are going to be Summit Rescue Dogs, and will be on their way to a loving forever home soon!  More info to come when I get it.






While rescuing dogs can keep me up at night on occasion, most of the time it also is what ALLOWS me to go to sleep peacefully at the end of each day.  I always have to keep in mind that we have all done what we can, and that dogs who were so close to death are one step closer their amazing forever homes.  While there is always more to do, sometimes we have to make sure we recognize what we have accomplished so far and keep working from there.

Sleepless Nights

Last night I went to bed early, and woke up at midnight wide awake.  I have a horrible habit of checking email or facebooking when I can't sleep and when I did an email popped up from the director of Summit Dog Rescue with several dogs who needed help.  They are all in Southeast Colorado, at full shelters and in danger of being put to sleep at any time.  Welp, there goes my night of sleep!  Eventually I did nod off for a while, but not without weird dreams and those poor dogs swirling around in my head.  

Emails like this one aren't rare.  I only get a small number of all the email's that fly around every day with people trying to save dogs from euthanasia in shelters all across the country.  They usually have a subject like "CODE RED" and "URGENT" and come with descriptions and pictures of the dogs that need saving.  This particular email contained about 14 dogs that were in extreme danger.  Below are a few pictures, and some of the text from the email.  There are so many wonderful people trying to help, but without enough fosters or adoptive homes there is only so much that can be done.  Sometimes I feel like we are playing god...which is a horrible feeling...deciding which dog we might be able to foster and save, and hoping that someone else will do the same for the others before they meet their untimely end.

If there anyone would like to help us save these dogs, please contact me.

Corridor of Cruelty

The Corridor of Cruelty is an area of Houston where dogs are dumped, both alive and dead.  Horrible people use the stray and homeless dogs as target practice, or pick-up the poor animals to be used as bait in illegal dog-fighting rings.  This video gives a glimpse into the horrible reality of this place, and how amazing the people and rescues are for saving these dogs.

Summit Dog Rescue, where I volunteer (formerly Mountain Dog Rescue), was contacted about a beautiful dog in the Corridor of Cruelty and asked if we could take him.  They were worried that he was so friendly that he would easily get picked up by people with bad intentions for him.  Sundance (as he has been named) is now officially off the streets and safe....AND available for adoption!

Meet Blue!

Meet Blue!  He will be our new foster dog starting on Monday.  He came to Colorado from Texas, and BARC Houston where he was in danger of being on "the list" for space.

Check him out on petfinder and at mountaindogrescue.org.  I will be sure to post some better pictures once we get him.  Stay tuned!

Furry Comfort

In the wake of the horrific Newton, Conn. school shooting, this video brings a little sunshine. 

 http://cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/crime/2012/12/18/ct-shooting-ac-tuchman-comfort-dogs.cnn.html

I am a huge proponent of the comfort that our four-legged friends can bring to us in times of trouble.  This past Friday, my parents had to put down our 9-year-old Bernese Mountain Dog, Amber, after a short but swift illness.  She provided all of us with warm, furry hugs in many times of need over the years, and she leaves a big hole in all of our hearts and lives.  

While on the phone with my parents, my two dogs, Hannah and Titan, clung to me like glue through the whole ordeal.  They knew something was up, and Titan sat in my lap while Hannah licked my face.  Life brings trials and tribulations of all shapes and sizes but dogs are loving, non-judgmental, and accept anyone who has love to give.  So take a minute and hug your dog (or cat, or horse, or rabbit or whatever) today.  I promise it will help to dissolve any troubles in your way.

Me, Ely and Amber on the Potomac River a few years ago.

Simba Finds a Home

Last Saturday, a wonderful family from Boulder adopted Simba.  They have a 5 year old girl and a 10 year old boy.  We had many great applicants for Simba, but this family stood out and are good friends with another one of the Mountain Dog Rescue volunteers. 

Simba enjoying the good life.  

