Media & Stories Archive

Declaring 2020 as an interesting year is probably the understatement of the century. But, despite all that has happened, we have witnessed several bright moments at the Dumb Friends League. Perhaps the one the shines the most is the passing of Denver’s ballot measure 2J in the November election.  As you’re likely aware, the passing of this…

Falcon was seized by law enforcement for neglect and came to the Dumb Friends League Harmony Equine Center with several other horses. The Tennessee Walking Horse arrived underweight, and he also had no handling and was not halter broke. Falcon was also very unsure and nervous around people. But, the jumpy horse had potential, and…

We know. The holidays look a bit different this year. Usually, they’re a time to eat, drink and be merry with the ones you love. But, for many of us, the celebrations may involve a Zoom call, be smaller or even be socially distanced. But, no matter how you spend the days when pets are…

The holiday season is already here, and many of us are scrambling to find the perfect gifts. Who doesn’t want to see a smile larger than life or hear gasps of surprise when a present is opened, right? As we paws to celebrate the holiday season, let’s get wrapped up in happy . . ….

Hi friends. It’s me. Stan. What’s better than finding a bone after you forgot where you buried it? Helping my animal friends at the Dumb Friends League, of course! We have suggestions for getting into the spirit of the season that don’t involve writing a check and make supporting the League as easy as finding…

To say Daisy left an impression on staff at the Dumb Friends League is an understatement. In fact, it seems that this affectionate 2-year-old pit bull had that impact on everyone she met. Daisy is a remarkable dog, and it only seemed fitting that she would have an incredible story. It’s best to get things…

What’s in a name? Well, if you’re a dog named Burt Maklin, you know there’s a story involved. You may be familiar with Burt Macklin’s character in Parks and Recreation; the silly and most frequent alter ego of Andy Dwyer. Still, our Burt was named after a very similar-looking friend’s mastiff—and, well “Macklin” just happened…

If you would have asked Katrina a few years ago if she thought she would have adopted a dog with behavior issues, she may not have known that answer. But on the mild afternoon of Thursday, August 13, 2020, Katrina was driving to the Dumb Friends League Buddy Center in Castle Rock with one thought…

There’s not much better than snacking on a fresh, homemade chocolate chip cookie or two, is there? We know there are many (many) cookie enthusiasts out there, just like the Dumb Friends League Humane Education team knows our pups would appreciate a treat from your oven over a snack from a box. You know you…

Sully, like most border collies, typically has a happy, bouncy and affectionate personality—that was until the 10-year-old dog started drooling and chattering his teeth. Concerned for his health, Sully’s person brought him to the Dumb Friends League Solutions – Veterinary Hospital. Quality care for a dog in need The Solutions – Veterinary Hospital provides high…

We launched a Pawcast earlier this year that gives you an inside look at all things Dumb Friends League and animal welfare. Whether you want to know more about how animals are cared for at the League, how to become a volunteer, or why puppies can be so destructive, this podcast, ahem Pawcast, is for…

Smash arrived at the Dumb Friends League Harmony Equine Center in August 2018. The El Paso County Sheriff seized the Quarter horse due to owner neglect, and it didn’t take long for Smash to catch the attention of Brent Winston, who, at the time, was the head trainer at the Harmony Equine Center. (Winston is…

Sweet Penny was relinquished to the Dumb Friends League when her human became ill and was unable to care for the puppy. Staff learned Penny was house trained and loved to go on walks, and at the shelter, the gorgeous Cavalier Spaniel mix was known to crawl into laps and make herself at home. Who…

Each year the Dumb Friends League waives adoption fees in honor of Veterans Day for current and former military, uniting some of our bravest citizens with their new best friend. This holiday has become a favorite day for staff and volunteers at the League – and this year was no exception. For 2020, the adoption…

At Dumb Friends League, we love to see dogs succeed, so it is not surprise that we were thrilled about the nation’s first rescue dog moving into the White House! We knew this news would be very popular with some of our current residents, so we interviewed them to hear their thoughts on First Shelter…

