Paws and purpose: The non-profit group even rescued a lost horse. Read the article to discover Bella’s incredible journey. [/caption]

On a sunny afternoon, in the HARD District of Black Hawk, animal lovers gathered for a special cause on August 25, 2024. No Animal Left Behind (NALB), a recently formed 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, held its launch party, with a silent auction, fundraiser, live music, and food.

There was a terrific turnout of approximately 150 people, including animal supporters, volunteers, and local residents. The Coyote Circle Band generously provided live music entertainment, adding to the festive atmosphere. Attendees enjoyed hamburgers, veggie burgers, and hot dogs, with all proceeds going to support NALB.

Several Black Hawk businesses contributed items for the silent auction. Mountain Poppy, located at 317 Gregory Street, helped host the event and their wine slushies were a hit! Hi Heats ‘n Sweets donated candy baskets, and Mountain Poppy contributed a selection of accessories and wine.

Well-known companies like Kong, Chewy, and Petco also pitched in with donations of treats, leashes, and toys. The auction featured a variety of gift certificates, for items including skydiving, massages, and even food and beverage vouchers from the Ameristar Casino.

There were art prints and ornaments for sale, as well as Pumpkin Pup Treats and stickers to show NALB pride. A considerable number of press articles lined the table, several published by The Mountain-Ear, laminated for easy handling and reading.

NALB is sponsored by “Tractive,” a GPS pet tracker system that lets you track your pet in real time and provides location history on your phone. Tractive also donated several items for the auction.

An adorable attendee, Bones, a boxer mix, was the star of the show, since his rescue is what prompted the formation of the group. Bones had been used as a fighting ring bait dog. When he was rescued he had many injuries and weighed a meager 60 pounds. Bones was dumped with another boxer who, unfortunately, was never found.

Now just under 90 pounds, Bones is healthy and sociable. His owner said he gets along with 99% of other dogs and has become very attached to him. Bones has been with his owner, NALB board member Alec Baldwin (not the famous actor), since January.

The organization aims to rescue any animal that has been abandoned or lost, not just dogs. Leader Brittanie Dickson has assembled a small but mighty crew of six dedicated animal lovers. Together, they’ve rescued not only dogs and cats but even a horse!

A horse named Bella was spooked by a bear that had broken some fence and paddock, said owner Dain Carlson, who was in attendance. He and his wife were on vacation when they heard the news that one of their horses had been injured and another was on the loose. Jefferson County Park Rangers said bears had probably smelled the grain in the barn and spooked the horses.

Dickson had been in charge of watching the horses and promptly organized about 50 people to search for the lost animal – some on horseback or mountain bikes, and even operators of thermal drones. Dickson even employed “glassers,” hunters who look from afar 10-15 miles away to sight targets.

They searched for four days, over 1,000 acres. Ironically, they finally found Bella a mile and a half away from home, stuck on a cliffside.

The Carlson family was deeply appreciative of Dickson and her efforts, which included help with meals and veterinary care.

The auction closed at 2:45 p.m. and the several winners were announced. Emergency Manager and NALB board member Melissa Lewis won an all-weather dog suit, which she said will be perfect for skiing with her dog this winter.

The love was apparent for this noble organization, serving a real need in the mountains for lost or abandoned pets, ensuring that no animal is left behind.

For more information on No Animal Left Behind Search & Rescue, and to support their efforts, visit their Facebook page or their website at www.nalbrescue.com.