Simba was a hard one to let go, and at one point Fritz actually wanted to keep him.  Three dogs would be tough, and it would definitely prohibit us from fostering much.  Maybe someday when we have some land and a giant fenced in yard we can have a pack running around!

We have had several lovely emails already about how much they love Simba, and he seems to be warming up and trusting them after being a little depressed right off the bat. We were even lucky enough to get a picture of Simba with his new boy on the car ride home.  A picture is worth a thousand words, and made us feel so happy that Simba found his home for Christmas!

Simba and Titan.  Both came from death row at BARC in Houston, Texas.
Both are now safely in their forever homes! Titan is our dog.

Meet Simba

 Meet Simba, our new foster dog!  We picked him up in Denver on Saturday, and he has fit into our house amazingly well.  He has the funniest kind-of scrunched face, and really shows his sweet soul when he looks into your eyes.  This guy is 8 months old, about 30 pounds and came from the BARC shelter in Houston (same place as Titan) to explore wonderful Colorado.  He has lots of puppy energy and loves playing with bones and toys, but settles down at night to snuggle with us and the dogs.  

He is a really quick learner - and is already starting to understand "go potty" to go outside, and "sit" and "go to bed."  After only 5 days he is already sticking close off-leash and LOVES to play with Hannah and Titan outside in the snow.  I think he must be part herding dog, because of the way he crouches down and stalks Hannah when playing outside. He has the softest fur, and doesnt seem to shed much at all so far.

This guy is already stealing our hearts...I know he will make someone an amazing dog when he finds his forever home!  

Check him out on Petfinder.

Sweet Simba 

Stalking Hannah on the golf course.

Play time with Hannah!

Simba, taking a break from the action.

Inside of a Dog

On a recent trip I picked up Inside of a Dog by Alexandra Horowitz at the airport book store. Something about buying a book and holding it in my hands still makes me so happy!

Horowitz explores the science of dog perception and cognition, while referencing experiences with her own dog's behavior.  Describing the way our pets see, smell, and know in a way the average person can understand provides some much needed insight into why our dogs behave the way they do.  Growing up with all kinds of pets and having a vested interest in animals since a young age, I feel like some of the pieces are old news to me.  But the average pet owner who hasn't sought this information previously would do well to read this book.  I can guarantee that anyone who thinks they know their furry companion well, will walk away with a much better understanding of this wonderful species.

Waiting out a delayed flight in Denver International Airport.

I am only half way through the book right now, and will have a few plane rides this weekend to read some more.  Full report to come once I finish!

Before and After

This week we had a dog returned to us by his former adoptive family.  Sandy and the cat could just not get along, so he made his way from The Pacific Northwest back to Colorado.  

We quickly realized that in order to get Sandy adopted, he needed some better pictures, and since the photographer who usually donates some time is on the Front Range...I started reaching out.  A local photographer ended up volunteering his time to help us out...and look at the difference!  Sandy is a very sweet dog, and was so polite and well-mannered at the park during his photo shoot.  A little dog threatened him with some menacing barks but he totally ignored him. 

I am always amazed at how the pieces of the puzzle all come together for these dogs...bit by bit, getting one step closer to their forever homes with each caring person.  A special thanks goes out to everyone involved with helping Sandy so far, and especially our photographer.  Hopefully he finds the perfect home soon!  

Forest is Home

This weekend my foster dog, Forest/Summit, went to his forever home.  An amazing teacher who lives in a great part of Denver adopted him and picked him up Saturday morning.  I really, really like her and know that she will provide Forest with an amazing life and so much love.

Forest and his 2 week stay with us.

I expected that letting this foster go would be a bit easier...but it wasn't.  Even though he was a handful, he is one of the sweetest dogs I have ever met.  A lot of dogs avoid looking right at humans, but Forest looks directly into your eyes in a very loving and non-defiant way.  He wiggled his way into many hearts on his way from death row in Texas to a wonderful home in Colorado.  I cried when he left, but I am so happy for him and where he has ended up.