On November 3, Denver voters overwhelmingly voted to overturn the pit bull ban and replace it with a pit bull licensing system. Amendment 2J passed with 65 percent of the vote, verifying what the Dumb Friend’s League has known for a long time – Denver loves dogs, regardless of breed! The ban on pit bulls…

A tiny, 5-week-old kitten found herself in a dangerous predicament after seeking shelter and warmth from the bitter 19-degree temperatures on Monday, October 26. Thanks to a kind person, the kitten is resting comfortably at the Dumb Friends League. It all started with a meow heard from beneath a parked semi-trailer at a tire shop…

The Dumb Friends League has happy tales of all varieties—you know, pets that include dog tails, cat tails, and, yes, even hamster tails. Hamsters like Bear. Bear was relinquished to the League when his owner moved and couldn’t take the little nugget of cuteness with him. Staff learned Bear liked pets, but he bit when…

Pets aren’t like family; they are family. When the time comes to add a new member to your home, you think about your lifestyle and what you want in a relationship. Maybe you want a pet to join you for walks, play games, listen to your problems while snuggling, relax when you give pets, get…

If you step on a crack, you’re not going to break your mother’s back. You won’t be doomed for seven years if you break a mirror. If a black cat crosses your path, chances are it’s just trying to get to a comfy spot, and you’re not destined for something nefarious to happen. Speaking of…

Sweet Velvet arrived at the Dumb Friends League Harmony Equine Center as a transfer from Kentucky. The 17-year-old Morgan/Walker Cross didn’t travel far to her new home at neighboring Promise Ranch Therapeutic Riding where she spends her days with other equines and one very quiet horse, named Maple Stirrup, who doesn’t eat or need to…

Halloween can be a dream for children (and, let’s face it, some adults) with costumes, candy and the excitement that surrounds the experience. But for pets, the holiday can be a nightmare. The not-so-scary news is that there are ways to minimize stress and anxiety and keep your pets safe. When pumpkins glowIf you use…

Much like hanging toilet paper over or under or wondering if cilantro is the most offensive herb, few things stir up opinions faster than the subject of pit bulls. Strong opinions. Let’s see if we can clear up a few misconceptions about pit bulls and shift some thinking about these loveable block-headed pups. Did you…

For 103 dogs, including five litters of puppies, suffering in unimaginable conditions, the determination of eight organizations that came together in June and rescued them was the difference between life and death. A grim scene awaited teams from the Dumb Friends League, the Costilla County Sheriff’s office, Adams County Animal Services, Ark Valley Humane, Humane…

If you’re already the grown-up to a pet, you know the ways they enrich your life—but you might not be aware of all the health benefits that come with this incredible experience. From reducing stress and making new friends to exercising more, owning a pet could be just what the doctor ordered. Studies show that…

Is your feline ready to be a cat o’ lantern? How about your pup becoming the cutest Halloweenie? If you and your pet have been ready for Halloween since, well, last Halloween, the Dumb Friends League has a contest for you. We all know the spirit of Halloween isn’t just for humans, and now is…

On Veterans Day in 2019, Francis came to the Dumb Friends League with the hope of finding a new companion. Francis is a veteran of the Army and National Guard, where he served a total of 12 years. He was looking for a dog who would not just meet his needs as a best friend,…

What’s in a name? Well, when you already have one pup named Monster, and you’re hoping to adopt another who happens to be named Cookie, it’s like the stars … err … kennel gods aligned! “We couldn’t not have the Cookie to our Monster,” said Erika! Sweet Cookie was relinquished to the Dumb Friends League…

September 28 is World Rabies Day and is designated to raise awareness about the disease and the importance of prevention. We know. Rabies isn’t a warm and fuzzy topic, but pet owners need to be in the know, and we’re here to help. What is rabies? Rabies is a deadly virus that’s spread to people…

In a time when you can buy just about anything online – from a traditional clam bake from Maine to a shipping container pool for your back yard – you have to wonder . . . just because you can do something, should you? We’re so accustomed to buying things online that it’s become second…

