Old Souls for adoption: Meet Pringle, a sweet Chihuahua mix with a heart as big as her ears! After some serious dental work and a nasal repair, this little survivor is ready to snuggle into a loving forever home. Thanks to Old Soul’s compassionate care, she’s been thriving in a foster home in the beautiful Peak to Peak region, eagerly awaiting her new family. [/caption]

In a heartwarming show of community spirit, Very Nice Brewing in Gilpin recently hosted fundraisers for two nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping dogs and cats. The event featured live music by Adam Pause of Nederland Feed and Pet.

One of the benefiting organizations, Old Soul Canine Rescue, is a local 501(c)(3) founded last December. Their mission is to help senior dogs in shelters find foster homes and, ideally, forever homes.

These older dogs often face euthanasia or extended stays in shelters due to medical or behavioral issues. With only a 25% adoption rate for senior dogs, Old Soul aims to change that by connecting with mountain residents willing to share their time, energy, and resources.

Jen McLaughlin, one of Old Soul’s founders, explained that they work closely with humane societies and shelters in the Front Range and Foothills areas to help dogs that might be considered “unadoptable.”

Their motto, “We honor senior dogs by giving them our best, for the rest of their lives,” encapsulates their dedication.

Here we have Cooper, a gentle Chocolate Lab with a tender soul. If you’re ready to give these adorable pups the love they deserve, visit OldSoulCanineRescue.org to make them part of your family.[/caption]

Although Old Soul currently lacks a physical location or shelter, co-founder Jasper Webb shared that they rely on community members to foster these animals until they can find permanent homes.

Their long-term goal is to establish a “fospice” – a foster-hospice sanctuary where senior dogs can live out their lives in comfort. Webb herself has adopted two senior dogs, including one that her previous family was unable to care for, abandoned because of the dog’s benign lumps.

At the August 11 event, two senior dogs attended with their foster parents, donning bandanas that read, “Adopt me!” Cooper, a large chocolate Labrador, was a bit shy but eager for treats, while Pringle, a Chihuahua-Beagle mix, had recently undergone dental surgery and nasal repair funded by Old Soul. The organization is actively seeking donations to cover such veterinary expenses and build a medical fund to support future fosters.

Rachel Schaub, a Nederland resident and one of the nonprofit’s early planners, noted that they had been working on the concept for about two years before officially launching.

“We wanted to do something bigger than ourselves. A lot of dogs get dropped off at shelters because they are seniors,” Schaub said.

The small group managing Old Soul is eager for more fosters and donors and plans to hold another event in October to celebrate their anniversary.

Mountain Paws Pet Care Fund, another nonprofit featured at the event, is also looking for volunteers and donations.

They need help staffing the Nederland Farmers Markets, which they attend every other market, and are seeking a grant writer.

Established in 2019, their first fundraiser at Knotted Root was a huge success, but the Covid pandemic in 2020 significantly impacted their revenue and participation.

Mountain Paws raises funds to cover emergency pet care when owners cannot afford the necessary treatment, preventing unnecessary euthanasia.

They work directly with veterinarians, and the pet must meet specific criteria for emergency aid, including being up-to-date on vaccinations, spayed/neutered, and having a positive prognosis.

The owners must demonstrate financial hardship and reside in Boulder County mountain areas, Gilpin County, or Coal Creek Canyon. However, they do not cover ongoing chronic conditions, cancer, or heart problems.

At the event, homemade dog treats made from spent grain and peanut butter were available, along with gluten-free pumpkin treats. Ginger Baer mentioned that Mountain Paws hopes to hold another fundraiser in the fall. For more information or to get involved, visit www.mtnpaws.org.

Thanks goes to Very Nice Brewing, located at 180 Jankowski Drive in Gilpin County, for the opportunity to host these community fundraising events!

To get involved, visit OldSoulCanineRescue.org or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.