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…

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…

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…

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…

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,…

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…

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…

“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,…

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…

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cats Thomas and Mira found themselves at the Dumb Friends League for the second time in less than a year in late December 2019. Having spent their entire lives together, they were once again in search of a home with room for them both.

In 2016, Amanda and Lee Ibrahim packed up their family for a new lifestyle and warmer weather in Hawaii. While the couple left behind Colorado and their friends, which was not an easy decision, their support of the Dumb Friends League continues to endure with more than 3,000 miles between the Centennial State and the…

The South Platte River in Deckers, Colorado is world-renowned for fishing, and it’s also where a kind person came across Sophia (formerly Juno), a 9-year-old brindle Labrador retriever. While we know where Sophia was found, the specifics about how she was brought to the Dumb Friends League are not known, but that’s not necessary for…

When Norman the donkey’s best friend, a horse named Brookie, passed away, Mary knew she needed to find a companion for him. Not sure if she wanted the expense and time required for another equine, Mary’s veterinarian suggested a barn cat may be just the company that Norman needed.

How do you find the perfect cat when you come to the Dumb Friends League? Well, in the case of Ashley and Ryan, when you know you want a talkative feline friend, you meow at every cat in the shelter and see who answers you back. And, when that cat is Dingo, you want to…

In his short 10 months of life, Duke went through quite a bit. The sweet brindle greyhound, Anatolian shepherd mix was initially adopted from a shelter when he was about 7-months old, and the circumstances around how he got there are unknown. After living in his home for three months, Duke’s human relinquished him to…

The pup now known as Milly first arrived at the Dumb Friends League in 2016 after a 12-year-old found the sweet dog and brought her home.

Frightened, starving and near death, Harlem was just one of 57 horses that arrived at the Dumb Friends League Harmony Equine Center on February 21, 2019, after suffering from extreme neglect. These horses, discovered without food or water in feet of heavy snow, were near starvation when they were rescued by Colorado Humane Society, a…

At 5-months old, Indy found herself alone, injured and scared alongside a rural four-wheel-drive road near Lake George in the Pike National Forest. While it was unknown how the young dog found herself in this predicament, it was clear that it was only a matter of time before she would succumb to the elements if…

Do you have an active lifestyle? How about the patience to care for a puppy with lots of energy … because, well, puppy? What about having a loving home in an area with no breed restrictions? If so, the Dumb Friends League has the pup for you!

This is the tale of a dog named Brice. A story that has a couple twists and a few turns, all with the goal of helping a kind Labrador retriever mix find his way home. Before we dive into this handsome pup’s story, we should first tell you a little about the situation that started…

Mesmerizing. Bright. Captivating. Beautiful. These are all words that describe the moon, as well as one very sweet 8-month-old Border Collie named Luna.

Let’s talk about Lolly. For starters, she’s adorable. She has a gorgeous gray tabby coat and a slightly round figure that just adds to her friendly and goofy disposition.

On paper, Mercedes might appear like most other 5-year-old quarter horse mares. What isn’t immediately apparent is that this quarter horse is homeless and is looking for a second chance at a new life.

Cat’s out of the bag…or, the ceiling in this case. At first glance, Remy’s story doesn’t stand out from other cats at the Dumb Friends League. He arrived at the shelter as a stray, thanks to a good Samaritan, and (spoiler alert) was soon adopted into a loving home after no one claimed him –…

Valentine’s Day means different things to different people. But, for Dumb Friends League staff member Jennifer and her pup, Sadie, the day will always have a special place in their hearts. On February 14, 2007, Jennifer became what’s affectionally known as a “foster flunkie” when she adopted Sadie.

After Jackson and his four-legged brother’s human mom passed away, his dad’s health started to deteriorate, and while he clearly loved his pups, it was becoming increasingly difficult to care for them.

At 11-years-old the small miniature pinscher mix found himself at the Dumb Friends League after being removed from a case of serious neglect and abuse in Pueblo, Colo.

Ash’s story has a little bit of everything—the unknown, hope, intrigue and an ending that will leave you exhaling with relief. While it could be a movie of the week, it’s the sweet story of a 6-year-old Bluetick Coonhound/Australian Cattle Dog.