Millie’s arrival at the Dumb Friends League happened in a time of uncertainty. A time when shelter operations were drastically different, and the State was in lock-down due to COVID-19. In addition to these challenges, it was a mystery what caused the young dog’s injuries. We knew little about the 5-month-old standard poodle and worked…

End Denver’s Ban on Pit Bulls and Replace with Provisional Permitting Breed specific bans do not work: they do not make Denver safer, nor do they encourage responsible dog ownership. 30 years ago, Denver implemented a ban on all dogs that looked like pit bulls. This ban has cost the City of Denver $5.8 million…

If we hop in Mr. Peabody’s Wayback machine to Sept. 8, 1910, we’d learn that William Howard Taft was the President of the United States, Mary and John were the most popular baby names, and the Denver Dumb Friends League was incorporated under the laws of Colorado. That’s right. Nearly 110 years ago, Mrs. Jean…

It is no surprise to most of us that Denver is a great city for dog ownership.  With plenty of hiking trails, dog parks and pup-friendly patios, it is no wonder that there are more dogs than children in the Mile High City. National studies agree. On August 25, Smart Asset released its annual review…

The Dumb Friends League’s first ever virtual hiking challenge, Peaks for Pets, is underway! Get outside with friends, family and four-legged companions to enjoy the great outdoors. Hike throughout the month of September while earning incentives for the elevation you gain, and feel good knowing that your registration fee goes toward helping homeless pets. While…

Elevate the lives homeless pets and horses in the Dumb Friends League’s inaugural Peaks for Pets hiking challenge. Participants will explore the mountains in this brand new, virtual event while helping homeless pets – it doesn’t get much more beautiful than that! The challenge is simple. Rack up vertical feet during the month of September…

This is the incredible story of a kitten named Oliver. A tale of love, acceptance and a little bit of luck. With the odds against him, fate had a different plan for Oliver, and nothing was going to stop this tiny kitten from finding warmth and safety on a chilly winter night. It was February…

Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse introduced a bill this month that would increase the regulation of animal cruelty cases across the country. The Animal Cruelty Enforcement (ACE) Act will establish a division in the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) that would investigate, enforce and prosecute felony animal cruelty crimes.  The bill will create a dedicated team…

By the time King arrived at the Dumb Friends League Leslie A. Malone Center, the almost 2-year-old pit bull and Chinese Sharpei mix already lived with two families. While not everything about King’s short life was known, like how he received the older looking wounds/scars on his face and tail, League staff learned a bit…

It takes a village. Or, just a bunch of really incredible staff and volunteers at the Dumb Friends League to provide love and care to the more than 21,000 homeless pets and horses we serve each year. August is Clear the Shelters month, and in addition to a goal of finding loving homes for 31…

Do you remember Trigger, the sweet 12-year-old dappled palomino? Trigger’s story drew outrage not just in Colorado but across the country when video surfaced of the sweet horse being dragged the length of a football field behind a moving pickup truck, his hooves losing their grip on the snow- and ice-covered road. People were outraged…

“There is something to appreciate when there is no time limit on how long an animal stays while waiting for their forever home,” said Lisa. “We really wanted to support an organization that provided such a dedicated commitment to doing everything they can to ensure the best outcome for placements of their animals. Far too often,…

Denver residents have a new ballot measure that they will be voting on come election day. On Monday, August 17, Denver City Council voted unanimously to send a replacement of the pit bull ban to Denver voters on November 3. The latest version would repeal the current ban and replace it with a “pit bull…

Who couldn’t use a change of scenery right about now? You could continue to enjoy the view from your window or you could change your altitude and participate in the Dumb Friends League Peaks for Pets! Go solo or team up with friends and family – in a socially distanced way, of course – when…

Red, a 1-year-old mixed breed dog, arrived at the Dumb Friends League in April of 2019. Red had his fair share of needs. He came to the shelter as an owner surrender, and although he had a good history in his previous home, he was stressed and scared in the shelter environment. It wasn’t uncommon…

The 2020 Clear the Shelters campaign is underway! While the event looks a bit different this year (what doesn’t?), the Dumb Friends League is excited to team up with Hill’s Pet Nutrition, NBC and Telemundo owned stations in this nationwide campaign to raise awareness and increases pet adoptions so that animals find their forever homes….

