IN MEMORY OF RECKON
Dear Seth, and all your compadres at Aspen Animal Shelter,
Sixteen years ago, I borrowed a dog y'all called Captain, for the Canine Uphill at Buttermilk. And I never gave him back. Captain had lived his first year of life "on a chain" on a local ranch. The owner was going to put him down, because he was too much too handle.
He was a handful when I got him, 75 pounds strong with no obedience and little socialization. During the process of adopting him, Seth acknowledged that his wild-child attributes had been problematic in finding him a home. And Seth passionately declared that he really felt that this dog could be an "Old Yeller."
Throughout most of his life, Reckon went with me to work every day. Stopping at Crown Mountain, or going up Smuggler or Red Hill, or stopping for a dip in the river. We drove to the southern tip of the Baja, camping on beaches for a couple months at a time. I roped him up and lowered him through the cruxes of the 17-mile narrows of Buckskin Gulch, and other notable slot canyons. He rode my SUP with me around Ruedi and even did some coastal paddleboarding. I repaired two ACLS the first two years I had him, stayed up two days with him when he got three bites from a very large water moccasin. And he was there for me during a couple of tough stretches of life.
Yesterday, Reckon and I (and my loving partner Amy) went to the vet for the very last time. He was an Old Yeller... 54 days short of his seventeenth birthday.
What you guys do is important work. And I hope you never tire of hearing the success stories.
Many thanks and much love,
David and Reckon
ARIES
Aries is a retired sled dog who was adopted from the Aspen Animal Shelter in February of 2023 by the founder of Humane Mushing. Aries was very shy and reserved initially. She was on medication for hypothyroid and had a few other issues—in time she was like a brand-new dog.! Her energy levels improved, she began losing weight and her skin and coat got better. Aries began to learn to play and warm up to her new guardian and housemate, an overly affectionate Belgian Malinois who just wanted to love her. She now lives on 45 acres in Whitewater, Colorado, at the foot of the Grand Mesa. She enjoys birdwatching and long walks with her Malinois bestie! Aries has blossomed from a very quiet, timid dog who had never lived in a home with a family to one who is very affectionate, happy and outgoing.
HEMMIE
Hemmie (previously Mayhem) is a dashing, bright-eyed, 12-year-old, retired sled dog. He was relinquished to the shelter in January 2022. Upon arrival, Ted Bristol took a huge interest in Hemmie. He volunteered countless hours walking and visiting him. The Bristols were a bit reluctant to bring Hemmie home at that time because they have a 16-year-old Siberian Husky named Maya and Hemmie had never been a house pet before. Fifteen months passed and Karen and Ted decided to bring Hemmie home
Against all odds, Hemmie’s transition to his new home has been flawless. He immediately fell in love with his bed and he sleeps through the night. He has chosen a spot in front of the fireplace, on a blanket, as his daily resting spot. He loves his food, has no GI troubles and has not had any accidents in the house! He is very respectful of Maya--they have become great pals. He is quickly learning commands: sit, come and shake. He is smart as heck and picks up on everything we do. He gets two walks a day for 2.5 to 3 miles. He is great on leash with no pulling. He will match the same pace of the others. Hemmie enjoys meeting new people and their dogs. He is very affectionate with everyone. He is always very excited to play with his new friends at Crown Mountain Park. He loves his yard and is “perpetual motion” out there.
“Bottom Line? Hemmie is full of surprises. He is more super than we anticipated. We love him very much.” —Karen and Ted Bristol
IN MEMORY OF BELLA
I wanted to thank you for all that you did for Bug. We renamed her Bella. I would like to share with you a bit of Bella’s life. You took such great care of her and I thought you may like an update.
Bella came home with us back in 2020. She had a lot of separation anxiety, walking issues and horrible teeth. We worked together with her and she began to thrive at home with our other female dog, Ruby. They were the best pair.
Our family had grown (adding a baby back in April 2021). When our daughter came home she was on oxygen and Bella just wanted to make sure she was okay. She was always reluctant to leave her side. Soon after this, we found out that Bella had developed cancer back in April 2021. The vet suggested we put her down. We decided not to. She continued strong and lived two more happy years. She was one of the best family members we could have hoped for! We adored her and we cannot thank you enough for what you do. We live in Littleton and everyone just loved her. Not too long ago, when I was walking Bella, a lady stopped me and said she didn’t like Pit Bulls, but she saw that Bella is unique and so loving. We couldn’t have asked for a better dog. She touched so many people’s lives. We are so thankful for the three years we had together. —Kayla Hall
Bella crossed the Rainbow Bridge on Febuary 11, 2023
TASHA
Since March 2020, I have a beloved dog that came through the Aspen Animal Shelter from the National Mill Dog Rescue. My girl was previously called “Cassidy”. Her name is now Tasha as I found that more appropriate for a dear, lovely tri-pawed trying to do her best.