Nate, a 7-year-old Domestic Shorthaired brown tabby, has a whole lot going on behind those gorgeous green eyes, but this sweet cat wants what we all do … love, a family and a place to call home.

Carl and Ivan entered the Dumb Friends League in desperate need of medical care. Learn about their brave journeys of healing and recovery.

In the winter 2018 issue of Pet Tales, we requested your stories about being a foster fail–stories about how you fostered or cared for a dog, cat or even a rabbit, thinking it would be on a temporary basis to prepare them for adoption, but, instead, they captured your heart forever. Enjoy this story about…

It didn’t take long after Raspberry arrived at the Dumb Friends League Harmony Equine Center for the 10-year-old donkey to earn the reputation of being friendly.

Thinking about adopting a working cat (aka a barn cat or a mouser) but not sure if you’ll get the results you’re looking for? Well, we’re here to assure you that working cats well … they work.

Life is full of joy, laughter, heartache, relationships, shared moments and so much more. Life is also Sirius, and in this case, Sirius, the dog.

Life is full of changes and can take unexpected turns as you realize it’s not always full of highs and peak moments; instead, countless smaller ones can be good, flawed, challenging and heartbreaking.

This adorably tiny dog was in the market for a new adventure partner, a new confidant, a new best friend – his new Winnie-the-Pooh.

At 27-years-old Mystery the horse found himself looking for a new beginning with the Harmony Equine Center’s rehoming program – a program designed to help owners who are looking for a safe place to find a new, loving home for their horse.

Meet Greg. A cat waiting for his happily ever after, a cat who looked far and wide to finally meet his prince (and princess) charming. And, although his story doesn’t involve any trolls, goblins or dragons it’s an important and powerful story nonetheless.

Sweet Chevy is not only enjoying her new home, but the senior pup is also one of the League’s hardest working canines as an ambassadog.

Tiny Gemma was relinquished to the League after she was found alone and trapped outside. League staff determined that the domestic shorthaired brown tabby was approximately 2 months old, and while she was fearful and hissed on approach, she warmed up quickly and began purring with her tail up and curled when she was pet.

Anyone who has adopted a pet knows that they fill our lives with joy, happiness and love and that they can provide emotional support when we need it most. When Joanna visited the Buddy Center in Castle Rock, she was looking for the perfect companion to help her navigate a rough time in her life….

If 50 is the new 40 for humans, then 15 is the new 5 for pets. Senior dogs, typically those who are 8 years or older, are in need of homes just as much as younger ones, and thanks to adopters like Lindsey and her husband who see beyond age, pets like Bosley are spending…

November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month, and here at the Dumb Friends League we have a number of older feline and canine companions anxiously waiting to meet their new families.

Sometimes, there are homeless pets that come to the Dumb Friends League who simply capture our hearts. Oh sure, every animal is unique and has its own “ness”—you know, those special qualities that set them apart from everyone else—but some days, you’re fortunate to come across a remarkable creature. Enter Melty.

“Breed: nonspecific (at least two parts love, one part playful, one part stubborn/lazy and the rest is all loyalty)” is how Ollie’s mom lovingly describes him. With that description, how can your curiosity not be piqued to learn more about Ollie?

Let’s start from the ending. The best, most wonderful part of the story where the once homeless pet is resting comfortably in their new home. Forgetting everything that came before.

Shade arrived at the Dumb Friends League Harmony Equine Center in February of this year. The chilly day brought big changes for Shade. It was the beginning of a life this handsome gelding hadn’t yet known, one filled with warmth, food, care and best of all – love.

Often, someone visits one of the Dumb Friends League shelters, comes across a pet and wonders, “Why would anyone let this animal go.” Of course there are many different reasons why homeless pets arrive at the League, but it’s easy to take a “their loss is our gain” attitude.

In honor of National Deaf Pet Awareness week, the Dumb Friends League is celebrating some special pets that found their second chance at a new life when they arrived at our shelter.

Rubeus Hagrid gained the love of Harry Potter fans throughout the world with his loyal, friendly and softhearted demeanor. Whether a literary character cohort or an avid reader absorbed in the tales, the half-human, half-giant captured everyone’s hearts, and when a cat with these qualities arrived at the Dumb Friends League, it was easy to…

The story you’re about to read is one of adventure, love and new beginnings. This is the tale of a dog who is short in stature, but big in heart. Who has visited more places than many and if she could talk would certainly speak her mind.