When you’re thinking about a new job, a benefits package is high on the list of things to consider – you know, things beyond salary, like paid time off, health benefits and gym memberships. At the Dumb Friends League, there’s an unofficial (and maybe, unintended) perk to the total compensation package – say something that…

Hold after hold expired on sweet Moses, a 2-year-old Australian cattle dog while he was at the Dumb Friends League Leslie A. Malone Center. Some people were reluctant to adopt using the virtual adoptions process, and others were not interested after learning that Moses had a few behavior issues. More often than not, though, things…

When you’re creamy white, sweet, (somewhat) unassuming, and your canine siblings are Blue and Gouda, there’s little choice for a new name other than Ricotta when you find your forever home. Let’s take a slice, errr … step back … Originally a transfer pup from Peaceful Animal Adoption Shelter (PAAS), our partner, in Oklahoma, Dillon…

Oh snap! It’s time to strike a pose and enter your best pet photos in our annual Pet Photo Contest! Don’t lose focus. This contest is all about our furry friends! The top vote getters in the dog, cat, horse and small mammal categories will be featured as a Pet of the Month in the…

We have some BORKING news! The Dumb Friends League is excited to announce the official launch of our inaugural Pawcast. You read that right, we will be joining you over the air in our Dumb Friends League Pawcast, podcast. Are you all ears yet? Okay, okay. You probably want more information on what we’ll be…

Over the past few months, COVID-19 affected so much of our daily lives. Everything from how we shop to how we meet friends (or not as the case may be) to how students go to school changed. One thing that has remained relatively normal has been operations at the Dumb Friends League Harmony Equine Center….

Independence Day wasn’t the only holiday we celebrated in the first week of July this year. Governor Jared Polis declared July 1st as Colorado Pet Overpopulation Fund Day! The Colorado Pet Overpopulation Fund, also known as CPOF, was created in 2001 and has since generated $2.7 million dollars to address pet overpopulation in Colorado. The…

We live in Colorado for a reason – the outdoors! And, just as much as we enjoy hitting the trails, so do our dogs. The smells, the sights and the places to explore are enough to get your intrepid companion’s tail wagging faster than you can lace up your hiking boots! A little planning and…

Some people define the stages of their lives by music; others use news events, and still, others can look in their closets for fashion choices to mark specific phases. Mary Ann Bonnell, a long-time Dumb Friends League supporter, defines her life chapters by the dogs that were by her side. Growing up, Buttons, a baying…

It can happen in an instant and become a pet owner’s worst nightmare—your dog jumps over the backyard fence, or your cat sneaks out the front door. In a flash, a million thoughts run through your head about what to do next to find your furry companion and bring him home. Now, the Dumb Friends…

Staying healthy, learning new work habits, adjusting to social distancing—it’s challenging, right? Navigating this difficult time is no small feat for anyone. As soon as Denver’s Stay at Home Order went into effect, the Dumb Friends League saw a spike in pet adoptions. This surprising side effect of COVID-19 was great for the animals in…

Since March 24, when Denver’s Stay at Home order went into effect, businesses closed or modified their workflow, and schools turned to online learning. But, let’s face it, there’s no such thing as contactless or virtual construction. While the Dumb Friends League’s Building a Better Way Home project never stopped, that doesn’t mean it was…

Before we know it, Independence Day will be here. While many of us find the holiday’s sights and sounds exciting, fireworks and other elements of our celebrations may frighten cats and dogs, causing them to panic and escape the confines of a yard or even the house. To help protect pets during the festivities, here…

Learning while having fun and navigating this difficult time is no small feat for any parent or caregiver. Let’s face it; we’re all tired of wondering if having our kiddo work in our garden counts toward community service hours or working through yet another puzzle. Finding socially-distant-friendly activities can make you want to crawl back…