Tasha has slowly but surely made her transition from shy, scared rescue to a beloved pet. From hiding in corners, she has emerged and learned (partly from her dog roomate, Annie, another rescue) to be adored, play with toys, wag her tail, bark & howl, sleep on my bed, chew bones, dig in the yard, hunt in my pasture and go for car rides (Yippee! her favorite). Tasha has her own elevated car seat and seatbelt.
Due to her disability, she has ramps and steps and is lifted on and off high spots, always. She waits and wags her tail when she knows she will be accommodated.
This chapter of her life is titled, “Princess”. —Susan Cuseo
Kobe was a beautiful red tri-colored dog with the most soulful brown eyes. He had short little Chihuahua legs, and a long tail like a Border Collie which dragged on the ground like peacock feathers! Kobe had a perpetual smile, and he was a show-stopper, even making grown men smile.
IN MEMORY OF KOBE
There was a “little red dog” named Rojo who stole my heart on November 17th, 2013. I renamed him Kobe, and he was a Border Collie /Chihuahua mix!
Kobe grew up on some acreage, and his favorite thing to do was to chase squirrels. He’d often get picked up by the dog catcher so he was put up for adoption at the Aspen Animal Shelter because someone needed to give him a lot of attention.
Because of the love that sweet little dog gave me, I was able to get off an antidepressant, and am free of it as of today.
And my dream of having a dog that would love on people in the hospital? Yup! Kobe was accepted into the Pet Enrichment Program at Aspen Valley Hospital. When his previous parent, Willy saw his picture on the wall of the hospital he was brimming with happiness. Kobe had found his true calling—to bring a smile and comfort to everyone he met.
Kobe was my guardrail in this crazy thing we call life. My life has a new edge to it now that he has passed away. I want to linger longer to experience beauty, and I want to love more deeply.
Kobe is greatly missed, to say the least. Sometimes I still look for him, my shadow, and still roll down the window as if he’s riding in the car with me and wants to sniff the fresh air.
Kobe is waiting for me at The Rainbow Bridge, fully restored to perfect health. God answered my prayer once, and He will do it again.
I am forever grateful to a little red dog named Kobe who brought me inexpressible joy. —Linda Christina
LUNA
Luna (previously named Cosmo), a shy 4-year-old retired sled dog, was relinquished to the shelter in August 2020. Due to her fear of strangers, it took quite a bit of time for her to allow anyone near her. She eventually got comfortable around shelter staff and formed a special bond with Emigdio Jr. Thanks to Emigdio and the Aspen Animal Shelter, Luna became more comfortable with visitors and in November 2021, she was adopted by Bill & Val Stevenson.
Luna is thriving in her new home with help from her big brother Henry, an 8-year-old lab mix adopted in March 2017 from the Aspen Animal Shelter. Initially, Luna was pretty nervous in her new home and sought sanctuary in a bedroom. After a week, she began to warm up to her new surroundings and family; she quickly became Henry’s shadow. Luna loves going for walks and prefers to walk right next to her brother; she presses up against him when strangers walk by. After watching Henry play with toys, Luna now has a love of stuffed animals and Chuck-it balls. She especially likes to retrieve balls that Henry has lost in the snow and then she prances around with Henry following and waiting for her to drop the ball. She still gets nervous around strangers but she is starting to warm up to friends, especially when she sees Henry’s approval.
“It is so heart-warming to watch Luna transform from a shy, timid dog into a more confident, playful dog. We are so grateful to the Aspen Animal Shelter for both Luna & Henry – they bring so much joy and adventure to our family.”— Val and Bill Stevenson.
FRANKIE
Frankie’s pregnant mom was surrendered to RezDawg at a vaccine clinic on the Navajo Nation, and the five puppies were born in a foster home. These adorable puppies were delivered when they were 8 weeks old to the Aspen Animal Shelter with their first set of vaccinations. Our vet, Dr. Jen Davis, neutered them shortly thereafter, and we see them every month when they come to the shelter for their follow-up vaccinations. Frankie was adopted by a Friends of the Aspen Animal Shelter Board member and her family.
