 |
| Ruby and I on her Gotcha Day |
Why 'Rubicon Days'? Along with the obvious play on Ruby's name, the river Rubicon bears along its current and in its crossing the idea of a "point of no return." While this may sound daunting, my rather passionate and immutable philosophy about dogs is that they are forever. They are a lifetime commitment, one not to be taken lightly. I am always an advocate for adoption first - there are so many dogs in need of loving homes. Whatever unexpected challenges they present are simply another facet to a life lived with these fascinating and devoted companions, and never a reason for giving up.
If you are planning to adopt a dog, please consider seeking the help of a professional trainer to aid you in selecting the right dog for your household. Rescue groups are a wonderful resource if you are looking for a particular breed and often have more detailed information about their available dogs. Fostering is also an important way to help dogs in need as many do not fare well in crowded shelter conditions. Smaller organizations depend on foster homes and there is nearly always a shortage. If you have your heart set on a purebred puppy, take the time to find a responsible breeder. Pet store, internet and Craigslist puppies are often bred by unscrupulous wholesalers, otherwise known as puppy mills.
- Petfinder
- Adopt-a-Pet.com
- American Kennel Club list of breed rescues
- Colorado Citizens for Canine Welfare listing of Colorado rescue groups
- Ruby's and Boca's rescue organization, Colorado Animal Welfare League
- OutPaws - often have potcakes for adoption (Colorado)
- Humane Society Grand Bahamas - the shelter that saved Boca
- Ruff Mutt Border Collie Rescue (Texas)
- Glen Highland Farm - Border Collies and Border Collie mixes (New York)
- Jacks Galore Jack Russell Terrier Rescue (Massachusetts)
- Norwegian Elkhound Rescue (national)
- Eskie Rescuers United (national)
- Hound Sanctuary (California based rescue for Spanish sighthounds, will adopt nationwide)
- Wag N Train Terrier Rescue (Nebraska-based, will adopt out of state)
- New Hope Cattle Dog Rescue (Colorado)
- Western Border Collie Rescue (Wyoming, Colorado and surrounding states)
- Jack Russell Terrier Rescue of Colorado
- Love, Hope, Believe Galgo Adoption (Illinois-based rescue for Spanish sighthounds)
- Bald is Beautiful Rescue (South Carolina-based rescue for Chinese Cresteds, Xolos and small breeds, will adopt nationwide)
- Paws on the Ground Colorado - dedicated to a puppy mill free Colorado and assisting a local pet store transition to offering rescue dogs only
I like to remember the rescue dogs I've crossed paths with through transport or foster and will continue to record their names here:
Riggs - Norwegian Elkhound transported from Nebraska to Colorado 2004
Bjorn - Norwegian Elkhound, fostered October - December 2005
Dante - Norwegian Elkhound, transported from Colorado to Nebraska 2006
Sasha - Norwegian Elkhound puppy, transported from Denver to Grand Junction 2007
Vlad - Chihuahua, fostered September - October 2007
Gus - Norwegian Elkhound, transported from Denver to Boulder 2010
Garth - Norwegian Elkhound, transported from Denver to Boulder 2011
Keemo - Bahamian Potcake, temporary foster 2015
Yule - terrier mix from New Mexico, short transport within Denver 2015
All the Puppies! - various puppies shuttled from transport drop-off to foster homes in 2016
As of February 2016 I am deeply involved with Paws on the Ground Colorado, the protest group turned rescue partner I belong to which is helping a local pet store move toward a humane model. I transport rescue puppies, network adoptable dogs and advocate for a puppy mill free Colorado. Please check us out on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!