Earlier this week, the Dumb Friends League assisted the Costilla County Sheriff’s Office in the removal of 102 mixed breed dogs, including newborn puppies, from a home outside of Mesita, CO. The animals are currently being cared for by animal welfare organizations across the state, including the League, pending the owner’s due process and a…

The Dumb Friends League is a community-based organization, and we understand that it takes a village to end pet homelessness and animal suffering. We’re lucky to be surrounded by compassionate people who are willing to step up to the challenge alongside us. The League is well known for things like our adoption and pet admissions…

In the final week of the 2020 session, Colorado legislators passed two bills that will make a big difference in the lives of pets across the state. First, the legislature nearly unanimously passed Senate Bill 20-208, a bill that will permanently extend several income tax check-offs, including the Colorado Pet Overpopulation check-off, as long as…

On Friday, June 19, the Dumb Friends League is hosting a ground breaking ceremony to kick-off construction of its new animal shelter in Alamosa County, CO. The San Luis Valley Animal Center ground breaking event will take place at 1 p.m. at 701 Airport Road in Alamosa, CO. Speakers will include Dumb Friends League President…

Much like hanging toilet paper over or under or wondering if cilantro is the most offensive herb, few things stir up opinions faster than the subject of pit bulls. Strong opinions. Let’s see if we can clear up a few misconceptions about pit bulls and shift some thinking about these loveable block-headed pups. Did you…

Sometimes, it takes a village when it comes to helping an overwhelmed animal owner. Recently, the Dumb Friends League Harmony Equine Center was a part of a group effort to remove horses in need safely and give them opportunities for second chances. Drifter’s Hearts of Hope, a Colorado horse rescue, contacted the Harmony Equine Center…

Sometimes you just need a party to help pit bulls at the Dumb Friends League find loving homes … a pittie party! Join us, your Pit Crew, for our first ever Virtual Pittie Party the week of June 15. Click here to learn more about how we’re celebrating all things pit bulls!

Compassion always. Those words are more than just the Dumb Friends League’s tagline. Maintaining one’s integrity while enhancing others’ dignity is the culture we strive to achieve. We believe there is no place in a humane community for oppression, prejudice, violence, or intimidation for any reason, including a person’s skin color. George Floyd’s senseless death…

It’s that time of year! During the warmer spring and summer months, animal shelters across the country enter what is often referred to as “kitten season.” While cats can give birth at any time throughout the year, the longer daylight hours act as a catalyst for bringing unspayed female cats into heat, resulting in a…

A business partner of the Dumb Friends League recently posted a sign in front of the Leslie A. Malone Center that says “Heroes Work Here.” Most people who work in animal welfare would not describe themselves as heroes, you’ll hear them use much more humble language when describing what they do, like “I’m fortunate to…

Arriving at the shelter can be confusing, overwhelming and frightening for pets. At the Dumb Friends League, we do everything we can to ensure these animals know they’re in a safe and nurturing place until they find their new families. Here is one such story of compassion about a dog named Penny, who arrived at…

Mr. Cat was missing for four years or 48 months, which is 208 weeks and equals 1,460 days (and nights) or 35,063 hours. The now 8-year-old domestic shorthaired feline’s tale is almost too much to believe. Almost.

After receiving more than 100,000 comments, the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) finalized changes to the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) on May 13.

Have you heard the saying, “There’s a lid for every pot”? No? Well, it means that whoever you are and no matter what you like or are like, there’s someone for you.

We’ve all seen the jokes about how our dogs are tired of being walked, and our cats want us out of the house and back at work.

Oh sure, tails are one of a pup’s most lovable features, but wags along with other body languages can mean different things.

It’s time to celebrate all of the fixers of problems, wipers of noses, champions of causes, givers of hugs, helpers to those in need, kissers of owies in your life with our Mother’s Day e-cards!

At the Dumb Friends League and Colorado Humane Society, animal protection is one of our top priorities, so we were encouraged when Governor Polis declared the week of May 1 through May 7 as “Colorado Animal Protection Week.” We dedicate every week to animal protection, and Colorado has some of the best animal protection laws…

Socializing puppies is crucial to their development and will help you have a well-rounded dog as an adult.