“Frankie is a four-month-old mix of Australian Cattle Dog, Pit Bull, Australian Shepherd, Border Collie and Supermutt. He was the last pick of a beautiful litter of puppies that came from RezDawg Rescue. That’s how we knew he was the right dog for us! He is very friendly and energetic—always ready to play. He loves to fetch and run around in the fresh snow chasing snowballs”.—Krista, Hannah & Joe
APOLLO
Apollo was relinquished to the shelter from a local area on January 20th, 2020 and was adopted by Leslie McMath and family on February 4, 2020.
Apollo is a regal, big-boned, orange tabby cat. His homecoming was a trying time for the McMath family. He was spooked and scared of everything. He did a lot of biting and scratching. Leslie is a vet tech and, despite wanting to take him back to the shelter, she knew in her heart she had to give him time. After consistent patience, singing and calm voices, Apollo began to blossom. The scratches became gentle paws; the biting turned into loving head-butts. He loves his kibble but will have nothing to do with any freshly prepared meats or other human treats! Despite his big build, Apollo is very athletic and nimble yet he prefers to be a lazy and contented guy.
CASH
Cash, a handsome, friendly, 1.5-year-old Pit Bull mix, was released to the shelter on July 1st, 2021 by a young woman who moved to Aspen with her dog, beat the odds and found dog-friendly housing, but decided that because of her work schedule, he would do best in a new home. The Aspen Animal Shelter provided sanctuary for Cash and found him to be a happy, friendly dog. Friends of the Aspen Animal Shelter neutered Cash. He was adopted by a loving man, Mark Kittay, on September 1, 2021. The rest is history, and Cash is currently living the dream in the Blue Lake neighborhood, just outside of Aspen.
Cash is a troublemaker! He is a master counter surfer and leaves no object behind uneaten! Cash is training his human, Mark, to pick up after himself quite well. No loose items can be left around the house. Despite his naughtiness, Cash is a cuddly snuggle bear and loves to be held in Mark’s arms. He is a very friendly guy with all the neighborhood cats and dogs. Most of all he loves his treats and bones.—Mark K.
CHOWDER
Chowder, her mom and her litter mates arrived at the Aspen Animal Shelter on June 23rd, 2001 via RezDawg Rescue, another like-minded non-profit that concentrates its efforts in the Four Corners region of the United States. Chowder was identified as having a condition known as Cerebellar Hypoplasia, also known as CH and wobbly cat syndrome. CH is a neurological disorder that causes sudden jerky movements, uncoordinated motion and loss of balance. Chowder’s sweet personality, beautiful appearance, and quirky disorder endeared her to a family visiting the cat room at the Aspen Animal Shelter. The Glasgows enthusiastically adopted Chowder on July 3rd, 2021.
Chowder is an amazing cat with the personality of a dog. She is adapting to our family very well. She has improved her walking, litter box and getting on to stuff. She loves to jump, play and sleep with us. She likes to play with her cat tower and strings. She eats a very strict diet because of her sensitive stomach. She loves company and people. We have various things to help with her condition of cerebellar hypoplasia. She lives in the upstairs of our house where it is carpeted to give her grip and at the end of the hallway, we have a gate so she can't fall down the stairs. She loves our family so much and we love her. —Camille, age 8
Chowder is the best cat in the world, she is so sweet and is always with us. She's like a cat in many ways like how she talks and how she plays but her personality is like a dog, very compassionate and loving. Chowder has a muscle disease called cerebellar hypoplasia; it is a neurological condition in which the cerebellum is smaller than usual or not completely developed (definition from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders). But despite Chowder's condition, she is always ready to play and has an amazing attitude. If Chowder falls down, she will get right back up and keep running. Chowder is adapting to our family really well. She loves to sleep and play with us.—Norah, age 11
PENNY
Penny came to the Aspen Animal Shelter via RezDawg Rescue. She was found in the Navajo Reservation in the Four Corners area of the United States.
“Penny now lives with us at Wild Twin Farm in Freeport, Maine. Her best friend is Butch Cassidy (also adopted from the Aspen Animal Shelter!). They live with 3 children, 3 adults, 4 horses, 4 goats and a dog.
Penny is doing fantastically! She is the loveliest cat. She is so friendly and adores humans. My daughter treats her like her baby and Penny loves it!” — Liz Strawbridge
PETE
Pete, a handsome, friendly, one-year old Cattle Dog mix, was found wandering on the Navajo reservation and delivered to the Aspen Animal Shelter by RezDawg Rescue on May 22, 2021. The Linehan family, visiting Aspen from Vermont, fell in love with Pete while visiting the shelter, and drove home with him on June 25th, 2021. They report that Pete is an affectionate, athletic, energetic companion who loves to hike by day and cuddle by night.
“Pete is the most loving, caring and loyal dog we have ever had. We love him!” —Jeremiah