One random day, Lee decided to call the Dumb Friends League to find out if there were any older dogs up for adoption. When Lee heard about Chloe, she immediately came to the Quebec Street Shelter and explained how that random day turned into a fateful day.

Anxiety and autism can cause children to feel as if their lives are out of control. Things we take for granted like going to school, the park or to birthday parties can be challenging with loud noises, crowds and so many unknowns. It can be lonely.

It was impossible not to fall in love with Fred, he’s confident, affectionate and hilarious. As a national certified counselor with Animal Assisted Therapy Programs of Colorado, Alyssa was already well aware of the positive impact animals can have on our lives, and headed to the Dumb Friends League to meet the infamous Fred when…

Cindy Hoeft had never owned a donkey. A volunteer at the Harmony Equine Center, Cindy met Gerald, a miniature, after he was neglected and transferred to the facility with a group of horses. “The first time I met him he just melted my heart,” she says.

Chewie arrived at the Dumb Friends League in August of 2015 as part of a rescue out of Ordway, Colorado of more than 140 dogs. Chewie weighed less than 2 pounds when she arrived. After receiving care and nutritious food from Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Chewie gained enough weight and was able to go up for…

Have you ever seen a horse smile? When Laura, Keith and their two boys came to the Harmony Equine Center in search of a “never-could-be-replaced ‘replacement’ horse,” that’s just what they saw.

For nearly 18 years, Glenda’s rescued puppy captured her heart. Even after her beloved dog’s death, it took years for Glenda to heal enough to think about loving another one. Five weeks ago, Melvin (now known as Maximillan or Max for short) imprinted his little paw prints on Glenda’s heart. When Glenda began her search…

Sometimes, the third time is the charm. Tigger was relinquished to the Dumb Friends League twice. He was fearful and tense instead of accepting pets. After our behavior program, Tigger was relaxed, friendly, allowed pets all over his body and even got up to greet visitors. Tigger was ready to find a new family.

Sometimes, the fourth time is the charm. At least that was the case with Toby finding his forever home. The energetic American bulldog had three homes before stealing Kristen B. and her family’s hearts.

Chocolate comes in many different varieties, from excessively sweet to very bitter. And our friend Cocoa is no exception to this rule. While his personality is far from bitter, it’s also not overly sweet – he falls in the area people tend to love the most, the very middle, a perfect combination of affection and…

Barbara Musick wasn’t looking for another dog. She was still grieving the passing of her last one from cancer, and her remaining companion, Teddy, seemed to be coping as an “only child” just fine.

Bonding with an animal is incredible. The unconditional love and trust we humans receive is unlike anything else and brings such joy to those who are fortunate enough to experience it with their animal companion.

We enrolled Kiho in our Cats & Clickers behavior program to keep her mentally and physically stimulated and help her relax.

When Susan W.’s oft-sickly cat passed away last summer, she knew a new cat was in the cards because, as she says, “You have to have somebody with intelligent eyes around to discuss the world with, especially now.”

Last fall, Paco made the long journey from hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico to start a new life here in Colorado. Now this affectionate orange tabby is living his best life with adopters Chris and Brooke.

Last fall, an adorable 1-year-old Holland Lop bunny named Hedwig was found near Highway 470 and brought to the Buddy Center. He needed help – and Dumb Friends League veterinarians jumped into action.

I adopted my beagle, Lucy, in April 2017. I had been wanting to get another dog but didn’t spend much time looking at shelters or rescue groups. On April 4, shortly after waking up, I just happened to look at the Dumb Friends League website, and when I saw the picture of Lucy, I jumped…

For patron Dr. Theresa Lee, these words don’t express dismay, but rather, glee. The New Mexico veterinarian enthusiastically adopted three rats from our Quebec Street Shelter.

Ellen arrived in Colorado from an overburdened shelter in North Texas on August 30. She had been struggling to find the right home. With hip dysplasia, arthritis and allergies, she’d need a patient, loving owner.

Chili came to our Quebec Street Shelter after his owner passed away and her family could not care for him. Morbidly obese at 115 pounds, Chili was a friendly, mellow fellow. He just needed an adopter who would help him shed a great deal of excess weight.

