DENVER -- August 7, 2008

Whinny!

I have exciting news this week. We've added Colorado Horse Rescue (CHR) to my weekly Pet Pals feature! In addition to dogs, cats, bunnies, rats and other small pets from Table Mountain Animal Center and the Dumb Friends League I will also tell you about horses available for adoption from CHR. How cool is that?

Marianne and I went to visit CHR this week. I got to meet LOTS of horses while we walked around the property. They were all very nice to me, but they kept giving me really funny looks. I couldn't figure out why until I overheard some whispered conversations.

"Hey, dig the dog in the dress!" Sky said to Feather. She snorted and lowered her head to give me the once-over. "That's weird," she agreed. "None of the other dogs around here wear clothes. What's up with this guy?"

"Ahem'" I said. "Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Parker and I'm training to be an assistance dog. The cape lets people know that I am a dog in training, so I can go to stores, movies, the library, post office, and places dogs can't usually go."

"Ah," said Sky. "I've heard about dogs like you. So what are you doing here?"

"I work at 7News and I have a feature on our Web page each week with animals that are looking for new forever homes. Starting this week I will include horses from CHR!"

"Oh, that's so nice. We have some wonderful horses here that really need new homes," said Feather. "Some are riding horses and others are just companion horses."

I was puzzled. "I know what a riding horse is because I visited the Therapeutic Riding Center. (See Chapter 37 of my DogBlog!) But what's a companion horse?" I asked.

Justice wandered over. "I can answer that. Horses are herd animals and need to be with other horses or we get too lonesome. Sometimes people have a couple of horses and one dies or something else happens, so they need a new friend for the horse who's left. I'm a companion horse myself. I'm too old for riding, but I like being around other horses and people."

"How old are you guys?" I asked. "I'm 20," said Sky. "Feather and Justice are lots older, though. They are both around 34 years old."

"Wow, horses live a really long time!" I said. "If Marianne adopted a horse at 8 weeks like the CCI puppies, when the horse was 34 she'd be..." "Older," Marianne interrupted. "I'd be older. No need to go into details, Parker!"

Sheesh. Touchy, touchy.

I was curious how the horses ended up at Colorado Horse Rescue. Hildy Armour, the director, told me that sometimes owners can't care for the animal any longer because of changes in the family's situation. Sometimes the family just didn't realize how much work is involved in owning a horse. And saddest of all are the horses that are rescued from abusive or neglectful owners.

Grrrrr. You humans baffle me sometimes! Here we animals are, just wanting to be your companions and helpers and give you unconditional love. And how do you some of you repay us? By not caring for us, hurting us and even abandoning us. It's a good thing there are organizations like CHR, DFL and TMAC to give us (and you) another chance. My heroes!

If you can't adopt a horse but want to help CHR you could attend The Mane Event on August 23 at the Ranch Country Club, 11187 Tejon Street in Westminster. Click on The Mane Event for all the details.

CHR also needs volunteers to help with barn and farm work. It doesn't sound glamorous, but it's very necessary work to keep all of the horses happy and healthy. And you can always stop working for a few minutes to give your favorite horses pats and get some love in return.

Another option to help CHR is to sponsor a horse. Click here for details! Sponsorship is a wonderful gift for the person who has everything or for someone who just loves horses.

Finally, the horses told me they would love to meet you. Colorado Horse Rescue is having an open house at their facility located at 10386 N 65th Street in Longmont on September 7, 2008 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 720-494-1414 for more information. There will be food, drinks and riding demonstrations. Feather, Sky and Justice told me they love visitors so check it out.

Chow for now!

Parker

Questions or comments for Parker? Send me an e-mail!

Would you like more information about Canine Companions for Independence or perhaps be a puppy raiser? Call 1-800-572-BARK or go to CCI for details.