FireHydrant 5 …

… bright and early Saturday morning!!  A yearly event, we’ll be setting up the rescue booth so if you’re in the area, come on by and say “hello”!

Everything you need to know about the event can be found at this link:  Larimer Humane Society FireHydrant 5.

Last year, Leo and Tootsie were the stars for the day.  This year, Dante will have to do as ambassador for the breed as our last foster — Sammy — was placed about three weeks ago.  Good for the dog, but not so good if one is looking for a new addition to the family!

In any event (pun intended), it appears the weather will be a bit more agreeable than the last event in Loveland … like a 50-degree difference, from 40 to 90 degrees.

The Golden Boy …

TodayKalsang we have an update on Kalsang (now known as “Biscuit”) from his owner, Mary.  Picked up as a stray by the Larimer Humane Society, we were called in when it became obvious the boy needed a major dose of TLC.

“It’s hard to describe the bond between Biscuit and me….we are so in tune with each other. He is the most perfect dog and we couldn’t have a better life. I still think it was a miracle finding him sitting at that booth, after falling in love with him on the internet, thinking he was probably already adopted. I had never been over to the animal house and certainly didn’t know you would be there. It was divine providence and we needed each other so much.

He is spoiled rotten but is still very much the little gentleman. He is doing well physically, thinks he’s a pup, albeit a couch-potato pup, and it’s comical how we communicate. I talk to him like I would anybody and he knows just what I’m telling him. He cocks his head and stares at me and he listens and he just knows. That took a while and I love it! We seniors get along just fine! He is always close to me, even comes down to the basement when I practice clarinet. That’s true love!

I have seen the recent pictures of dogs you have placed in homes and God bless you for your work. These dogs have so much affection and companionship to share and it’s your work and dedication that saves them. Hope you are keeping cool in this humid weather. We are doing as little as possible. Try it, it works. Love and best wishes, Mary”

What a delight to hear that he’s doing so well.  And I’m sure he believes Mary set the moon and stars just for him!  Given his condition when he arrived at the shelter, it was obvious he had long been neglected.  Golden years for the golden boy.

Biscuit is, no doubt, having a better summer than our household.  Still in the midst of the home update, I’ve decided that as long as I have:  a shower, a toilet, and some place to wash my clothes, everything else is just white noise.  Seriously.  As with most major home projects, we’ve had some unexpected issues crop up.  Like a leak in the pipes underneath the sink and going down an exterior wall.  Which means we’re without water in the kitchen or a dishwasher until it’s repaired … sometime next week.  In any event, I’m keeping my sights set on Labor Day to be moved back in.  Or at least moving back in.

The dogs have been troopers throughout the whole ordeal … watching the furniture disappear … seeing all the carpet in the house walk out the door … moving into the unfinished basement … moving into the brother-in-law’s house for eight days while the floors were being sanded/sealed … moving back in.  With still no furniture on the main floor.  Given that both Frankers and Dante are crate trained, they settle in wherever we happen to land, finding “normal” in the familiar.  Having a crate handy — and a dog that willing goes into his crate — is also a boon when it comes to the various workmen traipsing throughout the house.  Keeps the dogs calm (read that “quiet”) and out of the way … definitely appreciated by all involved!

A Good Day …

… to be a dog in Colorado!  That was the theme for our rescue booth at the Larimer Humane Society’s Fire Hydrant 5k in Fort Collins on June 11th.  We had a beautiful Colorado day for the event — bright blue skies and light breeze.  Our fosters, Tootsie and Leo, were in attendance putting their best  paw forward.

Our thanks to the foster families who brought them up for the day!  Deb and Elle brought Leo and then participated in the 5k which is a fund-raiser for the Larimer Humane Society.  Kay and Dave were in attendance with Tootsie.

As it turns out, Tootsie met her soon-to-be family at this event … Jane and Jerry who made a special trip down from Cheyenne, WY just to meet Tootsie.  We’ll be posting more on that later!

I received a special treat for the day … Jaime who came up from Denver just so we could visit with her and Mae-Mae!  She’s done well in her new home and is, how shall we say … just a tad bit spoiled  lol.  Some more photos from the day …

Leo, Tootsie and Kay
Dave, Kirby (f/k/a Ruffy) and Alan
Leo ... lookin' for love!

