NEDERLAND — Every year, this paper runs candidates for Pet of the Year. People advocate for and submit their beloved furry companions for consideration. This year, we ask, “What about those without advocates? Could they be someone’s next Pet of the Year?”
That’s where these furry companions in need of a forever home come in. They need our help and our homes, our love and support. Are you a dog lover with space for a new dog in your home? Read on.
Nico is a canine soul born 1,460 days ago, who has spent 590 (and counting) in confinement. For 590 sunrises and sunsets, he’s waited.
Every new face reflects the hope deep in his heart awaiting. With each appearance of a potential adopter, his tail wags, his ears perk. His barks can be heard throughout the shelter halls: "Will you be the one to whom I might matter?"
With the sound of each squealing child enraptured with the puppy next door, his spirits lift. Every squeal of excitement echoes that of his own. But as his neighbor-puppy bounces out the shelter doors, his spirits fall. Each footstep fades over the din of voices softly disappearing, stealing away his hope.
A new voice emerges. His spirit is boosted, again, into joyfully wanting awareness: "Pick me!" … go the whispering words blowing out the door of the kennel where Nico is, once again, left to remain.
“Hey buddy,” a shelter volunteer consoles, “Tomorrow’s another day.”
Tomorrow hasn’t yet come. With all his being, Nico hopes to see Day 591 from a new place. One situated alongside his human as enraptured with the magnitude of gratitude alchemizing in his heart as they are able to overcome the excuses and obstacles, or reconcile their fears or concerns. Someone with an empty couch and full dog-loving heart who can see their way clear into embracing the love he is waiting to share.
Nico longs to be your one and only. In a world overfilled with several as he who don’t matter at all, he hopes to matter to someone. Will you be his One? Nico’s profile: https://www.longmonthumane.org/animals/view-animal/?animalID=57755670
If Nico doesn’t speak to your dog-loving heart, will you consider a senior named Edith? Edith: 194 days, interrupted by 6 months of domesticity. Wisdom allies with softness; gentleness, with age. Edith’s spirit is as seasoned as her heart is genuine. Tinges of exuberance, expressions of youth, all wrapped up in the softness of a caramel body just waiting to be your canine heart who loves you with every fiber of her being: Edith's profile: https://www.longmonthumane.org/animals/view-animal/?animalID=57202871
In the company of Edith lies Bram, who needs a dog-lover who won’t drive her crazy. Someone to teach her, but not go away.
Bram has been on this earth 730 days, 210 of which have been spent in confinement. Her exuberant spirit needs to liberated but not shared with the vulnerability of young humans, for excitement can carry her away.
Bram's profile: https://www.longmonthumane.org/animals/view-animal/?animalID=58341873
In the same shelter, Stormy awaits. For 160 sunrises and sunsets. To lie alongside someone to whom she can matter, a human who will comfort and enjoy her quiet canine presence.
For her, love takes time, and trust has been hard to find. People close to her have been heard to utter of her unconditional love, once earned.
Stormy's profile: https://www.longmonthumane.org/animals/view-animal/?animalID=58660123
After 52 days and counting, still nobody has claimed Peter for their own. His goofy disposition makes him unique and weird. He longs for an accepting soul to match his playful spirit.
Peter's profile: https://www.longmonthumane.org/animals/view-animal/?animalID=59428235
Just down the mountain and not far from Longmont Humane lies Angel, who one day woke to her person no longer there. They had passed to the next world, leaving her behind.
Since October 9, she wonders where her person went, and when she will jump into the family car again. But they haven’t ever come. Can you be the one picking her up in your car, claiming her heart and renewing her spirit?
Angel’s profile: https://boulderhumane.org/animals/?animalid=59573554
Lastly, let’s consider the plight of Blair, a senior gal waiting and wondering since the 15th of October. Once upon a time, she used to romp in leaves in the sunshine. But today, she looks arounds in the kennel in which she remains, waiting to romp again:
Blair’s profile: https://boulderhumane.org/animals/?animalid=59608521
While Nico’s story is emphasized, for every long-term stay in our local shelters, the stories are much the same. In all our human chaos, these dogs and more are as innocent of fault as they are cast aside and forgotten, not unlike Charlie in the Box from the Island of Misfit Toys. They’ve all been waiting overly long to matter to a special someone, with the attitude of gratitude as the ultimate give-back.
They came to us for help. Can we give them the opportunity -- the chance to become -- your next Pet of the Year?