Adopting a 2-year-old dog with a recently amputated leg wasn’t too out of line for us since we just spent three months helping our 7-year-old dog, Juicy, recuperate from ACL surgery. We figured that experience would be helpful. It’s only been three weeks, and Chester (named by my husband after the “Gunsmoke” character that had…

Extremely thin and with a face full of porcupine quills when he came to the shelter, it’s hard to imagine how Lucky got his name.

Madison A. adopted an 8-year-old cat with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) from our shelter earlier this year. She named him Leo and sent us an update saying, “I wouldn’t trade him for the world. Although Leo has FIV, that hasn’t affected him or his personality.

When Urania walked into our shelter 13 years ago looking for a new companion, she knew immediately that she had found the dog for her. At the time, the 2-year-old lab mix weighed less than 40 pounds. He’d had a hard life, and he was Urania’s very first dog. So, after she took him home,…

At just 5 months old, Penelope had been through a lot. She was diagnosed at 10 weeks with a heart murmur and shortly afterward with anemia.

You’ve heard the saying, “Things always happen in threes,” right? We usually think of it as referring to negative events, but let’s talk about the great things that can happen in threes.

When Bob G., an animal lover and longtime supporter of the Dumb Friends League, had to say goodbye to his beloved cat K.C. (short for Kitty Cat) after 17 years, he knew it wouldn’t be long before he’d want a new companion in his life.

Lincoln had always been a little much to handle. The German shepherd mix first arrived at our shelter in 2013 after his owner grew weary of finding the dog being destructive whenever he wasn’t around.

Rocky, a handsome and friendly boxer mix, arrived at the Dumb Friends League after apparently being hit by a car. His injuries were life threatening—he was disoriented and had suffered a head trauma.

Dogs with jobs, canines with careers. Whatever you choose to call them, some Dumb Friends League alums have landed a wide range of gigs. With patience and training, these dogs were able to turn what was once considered troublesome behavior into a valuable job skill.

Recently, a large, spayed 1-year-old pit bull came to our shelter and we dubbed her Shandy. Relinquished by her owner because her city does not allow pit bulls, the sweet girl quickly became a staff favorite.

Who could possibly resist this beautiful flower princess? Dahlia arrived at the Quebec Street Shelter on February 22, which means she’s been here for nearly three months waiting for the perfect soul to take her home and appreciate her sweet ways.

They say that angels walk among us every day. On one recent Saturday, an anonymous angel walked through the doors of the Dumb Friends League Quebec Street Shelter and gave ten shelter pets the gift of a new home.

We weren’t sure that we’d ever be ready open our hearts to pets again, but fate had a different idea. Now we can’t imagine our lives without them.

Minerva, a beautiful-but-anxious tabby, came to us because her owner traveled extensively and couldn’t address her house-soiling issues. Our behavior team patiently worked with Minerva on clicker training to increase her confidence, and after seven weeks in our care, Minerva’s newfound knowledge paid off.

Pepe, a 3-year-old sorrel gelding, came to the Harmony Equine Center as part of the WaterShed Animal Fund training program. Our goal was to help Pepe, who had apparently never been ridden, learn the skills to become a great family or trail-riding horse—and then help him find a great home.

Sleek, athletic Rory the cat knows exactly what he’s looking for: He’d love to move in with a woman. A special lady who will treat him with patience, affection and the kind of undivided attention a guy of his caliber deserves.

Some lucky dogs are surrounded by caring souls who won’t give up on them, no matter how dire their condition appears. Take Boss, a tiny Yorkie terrier found one evening on the side of the road by a passerby and brought to our shelter.

Mark and Amy Hefestay have been responsible for many happy “tails”—31 in their home and countless others while volunteering. Since 1998, they have welcomed 12 dogs, 17 Guinea pigs (some as fosters) and 2 rabbits into their home.

Do you love a good puzzle? Love the feeling of accomplishment you get when you’ve placed that last puzzle piece, or lined up all the colors on a Rubiks Cube? Rufus knows how you feel. This beautiful 2-year-old German shepherd mix first came to our shelter in December. He adores walks and playing with…

Because we received so much interest and so many well wishes for Tohui, we want to let you know that the little fellow found the home of his dreams shortly after being featured on our website and on Facebook. He was adopted by Kelli H., who reports that she is “over the moon that we…