Rainy Morning Rant

For whatever reason this turned out to be one of those days where I am utterly overwhelmed by what's wrong in the world, and how little it sometimes feels like I am doing to help it.

According to the Humane Society of the United States, about four million adoptable dogs and cats are put to sleep every year.  I am most reminded of this startling statistic when I have a foster dog.  Right now I have Forest, and although I don't know whether he was officially saved from death row, just being in the over-crowded shelter put him at risk of euthanasia.  Sierra was going to be put down in Arkansas, and so was Lassiter (who is now in a different foster home since I have Forest).  It blows my mind that these wonderful, affectionate, and happy dogs would be dead.  Sierra was adopted and has made an older couple and their dog very happy, Forest is well on his way to an awesome home, and Lassiter already has multiple applicants who would love to take him home.  These wonderful dogs were SO close to their death, but instead are one step away from amazing  forever homes.  

Sometimes I am kept up at night thinking about the millions of amazing animals, like these three that I have known, who are put to sleep instead of getting the happy ending that they deserve.  Some are strays who were dumped, or never looked for.  Some are the victims of bad economic times, a divorce, or their "families" changing their mind about wanting a dog after they had an accident, or chewed up a shoe.  And even purebred dogs can come into these circumstances every day.  Almost every breed of dog has a rescue out there to adopt from.  Many of these dogs are put to sleep because there is not enough space in a shelter, or enough money to treat their ailments when sometimes all it takes is a shot, or an antibiotic.  

There is not one thing to blame, but many changes that need to be made for this problem to be overcome.  Pets need to be spayed and neutered.  People need to adopt pets for life, know the commitment they are getting into, and honor it.  When possible, pets should be adopted through humane societies and rescue groups, and NEVER bought in pet stores.  And people need to help, volunteer, foster, adopt, donate, or simply share the message.

One of my favorite awareness ads.

In no way do I expect everyone to care about what I care about.  But we all have to help in the best way we can and through what touches us the most.  For some people that may be feeding the hungry in Africa, or aiding in disease prevention, or saving the rain forest.  And others may help without ever seeing or touching the cause they care about, but by donating money to that end.  Anything, even sharing a Facebook post can make a world of difference and takes so little time. I need to do more.

Going with the Flow

My new foster dog Lassiter was supposed to be coming to stay with me this Saturday, Sept. 15th.  On Sunday, I received an email that a foster dog in Eagle (just a little ways down valley from us) needed a new place to go.  Forest had been picked up from transport on Saturday, and while he had been good with cats in Texas, for some reason he HATED the cat in his new foster home.  So, since I was nearby and have no cats we offered to take him in!  Depending on how long we have him, we will probably have to find a Plan B for Lassiter.  Pictures below are of Forest, who is great with dogs and a real sweetie.  He already has a few potential adopters and whoever ends up with him will be very lucky.  Check him out on Petfinder here: http://www.petfinder.com/pet-search?shelterid=CO309

With animals, it always helps to be a patient and flexible person...and I don't always manage to be those things.  They can be unpredictable and I have learned this lesson many, many times throughout my life.  I can't say its a terrible lesson to learn.  Animals remind us that the world doesn't always go the way we want, and that patience and empathy for others (even non-humans) can get you farther than stress and aggravation.  In my horse-showing days, my horse went lame just before the season-end Championship show and I had to watch from the sidelines while my biggest competiton won.  And Hannah somehow manages to rack up a large vet bill just when my bank account is running extra low.  But no matter what, any trouble they cause is worth the unconditional love that they never fail to give back.   

My New Foster Dog - Lassiter

In a week or two I will be getting my new foster dog, Lassiter.  He is coming from the Little Rock Animal Village in Little Rock, Arkansas, which is the same location that Sierra (my first ever foster) came from back in May.  Lassiter's time was running out at LRAC and a wonderful volunteer there reached out to Mountain Dog Rescue to see if we had space.   He is a happy, healthy, and goofy guy who just wants a loving home and someone to play with!  I am so excited for him to play with Hannah and Titan, and hang out with us until he finds his forever home.  Check him out on Mountain Dog Rescue's petfinder page here.