Leo is a 3-year old neutered male who would do best in a home where he had no exposure to small children or grandchildren — older teenagers would be fine.  He is current on vaccinations, tested negative for heartworms, is on a HW preventative, had a rear dewclaw removed, and a microchip implanted.  Leo gets along with dogs and cats alike.  His ideal home would be where he had a canine friend that likes to play.  Leo is also crate trained and house trained.

If interested in Leo, please contact:  ApsoRescue@aol.com.

2011 Fire Hydrant 5k in Fort Collins …

Once again, we’re signed up to have a rescue booth at the Larimer Humane Society’s Fire Hydrant 5k in Fort Collins on Saturday, June 6th in Edora Park.  More information can be found below ….
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Fire Hydrant 5 Event Information

 Click_here_to_register_button 

Join us for the 21st annual Fire Hydrant 5, the county’s largest family- and canine-friendly 5K pledge walk/run of the season.

Prior to and following the walk/run, join in the fun of the Pet Expo featuring over 40 pet- and family-friendly booths, Fido photos, paw painting, and more!

Fire Hydrant 5 is looking to be bigger and better than ever this year! New this year is Paul and Kama’s Dog Show Mix-Up!  Enter your dog in a host of fun contests – both silly and serious – from best pet/person look-a-like, best pet trick, best doggie kiss, best singing duo and more!

Register as an individual or form a team! Your participation and the additional money you raise through pledges will help us care for the nearly 12,000 animals that come to Larimer Humane Society each year.

Event Day Schedule

The 21st Annual Fire Hydrant 5 will be held Saturday, June 11, 2011 at Edora Park in Fort Colllins.
7:30-8:15 am     Event-day Registration Open
8:00 am-Noon Pet Expo
8:30 am 5K Run start, walkers to proceed behind antique fire truck following run start 
9:00-10:00 am   T-shirt Exchange at Registration Tent; come trade for your perfect size!
10:00-10:30 am 5K Top Finisher awards presentation
10:30-11:30 am Paul & Kama’s Dog Show Mix-Up

How Do I Register?

Registration is now open for the 21st Annual Fire Hydrant 5!  Visit our registration site to register online, or download the event brochure

General Pre-registration (through June 9th) – $30/person

Event-day registration $35/person
  
The first 500 participants will receive a Fire Hydrant 5 goodie bag, and the first 700 participants are guaranteed an event t-shirt.
 
Team-Up!
Gather your friends, family and co-workers!  Special team pricing of $20/person is available for groups of six or more.  Teams do not have to stay together on the course—walker/runner combos are welcome!  Teams may register online or via the event brochure. If you are a team captain, you may invite team members through your online team website, or feel free to download the shortened registration form for hand-out to potential team members. All team members must complete a registration form.  For more information about team registration, email our development team today.
  
Cat Nap
Are you unable to participate on event day?  Register to Cat Nap!  Cat Nappers may register online or using the downloadable event brochure, and will enjoy all the benefits of an event-day participant including the ability to raise pledges and form and/or join an event team. Cat nappers will also receive the commemorative 21st Annual Fire Hydrant 5 t-shirt for their support!

Can I Bring My Dog?

Yes! Dogs are welcome at the event, but not required! Come alone or walk/run with your dog. All dogs participating in the walk/run must abide by the following guidelines:
  • They must be leashed at all times
  • They must be current on all required vaccinations and licensing
  • Please use a 6-foot or shorter, non-retractable leash
  • Poop bags will be available; please make sure to pick up after your dog
  • Aggressive dogs are kindly asked to stay at home

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Look for the prayer flags on our canopy!!  We’ll have our two fosters, Tootsie and Leo, in attendance and … just maybe … they’ll have the same success as Jackson did in 2009.  He found his new family at this event!

2009 Fire Hydrant 5k

19th Annual Fire Hydrant 5
19th Annual Fire Hydrant 5

A new event for us … the Fire Hydrant 5 on Saturday, May 9th in Fort Collins at Edora Park as sponsored by the Larimer Humane Society.  This is a 5k Run, a 3k Walk/Fun Run and a Pet Fair in the park.  Information on the event …

When Does the Fun Begin? 

The Fire Hydrant 5 is Saturday May 9, 2009 at Edora Park in Fort Colllins.  Registration begins at 7:30 a.m.  5K Race begins at 8:30 a.m.  3K Walk and Fun Run begins at 8:40 a.m.  Pet Fair is 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  The Fire Hydrant 5 is a Bolder Boulder qualifier.  This event will be held rain or shine!

