Presented by Winner Kirby the Pug Photo by Heather Hettinger
Cutest Critters of Summer • 2018
1
THANKS FOR CHOSING J&T FEEDS AS YOUR #1 PET STORE IN GREELEY!
$5 OFF 25 lb. bag of food
FREE
Can of dog or cat food food
ASK ABOUT OUR FREQUENT BUYER PROGRAM!
J&T FEEDS SERVICES OFFERED:
• Self Dog Wash • NEW Grooming now available • Low cost vaccine clinics • Low cost spay/neuter • Doggie Dentals • Dog Obedience classes
2
4835 W 10th St. Greeley CO 970.378.0240 www.jtfeeds.com
Cutest Critters of Summer • 2018
Meet the
WINNER Presented by
PUBLISHER Bryce Jacobson EDITOR Nate Miller MARKETING & EVENTS MANAGER Cristin Peratt
Photo by Stephanie Mighell
Kirby Hettinger
MAGAZINE EDITOR Lindsay Porter DIRECTOR OF CREATIVE SERVICES Kyle Knoop CREATIVE SUPERVISOR Kevin Deganhart LEAD DESIGN Brian Morissette
CUTEST CRITTERS OF SUMMER CONTEST 501 8th Ave., Greeley, CO 80631 www.GreeleyTribune.com/CutestCritters For all editorial, advertising and circulation inquiries, call (970) 352-0211 Send editorial-related comments and story ideas to: LPorter@ GreeleyTribune.com
Breed: Pug My Human: Heather Hettinger Birthday: April 23, 2013 Hometown: Colorado Native I like eating, sniffing, napping, playing with my toys, car rides because I get to look out the window and walks with my human. My favorite toys are my monkey and bear. I am very social, I like greeting people and having them love on me. My best trick is to raise my right paw to “shake” and I also sit-up like a handsome boy.
Kirby won a $50 gift card from J&T Feeds as well as a year supply of dog food from Zignature!
For advertising inquiries, contact Bryce Jacobson at: BJacobson@GreeleyTribune.com Published by Greeley Publishing Co., publisher of The Greeley Tribune, My Windsor, Explore Weld County and Weld County Parents.
Zignature Dog Food
®
J&T Feeds
Cutest Critters of Summer • 2018
Fussie Cat Cat Food
®
3
FEATURE
Advocating for dogs one dog at a time By Emily Kemme
Rescue facilities and foster homes give abandoned and abused dogs a second chance for family
Finn is a 2-year-old male Sheltie mix at Big Bones Canine Rescue who is ready to find his forever home. Sweet and lovable, Finn is a friendly, interactive dog. Photo: Emily Kemme
N
o matter what a dog’s past experience — living conditions, fear, neglect, even abuse — it forgives and only desires one thing — love from a welcoming family.
Local shelters and rescue organizations work to ensure abandoned and neglected dogs find compassionate care, physical and behavioral rehabilitation and safe environments on their way to their forever home. Lynne Parks is a volunteer home checker with Big Bones Canine Rescue in Windsor. She said the foster dogs that learn to forgive, trust and integrate into a family continually amaze her. “They’re pretty resilient,” she said.
4
Parks became involved with Big Bones when she adopted her Border Collie. She noticed postings for volunteer home checkers — people who help match pets to people by reviewing foster home environments — and decided to volunteer. The home checker stamp of approval is often a matter of common sense. Parks has advised an elderly couple against adopting an active Border Collie puppy and discouraged a busy family from adopting a pet. She once walked into a home with five kids and toys strewn everywhere. “I gave the mom a reality check, asking her, ‘Do you really want to add a dog to this mix?’” Parks said she sees herself as an
Cutest Critters of Summer • 2018
advocate for dogs, making sure they go to a good forever home.
Rescue facilities in Northern Colorado It is nearly six years since Kristie Fisher started Big Bones Canine Rescue. Beginning with Great Dane and Mastiff breeds in 2013, the rescue facility now accepts all dogs. Big Bones adopts out more than 100 dogs a month to homes in Colorado and Wyoming that have been thoroughly vetted through volunteer home checks. All dogs are spayed/ neutered, receive vaccines, are tested for tick and heart worm, and have microchips implanted before being released to their forever home.
Although the Windsor facility can house up to 40 dogs in a peaceful, rural setting, on average Fisher keeps 30 dogs, particularly those that are harder to place. Parks said nine out of 10 people get approved to adopt, but the challenge is matching a dog’s temperament to a family. If a dog is needy, Parks wouldn’t place it with owners who work away from home all day. A more laidback dog can handle competition from other dogs in the home — they can share toys and food and don’t become jealous if another dog is receiving attention. Other rescue organizations in Northern Colorado operate without a brick-and-mortar facility.