Just look at those ears!  I think he may need a new name once he gets up here to the mountains.  Any ideas?

Travelling with Dogs

Our Mid-West Tour

We just returned from a 10 day road-trip through the Midwest.  Fritz, Hannah, Titan and I all packed into my Ford Escape to make the trek from Colorado to Rochester, Minnesota.  We then headed up to Northern Wisconsin to my family's cabin, down to Madison, Wisconsin to visit my grandparents, and then east to Northern Michigan to see Fritz's family and hang out at his lake house for a wedding.

All in all, it turned out to be a great trip.  Hannah and Titan are such good travelers (with one exception) and petting a dog can really help pass the time when driving through corn country.  Below are a few pictures from along the way, and a list of my official doggie road-trip must-haves!

Clockwise from top left:  Hannah taking a short break after swimming across the lake. / "MOM, are we THERE yet??" / Titan contemplating how one year has taken him from the euthanasia list in Houston, to Colorado, and then to doggie heaven in Wisconsin  / Fritz and Titan sharing the dog bed while Hannah helps co-pilot.

Dog Travel Must-Haves

• Collapsible dog bowls - They save room compared to big plastic bowls and for some reason I think they are really fun.  I have Mountainsmith brand bowls and they have lasted for years and years.
• Gentle Leader - Hannah pulls terribly on the leash when there is anything exciting going on or when we are anywhere new...which is pretty much at every stop we make.  This alternative to a collar is extremely effective.
• Flat dog bed - Comfortable dogs are quiet dogs.  On past trips I have made the mistake of forgetting to bring anything soft for them to lay on.  Since my seats are very hard when folded down they tend to squirm and become restless when they have nothing to lay on.  It also brings a little bit of familiarity along on the ride.
• Dog Treats - To bribe the dogs with of course.  Zukes are my favorite - all natural and healthy.
• Dog Toys - After multiple hours in the car, dogs get bored.  A frisbee to throw at a rest stop (check rules!) or a bone to chew in the car can make all the difference!

Wild Raspberries

This video is of Hannah eating wild raspberries during our hike this past Sunday on Cross Creek Trail our of Minturn, CO.  Summer is full of wild raspberries up here in the mountains and Hannah absolutely loves them.  Fritz will hold out the branches for her and she picks them off with her little front teeth.  I find it hilarious how she gets so excited when she sees them and I swear her energy level ramps back up after she eats them!  Makes me laugh every time.

(Lack of) Fostering

Lately life has gotten CRAZY.  I have barely had time to exercise and grocery shop much less foster any new dogs.  When I started out fostering I knew it wouldn't be something I could do constantly, for several reasons.  As much of a sport as Fritz is, he does take on a lot of the dog care, especially when I am busy.  It isn't fair to throw another dog on him (although he would never say no) when he is going to be doing most of the work and is busy himself.  Hannah loves having multiple dogs around, but Titan gets a little sad and jealous when we have to spread ourselves out.


This summer has been filled with house guests, dogs that we are dog-sitting, work events, other events, and trips out-of-town. I cant complain - it has been a great summer so far.  There just are moments when I lie awake at night thinking about what I haven't been doing to help.


Hopefully I can help out Mountain Dog Rescue after our August road-trip through the Mid-West by fostering another dog.  In the meantime, if anyone out there wants to foster please visit http://www.mountaindogrescue.org/ and check out all the amazing dogs who need help and temporary homes.  It truly is one of the most gratifying things I have done in my life, and I cannot wait to be able to help out again.


Dogs that currently need fosters:

Hank - needs a foster in CO

Lake - sweet girl in CO

St. Bernard girl who was saved just before being euthanized in Idaho.
Hopefully making her way to CO very soon!