Pet Fair Events

  • Fido Photos – A Fire Hydrant 5 tradition, pose for a photo with your furry pal!
  • Paw Painting – Take home some “custom artwork”, your pup’s paw print!
  • Breed-Specific Rescue Groups to talk with you about their special dogs
  • Special canine demonstrations including Eric Melvin & Angelyne, the amazing deaf Cattle Dog
  • Return appearance by “Sparky” the Loveland Fire & Rescue Dalmatian
  • Tour the Code 3 Associates Mobile Command Center for emergency animal rescue

Can Fido Attend?

Yes! Dogs are welcome at the event! Dogs participating in the 5K or the 3K must be registered and pay the $5 fee (one fee per family or individual handling the dog or dogs). 

The following guidelines also apply for our canine friends:

  • They must be leashed at all times
  • They must be current on all required vaccinations and licensing
  • Please use a 6-foot or shorter, non-retractable leash
  • Poop bags will be available, please make sure to pick up after your dog
  • Please, no aggressive dogs. If Fido is in a bad mood, he will be asked to leave
Lung Ta -- prayer flags
Lung Ta -- Tibetan prayer flags

Mark your calendars (pun intended) … come on out and have a “pawsitively” fun day with your favorite pooch!  Good excuse to spend some quality time with your dog, have a meet/greet with other like-minded members of the community and support the Larimer Humane Society.  If you’d like to visit our booth, just look for the white canopy with the “lung ta”  (wind horse) fluttering  … Tibetan prayer flags!  Hope to see you — and your Apso — in Fort Collins on May 9th.

Need more information?  Contact ApsoRescue@aol.com.

2009 PetExpo …

2009 Loveland Pet Expo
2009 Loveland Pet Expo

Always a good time, we attended the 2009 Loveland Reporter-Herald PetExpo the end of February.  Preparation begins several weeks prior as we make arrangements for our exhibit space and submit photos for the insert that comes out in the paper.  While there is a fee for submitting pet photos, half of it goes to the Larimer Humane Society so we’re more than happy to help support the local shelter.  It’s also good incentive to have  current photos of our pets … a momento of their life when all that remains is a memory and a pawprint on our hearts.

As this was our fourth year of attending the Expo, packing the day before is down to a science … grab the storage tub containing our booth supplies, review the inventory of  educational handouts,  pull books from the home library, and then get it all in the vehicle.  Last, but certainly not least, the dog(s) that will be attending get a bath so as to put their best foot forward for the breed.  If a foster is not available to attend, our dogs are taken to serve as ambassadors for the breed.  I always try to have one in coat there as most people have never seen an Apso in full coat outside the show ring.  Makes for some very interesting conversations with the most frequent comment being, “You must have to brush this coat daily!”  The big surprise is … I don’t do daily grooming!

We arrive early to unload and get set up — table display and dogs in place before the crowds start to arrive.  Looking across the large room, I see many exhibitors from past years and some new faces.  Later on, we’ll take a break and go visit the other booths … bronze statues, K9 photographers, pet crematorium, pet cemetery, dog bakery, canine massage therapist, to name a few.  All interesting when one has the time to browse.

Dante saying "hello" to a friend who stopped by!!
Dante saying “hello” to a friend …

This year, we were one of the few rescues in attendance and probably the only rescue with dogs in tow.  Having Dante there in coat pretty much guarantees we’ll see a lot of traffic at our booth and this year was no exception.  I love talking to the kids and seeing their reaction when they get to pet him … the little girls are especially fascinated with him.  The parents laugh when I tell them that “my husband calls this my Barbie doll.”    We’re also quick to point out that the breed comes in a “wash’n’wear” version, showing them one in a puppy cut. 

The dogs are on their best behavior and clearly enjoy the interaction with folks stopping to chat.   Dante took a shine to one little guy and proceeded to clean the top of his head for him … much to the boy’s delight.  At one point, we had a line of folks waiting to greet the dogs.  The day winds down and we start packing up all the gear, already thinking how we can add to the experience for next year’s visitors.

All in all, it’s a great way to connect with like-minded members of the community and educate folks about this unique breed that shares our heart and hearth.