One example is Canine Candor, a foster-based rescue started in 2011. Kathryn Richter lives in Eaton and works with 10 foster homes around Northern Colorado and one in Colorado Springs. Canine Candor typically works with only five dogs at a time, but Richter has found homes for 250 dogs in her seven years of operation. Homeward Bound Rescue of Colorado is a similar small operation run by sisters Cindy Lick and Vicki Hein. They grew up on a farm and always had dogs. Along with six of Lick’s own dogs, Homeward Bound has fostered nearly 50 others. Her goal is to make the best match possible for both the people and the dog.
Where do shelter pets come from? While a small percentage of shelter dogs are strays picked
up by animal control, the vast majority of shelter dogs are the result of owner surrender — when a pet owner willingly turns a pet over to a shelter. People surrender animals for many reasons — some of which might be beyond their control. Co-founder of Homeward Bound Rescue of Colorado Cindy Lick said owner surrender often occurs when people move, when finances change and people can’t afford to keep a pet, and as people age and their living situations transition. She counsels people, who anticipate those life changes, to have a plan for their animals and contact Homeward Bound before considering owner surrender. Another contributing factor for the large number of owner surrenders are same-day adoption events held by large pet store chains. Lick said while people
can’t resist a cute puppy, not everyone puts in the time for training needed. Suddenly, the dog is a year old, out of control and would take even more dedication to start behavior training. Lick said another frequent cause of owner surrender comes from some shelters that adopt out dogs without reviewing the quality of the placement homes. Lick sees many dogs in these situations that have been returned to the shelter. Homeward Bound Rescue of Colorado’s adoption policies include the requirement of homeownership, an annual follow-up call, and no children in the home under age 10. Homeward Bound works with owners planning to owner surrender, counseling them to keep the animal in their home while the shelter proceeds with adoption screenings and applications to find the animal a new home.
“There’s always a resource available if you can’t keep your dog — whether or not wellbehaved, or you can’t afford to get it spayed, or buy food. There are free or low cost spay/neuters, and microchipping doesn’t have to cost $300, it can be $25 through these resources,” said Kathryn Richter, whose Canine Candor website lists area resources for pet owners. For example, Denver Dumb Friends League performs free cat spays/neuters — all you have to do is drive to Denver. Closer to home, J&T Feeds will spay/neuter for $60 or less and offers vaccine services for $15.
Mill dogs — the elephant in the room Puppy mill is defined by the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) as “large-scale commercial dog breeding operations where profit
Kristen Lizotte, a volunteer with Big Bones Canine Rescue, stands with Kobi, a 1-2 year old male Mastiff who is available for adoption. Photo: Emily Kemme
Cutest Critters of Summer • 2018
5
is place above the well-being of animals.” Frequent breeding of mill dogs results in generations of dogs with hereditary genetic defects. According to Big Bones’ foster program coordinator Jenni Steinike, while Big Bones doesn’t participate in dog auctions or buy dogs from breeders or mills, it will occasionally take in some “age out” mill pups — the ones that are typically 3 to 4 months old that didn’t go to pet stores. “We’ll also take in some of the breeder dogs to get them out of their horrific environment,” said Steinike. Big Bones’ founder Kristie Fisher explained that these are dogs that are not sent to pet stores. “They’re purebred, beautiful dogs that end up sitting in cages all their lives breeding. They never touch grass.” Fisher rescued 77 mill dogs in early August — they’re all breeds, purebreds and puppies of varying age ranges. Some of the dogs are pregnant or seniors. Fisher works to place them all — the older dogs get to live their last years with a forever family.
