Mr. PAWS 2012

Last week my new best friend Krista Richter, who owns Alpine Hideaway Lodge in Ouray, invited me to attend the Ouray Moviefest along with a few other shelter dogs here at Second Chance Humane Society.  She had a surprise waiting for us – besides yummy dog treats baked by Artisan Bakery – she had organized a contest for Mr. PAWS 2012 to promote dogs like me trying to find their forever homes.

Well when I looked at my competition I thought, “ooooh boy”.  Next to me sat the cute little “Hulk” the wriggling, jubilant, do everything possible to be noticed Chihuahua mix who was all “look at me!! – look at me!!” to everyone that entered the building (the very impressive Main Street Theatre hosting the event). 

Then there was Saco – a furry four year old with an eternal puppy face.  Not only did he have the exuberance of Hulk but he had a few fresh wounds from recent surgeries to remove some benign cysts on his back and legs.  So he was like, “ooooh I am so cute and ooooh poor me I need to be held - look at my boo-boo’s…”.  

Also in the competition, although not in attendance, were Hulk’s kin- Einstein and Kruger.  Their cute little faces adorned the “voting jars” that were lined up for people to cast votes with money.  Then there was me, a seven year old (with healthy yet restrained energy) Husky mix, showing the wear of a life that hasn’t always been kind.  Although I desired so much to be chosen I wasn’t willing to compromise my pride to do so.

I just hoped that everyone would realize my gentle nature, love for people, children, other dogs, long walks and my lack of interest in cats, would demonstrate my Mr. PAWS worthiness. So I simply enjoyed the event and met many nice people.  Hulk seemed to get the most attention so I just hung out and tried to ignore him. 

Well, at the end of the evening the money in each of the voting jars was counted and it was a very surprising landslide victory – and I took the title!!!!  I couldn’t believe it I beat out the cute little puppies and the little wounded fluffball!  What a rockstar I am!!! 

So thanks Krista for coming up with this great idea for the event and for the competition!  You did such a great job organizing everything and you helped us to raise money toward a new transport vehicle so that shelter pets for years to come have a better chance at meeting their new family outside of the shelter.  The transport vehicle drives shelter pets to adoption events from Grand Junction to Mountain Village and everywhere in between. 

So in addition to earning this week’s Pet Column spread I received a free grooming from Amy Saunders of the Mobile Grooming Company of Montrose -  and boy do I look handsome.  And I got extra Artisan dog biscuits and a discounted adoption fee.  So come meet Mr. PAWS 2012 today!

Call the Second Chance Helpline at 626-2273 to report a lost pet, learn about adopting a homeless pet, or about the SCHS Spay/Neuter Financial Assistance, Volunteer & Foster Care, or other Programs.  Visit our shelter pets online: www.adoptmountainpets.org.  Direct Pet Column questions to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .  Photos by Real Life Photographs.