At the Dumb Friends League, we love our pets! From furry to feathery to occasionally freaky, pets are our passion, which is why we are excited to share some fun facts about pet ownership in the United States!

Imagine a fire destroys a person’s home, someone is temporarily hospitalized, or another is struggling in a domestic violence situation and must leave quickly.

Baxter is ready for adventures with you wherever you go on your Furry Scurry walk – while practicing physical distancing, of course! So, fetch those crayons, glitter and scissors, and don’t forget your imagination!

The Colorado Humane Society (CHS) works to prevent and investigate animal neglect and mistreatment and promote animal welfare throughout Colorado, and, together with the Dumb Friends League Harmony Equine Center, the two organizations made an impact beyond the state’s borders … all the way to Wyoming.

The Dumb Friends League staff is busy caring for the animals who come through our shelter doors while modifying processes and services to maintain the health and safety of our staff and community, as well as the animals. The League has responded to the COVID-19 pandemic in many ways, and we are committed to continuing…

There’s a good chance you’re going on a lot of walks right now (like, a lot). The Dumb Friends League is partnering with Walk for a Dog by WoofTrax, an app that makes all of those dog walks count!

Walk, run, hike … or scurry—to help homeless pets at Furry Scurry, the Dumb Friends League’s signature fundraising event. Due to the threat of COVID-19, Colorado’s favorite dog walk is going virtual this year, which means participants can walk anywhere and any time, while making a difference in the lives of animals in need.

It is our sincerest hope that you are caring for yourselves—physically, mentally and emotionally. May your pets be a source of comfort during these turbulent times.

March is Women’s History Month. In honor of the impact women have had on the 110-year history of the Dumb Friends League we wanted to take a moment to highlight some of the incredible individuals who helped shape the organization into what it is today.

Introducing Riley. A sweet, spunky 4-month-old puppy who arrived at the Dumb Friends League like many other pets, as a stray after being found by a good Samaritan.

All of us pet owners know that animals enrich our lives, but what some of us may not know is that our furry family members can help us get and stay healthy both physically and mentally.

During this time of unprecedented uncertainty, there are two important things I want you to know. First, our teams are caring for the vulnerable animals who need us most at all four Dumb Friends League facilities. Second, your support is necessary now more than ever.

You guys are AMAZING! We are humbled at the Dumb Friends League by everyone who has reached out offering help during this challenging time.

With a sweet disposition as large as his body, Hagrid was immediately put on Hill’s® Prescription Diet® w/d® food to get his weight under control.

Social media can be a powerful channel for advancing legislation, helping advocates to reach target audiences with strategic messaging and visuals. The Socially Conscious Sheltering (SCS) Social Media Toolkit is intended to do just that–help disseminate and highlight information about the SCS bill.

The health and wellbeing of our staff, volunteers, patrons, community and animals in our care are always our priority. As we continue to navigate the rapidly evolving COVID-19 (coronavirus) together, we request that anyone who is currently ill, or has any has known risk factors related to the virus, please do not visit our facilities.

Did you know that every time you buy milk, a flower bouquet, shampoo or fill your gas tank at King Soopers, the homeless pets and horses at the Dumb Friends League can benefit from the King Soopers Community Rewards program?

After successfully passing out of Denver’s City Council with a vote of 7-4, the recent attempt by City Councilman Herndon to modify the Denver pit bull ban was vetoed by Mayor Michael Hancock.

The Dumb Friends League is expanding the services and care it provides to homeless pets across the state by building and operating San Luis Valley Animal Center, a new animal shelter in Alamosa County, CO.

Do you get your fill of socializing faster than some of your friends—and once you’re done, you’re done? In fact, is it sometimes enough for you to just stay at home, do your own thing and be totally fine? If someone else happens to be in the vicinity, do you only need to interact with…

Colorado always ranks as having the best animal protection laws in the country. However, since 2015, animal welfare agencies’ ability to enforce these protections for neglected, abused animals have been rendered virtually ineffective at the state level.