Colorado laws on spaying and neutering help prevent overpopulation
WELD COUNTY RESCUE ORGANIZATIONS Big Bones Canine Rescue www.bigbonescaninerescue.com Canine Candor www.caninecandor.com/ Homeward Bound Rescue of Colorado www.homewardboundrescueco.com
Big Bones Canine Rescue can transport up to 30 crated dogs at a time in its van. Photo: Jenni Steinike
6
Cutest Critters of Summer • 2018
Rescue facilities operating in Colorado are licensed under PACFA (Pet Animal Care Facilities Act) which requires annual inspection, paperwork review and a facility tour to determine if standards are being met. According to Canine Candor’s Kathryn Richter, PACFA sets forth spay and neuter laws — any animal under 8 weeks old cannot be adopted out and any animal adopted must be spayed or neutered. Alternatively, the facility can collect a $50 deposit and contract with the adopter to make sure they follow through. Adopters have 90 days to spay/neuter and will get the deposit back within that time. If terms are not met, the deposit is forfeited to a state fund overseen by the Department of
It’s the ability to give back to something, because the dogs don’t expect anything. The dogs appreciate every day, and then you see them saved out of a kill shelter and find them an amazing home. It’s different than working with people. - Kristie Fisher, Big Bones Canine Rescue founder
Agriculture. Adopters may extend past the 90-day limit with a letter from their veterinarian. Richter said Canine Candor will retrieve a dog who has not been spayed/ neutered after the 90-day period has lapsed if she believes the new adoptive owner isn’t going to adhere to the contract. Richter said she believes the strict Colorado spay/neuter laws have reduced dog populations in the state, although stray cats are still a problem. County governments around Colorado host lost and found pages for people to report lost pets and strays. There is also a Facebook page for the Greeley area — Lost and Found Pets — to report area strays and lost dogs.
“A lot of people don’t want to take a (stray) dog to the shelter and risk euthanasia, but it’s actually worthwhile,” Richter said. “If you file a report for a lost dog, the owner will have a greater chance of finding it. The county shelter is the first place people will look.”
Pet overflow Colorado laws help alleviate the problem of irresponsible breeding. The state has a high adoption rate and very low euthanasia rate — essentially for aggressive dogs, said Big Bones’ foster program coordinator Jenni Steinike. “But in the United States, the South is notorious for overcrowded or kill shelters,” she said. Big Bones rescues dogs from California, Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. Most transport dogs will immediately go to foster homes — Big Bones averages 150 dogs in foster situations at any given time, some of which include puppy litters. Big Bones attempts to place puppies and smaller, scared dogs into a foster home immediately, but the ranch in Windsor serves as overflow. Big Bones’ home checker Lynne Parks said while pet life at the ranch is better than a shelter, foster care is best. Parks said a dog will be adopted quicker if it is living in a foster environment because potential adopters can talk to the foster parents to familiarize themselves with the dog’s personality. They can also discuss issues such as shyness and fear.
How to help Parks encourages people to foster an animal. “When you foster, you have some control of where they go,” she said. It may be bittersweet after you have bonded with an animal to see them go to their forever family, Parks said, but it does your heart and them good — for the humans, for the dogs, for everyone involved.
A RESCUE DOG’S SUCCESS STORY Lynette Wassemiller’s granddog, Mia, belongs to her daughter Tonja Sjerven and son-in-law Dave. The 4-year-old caramel colored Boxer arrived at the Denver Rescue Center from New Mexico with a litter of puppies. All the puppies died. Although Mia had separation anxiety up until 10 months ago — Wassemiller said the dog would do anything to get out of her kennel to be with her human family — today the boxer is kind, calm and engaging. A recent excursion to church with her human grandparents made Mia nervous — the noise of the organ was to blame, Wassemiller said, but once Mia was invited to sit up on the pew next to Grandma and Grandpa, the piano calmed the dog down. “Mia likes to observe people and the world,” Wassemiller said. Lynette and her husband Jerry also rescued two Shelties, one whom the surrendering owner purchased as a show dog. The Sheltie wouldn’t show — she was terrified, Wassemiller said, but after adoption, the two Shelties lived out their lives as the queens they were. Top right: Mia, a 4-year old boxer, was adopted by the Sjerven family from the Denver Rescue Center. Mia arrived from New Mexico with a litter of puppies, who all died. Today Mia is kind, calm and engaging. Photo: Emily Kemme
Cutest Critters of Summer • 2018
7
Dog’s By DAMES Call for your appointment! 970 310 1513 Now servicing West Greeley at J&T Feeds on Tuesday and Thursdays!
4835 West 10th st. Greeley, Co 80634
Services: • Nail Service Small dog Full Service Grooming all sizes • Nail Trimming Large Dog Same day walk-in appointments- DROP OFF BEFORE 10AM • Double Coated Canine Bath & Brush Testimonials: “Dames is absolutely the best! He treats my princess as though he loves her as much as I do, and she loves going to see him!”
“I appreciate the love and care you provide my furkid, each and every time I bring him in. You are so incredibly patient and you never rush to get started before my dog is calm. Thank you for being so wonderful.”
“Dames has been our dog groomer for 6 years. He is the best! He goes above & beyond to get our Lady & Jake in short notice. We love him!”