A Weekend with Ernie Banks

This weekend we dog-sat for our friends Mandi and Cory.  They went on an awesome camping trip at a mountain reservoir and we offered to watch Chester and Ernie Banks.  

Ernie Banks acting cute.

Ernie Banks is a spitfire little chihuahua/corgi/dachshund mix of some sort.  Your guess is as good as ours!  He thinks he weighs a hundred pounds, not ten, and is constantly challenging the other dogs to some sort of doggie battle.  He is named after a famous Chicago Cubs player and definitely thinks he rules the world.

Chester trying to ignore Ernie Banks.

Chester is laid-back and has a pointer personality altough he is half pointer and half setter.  He thinks that he is above all the nonsense of the other dogs, and tries his best to ignore all the commotion.

We had a fun relaxing day with all the dogs despite the rainy weather.  Needless to say they all had a great time together.   I took a few pictures, and wanted to share.  I hope you enjoy!  

Would you have 4 dogs for a weekend?

Bird's Eye view of all the chaos.

Funny faces.  

So Fresh and So Clean

With family coming into town tomorrow, and all the hiking and swimming the dogs have done lately Hannah and Titan are LONG overdue for a bath! 

Hannah shaking it off.

Sunday is my "get shit done" day and since it was already almost 80 degrees by 11:00am, it was a perfect time to give the dogs a bath. Our hose water is freeeezing up here in the mountains and I usually feel a little bad about soaking the dogs in it, but I think they actually (almost) enjoyed it today.  Both Hannah and Titan waited patiently while I scrubbed them clean and rid them of dirt and shedding hair.  

Titan, with his favorite Shea Pet Shea Butter shampoo.

My favorite pet shampoo is Shea Butter Shampoo by Shea Pet.  It smells great, leaves my dogs' hair shiny and soft, and is great for their skin.  Both Hannah and Titan get really dry skin in the summer from daily swimming trips to the dog pond and the extremely arid climate.  I have been dying to try Shea Pet's Skin Repair and Dander Care product but cant find it anywhere up here!

After their baths are done, my dogs run around like complete fools.  Hannah felt so good, she even ran out on to the golf course behind our house and stole a ball from some guy!  The cold water must make them frisky.  It's hilarious!

Do your dogs love baths, or hate them? 

Titan all frisky, and rolling in the grass after his bath.

Happy boy.  So fresh and so clean!

World's Best Dog Toy

West Paw Design: Dog Toy Product Review

Hannah and Titan playing with their Hurley toys.

  Almost three months ago, Hannah impaled herself in the mouth while playing outside with a large stick.  The stick stuck in the ground while she was running with it and it caught her mouth, creating a laceration under her tongue a few inches long.  Multiple stitches later she was recovering, but we realized that we needed to step up our game when it came to dog toys.  Clearly we live in the mountains and keeping our dogs away from sticks is impossible, but we thought that if we had a great toy it would be easier to distract her from the sticks of death.  I didnt have much hope as we have bought every kind of dog toy and NONE of them have lasted more than a week.  Literally...whether it is stuffed, or rubber, or rope or whatever, Hannah finds a way to mutilate and destroy each one within days. 

Foster puppy Sitka trying to figure out the Hurley.

Once my mom had heard what happened to Hannah she immediately knew what to do, and sent us three Hurley toys from West Paw Design.  They didnt look much different from other toys that have since passed through our house and on to doggie toy heaven, but my skepticism was soon squelched!   Hannah and Titan LOVE the Hurley from West Paw Design, and two months later there isn't so much as one tooth mark in it.  I don't understand how they work, but these toys are amazing.  They have lived through one foster dog, two foster puppies, and most importantly Hannah the toy destroyer!  I love that they are also extremely affordable and considering they have lasted this long, I would be willing to pay twice as much!  As if I hadn't given you enough reasons already, everything from West Paw Design is made in the USA, eco-friendly and they fully guarantee their products.  

Check out the full selection of toy and pet products, including the Hurley, from West Paw Design.