Dog’s by DAMES 2624 11th Avenue Greeley, Colorado 970 310 1513
Top 5 healthy habits for pets and their owners Healthy Eats and Treats When choosing pet food, look for meat as one of the first few ingredients, and avoid by-products, artificial flavors, colors and preservatives whenever possible. When it comes to treats, look for low-cal options that confer some health benefit. Treats that help maintain healthy joints, clean teeth or ensure pills are taken are recommended. If you’re going to give treats, make them count!
Brain Boosters Most people love puzzles — and so does your pet! One of the best ways to feed and treat pets is with a food puzzle. These clever devices hide your pet’s food or treats until they unlock the secret and get their goodies. These tools engage your pet’s brain and bust boredom while you’re away. Forget peanut butter-stuffed toys; these toys stimulate thought and don’t pack on the pounds!
Power Play Walking your dog and playing with your cat each day keeps them trim, healthy and mentally alert. Pets that don’t receive enough physical activity have the highest rates of weight-related diseases such as arthritis and diabetes and suffer from behavioral problems. For dogs, 20 to 30 minutes of brisk walking each day benefits both ends of the leash. For cats, two or three five-minute play periods are plenty.
Paws Together It’s more fun to play with other dogs! Socialized dogs are simply better behaved and more fun. Visit a dog park, enroll in training classes or become active in serving your community. There are endless ways to get you and your dog to interact with other pet lovers. Share the fun and join a new pack!
Pets and Vets Somehow pet owners started believing that the only time you need a vet is when something is wrong with your pet. The secret to a long and healthy life is vet visits when everything appears fine. A pet owner’s primary goal should be to prevent disease, not only treat it. Changes in diet or lifestyle, giving nutritional supplements and exercising more are straight forward solutions. Sometimes you just need a prod; other times a push. Your veterinarian is your pet’s voice; let them speak for your pet by visiting once a year for young pets and twice yearly for those over age seven.
Pet’s Best Friend 970-381-9677 Greeley, Colorado
Pet Sitting in Home
Pet sitting services provided by professionals in your own home when you are away. Provide your pet a best friend when you are not available. In home pet sitting services are personalized to feed, exercise, play with, give treats as desired, and provide daily care to your pets when you are not there to do so in person. All of these in home pet sitting services are provided by professionals with a love and respect for all animals. Reasonable rates for in home pet care for Greeley, Colorado and surrounding area. No extra charge for more than one animal. Other non pet services are included in the daily charge so --do you need your mail picked up? Plants watered? We can provide those services as well. Check out our services and rates...... special in home pet sitting services available for diabetic pets. Pet Sitting Care for all animals: • dogs • guinea pigs, hamsters • cats • horses • birds • rabbits • reptiles
Established in 2000 Better Business Bureau Member Check us out on Facebook!
Testimonials:
Andy: Excellent, reliable service. Mary let’s me know how my guinea pigs are doing while I’m away and when I return, the pigs are always happy and healthy. I can’t tell you how valuable this service is for someone who has to travel frequently. I can’t recommend them enough! Michael: Wonderful experience. Will use in the future and refer any time. My dog enjoyed her company during a recent trip out of state. She even came over to cover for us when the plane delayed.
Some of our favorite clients!
Cutest Critters of Summer • 2018
9
Thank you to everyone who entered this year’s Cutest Critters of Summer Contest!
10
Mynki
Pocket Pet
Hi!
Amelia
Modelling 101
Ready to go fishing
Capullo...call me “Caps!”
Tuck
Waylon Jennings
Roxy
Cutest Critters of Summer • 2018
Ace
My heart is all yours
Cake the CrossEyed Kitty
Jazzie & Jema
Napoleon
Queen Izzi
Ullawnie
Gigi
Jem
Princess
Bon Bon
Ruby
Oliver & O’Malley
Sasha
Little doggy kisses
Cutest Critters of Summer • 2018
11
l a ! o i n t a c d u Aw w Pudu deer only grow to about 37 inches long, including tail; and up to 15 inches tall, making them one of the smallest species of deer in the world.
Source: http://elelur.com/mammals/pudu.html
Lil’ Buddy, Tesla, & Bentley
Tyson
Roxie
Zoey Girl
Puppy’s first snow
It wasn’t me!
Velma
Tiger & Iggy
Bear
Willie
12
Cutest Critters of Summer • 2018
Mugsie Pugsie
Chloe
Taco
Pepperann
Princess Rose Gold
why so serious?
Baby Ollie
Macy
Miss Mini Lady Bug
Wrangler
! a l n i t o c a u Aww-d The axolotl might have the most amazing regenerative abilities of any animal. It can regrow limbs, organs, even its own brain!
Source: http://ipfactly.com/14-fun-axolotl-facts/
Cutest Critters of Summer • 2018
13
Pepper
June
Sleepy boy
Optimus
Oshi & Sox
Drs. Roger Klingenberg , Stephanie Buchholtz, Carla Gabel, Merideth Early, and Jordan Dewing at Sheep Draw Veterinary Hospital are some of the best vets in the Greeley, CO area and are committed to your pet's health and well being. Sheep Draw Veterinary Hospital excels in pet care and the science of veterinary medicine.
We welcome: · Dogs · Cats
Sheep Draw
Veterinary Hospital 6297 W 10th St • Greeley, CO 80634 970.351.0936 • www.sheepdraw.com
14
Cutest Critters of Summer • 2018
· Ferrets · Rabbits
· Pocket Pets · Reptiles
Sheep Draw Veterinary Hospital is a full-service animal hospital whose mission is to provide the highest standard of veterinary care for pets. We genuinely care about you and your pets, as well as all animals! Our staff is passionate about veterinary medicine and are extremely well trained. We strive to provide professional, affordable, and advanced veterinary services. At Sheep Draw Veterinary Hospital, you will walk into a calm, welcoming, and friendly environment every visit, so that the experience is as comfortable as possible for you and your pet.
Lexi
King See-See
What a happy boy!
Milo the Chiweenie
Sally
Chai
Wren
Jessica
Max
Ash
l a ! o i n t a c d u Aw w President Calvin Coolidge had a pet raccoon named Rebecca who lived at the White House and accompanied him on walks through the garden.
Source: http://mentalfloss.com/article/527175/10-clever-facts-about-raccoons
Cutest Critters of Summer • 2018
15
Doggie Dentals At Doggie Dentals we offer anesthesia-free dental cleaning for your dog John P. Conway, DVM
- A safe, gentle and affordable way to have your dog’s teeth cleaned.
Proudly Serving Northern Colorado
Follow us on “Thank You Dr. Conway and Linda for taking such amazing care of Oscar today! His teeth look wonderful, and I appreciate you taking time out to talk to me about his oral health and options.” - Marty “I am so glad that i found out about Doggie Dentals! Ruger and Boozy did great during their cleaning and the result came out better than the last anesthesia cleaning at the vet.” - Daniel
Serving Greeley, Windsor and Loveland w/13 convenient locations! Call today for an appointment! $165 no hidden fees! 16
970-324-1125 DoggieDentals.com Cutest Critters of•Summer • 2018
Nothing good ever comes from this look
Lucy loves belly rubs
Sweet Corona
Frida
Franz
Rigby
Milo & Tigger
Nap time!
Princess Joplin
Boe
Heather
Annie Oakley
Jinger
Baby Charlie
Not one, but two!
Cutest Critters of Summer • 2018
17
Who, me?
Afternoon walk
Cheese!
Waylon Jennings
Kiwi
Sparkle!
Velma
Jinx
Push me!
Bentley Bleu
l a ! o i n a t c d u Aw w A cat’s nose pad is ridged with a unique pattern, just like the fingerprint of a human.
Source: https://www.meowingtons.com
18
Cutest Critters of Summer • 2018
! a l n i t o c a u A ww -d Baby pangolins travel around with their mothers by riding on the base of her tail.
Source: https://www.pangolins.org/2012/02/18/25-facts-about-pangolins/
#4, Patches, PJ & DJ
Ashton & Lucy
Miss Tiger
Best friends
Finnley
See you next year ! Look at those ears!
Pals Cutest Critters of Summer • 2018
19
SINCE CATS ALWAYS GET THEIR WAY, WE DECIDED TO PUT THEM TO WORK.
Cats are notoriously fussy when it comes to their food. And it isn’t just to test your patience. It’s biological. Cats are true carnivores. As such, nature demands they eat a diet based on animal proteins to thrive. That’s why our Physiologically Correct recipes always start with meats rich in complete proteins as the main ingredient. But it wouldn’t matter how nutritious our food is if your cat won’t eat it, so we tailor the taste of our recipes based on actual feline feedback to ensure it’s equally delicious. When we say our food is Co-Created by Cats, it isn’t just a slogan, it’s the secret to everything we make.
20
Cutest Critters of Summer • 2018