1. pets

SPRING 2015
Happy Tales
PAGE 3
Featured Volunteers
PAGES 4, 5, 8 & 9
DFL’s Got Talent
A quarterly newsletter for volunteers and employees
National Volunteer Week, which will be
celebrated this year April 12 through April 18, is
about thanking one of America’s most valuable
assets—its volunteers. I would like
to thank each of you for your hard
work, as well as for the love and
compassion that you show for the
animals. With your help, we are
able to provide wonderful care to
more than 20,000 homeless pets
and horses each year.
You have helped these animals
in so many ways: taking care
of their basic needs and their
Jasmin Rice
grooming; tending to their healthcare needs and surgery; giving
them a foundation of training; helping them
get adopted to new homes; and, most of all,
lavishing them with love and attention.
You also have assisted pets and people in the
community by providing cat training classes,
teaching humane education and reuniting lost
pets with their owners.
Thank you for your role in the success of each
pet and person we are able to help!
To show our appreciation, we will be hosting
a Thank You Party for volunteers on
Wednesday, April 15, from 5:30–7:30 p.m.
at the Quebec Street Shelter.
Please come and enjoy—dinner and drinks
will be provided! The party will take place in
the lobby and education rooms. Due to space
limitations, this event is for volunteers only.
Our appreciation event in the fall will be for
you and a guest. We will have fun treats and
small gifts, along with a Grand Prize for one
Events & happenings
FURRY SCURRY*
May 2, 2015
*volunteers needed
HARMONY EQUINE CENTER
OPEN HOUSE*
May 16, 2015
CATFEST*
July 11, 2015
PAGES 12-13
lucky winner. You must compete in the “Ice
Breaker” we have that evening to be entered in
the Grand Prize drawing.
We will be sending out an invitation to the
party, but you can also sign up to attend at
volunteerparty2015.eventbrite.com or call
(303) 751-5772, Ext. 7311. Please indicate if you
are a volunteer for the Buddy Center, Harmony
Equine Center or Quebec Street Shelter.
During National Volunteer Week, we will have
treats at the Quebec Street Shelter by the
volunteer/employee entrance, in the community
room at the Buddy Center, in the volunteer
lounge at the Harmony Equine Center, and in
the Foster department at the Quebec Street
Shelter for our foster parents. We’ll also have
other fun announcements to make closer to
National Volunteer Week!
You are all amazing. Thanks for everything that
you do!
Jasmin Rice
Volunteer Services Manager
A terrific telethon
We rang in the New Year and kicked off 2015 with a
very successful fundraiser, our 17th annual Pledges for
Pets Telethon. The telethon aired Jan. 25 on FOX31, and
thanks to the hard work of our volunteers and employees, it is estimated to raise $280,000. In addition to raising much-needed funds for the pets and horses in our
care, we also adopted 76 pets into new homes that day.
FREE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Don’t forget to take advantage of our free behavior training
classes for volunteers (some of these classes are required for
specific volunteer positions). Sign up today at ddfl.org/vol-login,
then click on Free Volunteer Classes.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
ways to be involved
Volunteers needed for Easter
How to register
All three Dumb Friends League facilities will be
closed to the public on Sunday, April 5, for Easter.
There will be no regular volunteer shifts.
However, we will still need help feeding, cleaning
and medicating pets at the Quebec Street Shelter,
Buddy Center and Harmony Equine Center. Shifts at
Quebec are available from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., 11 a.m.
to 2 p.m., or 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Shifts at the Buddy
Center and Harmony Equine Center are from 8 a.m.
to 11 a.m., 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., or 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Registration is $50 per team member.
If you would like to volunteer, please contact
Jasmin Rice at [email protected] or (720) 241-7146.
Thank you!
vip update
2
• To join an existing team, select Join a Team on the
Furry Scurry home page: https://secure2.convio.net/ddfl/
site/TRR/Events/Furry_Scurry?fr_id=1310&pg=tfind
• Fill in the information about your team where prompted.
• If you are already registered for the Furry
Scurry, you can still join our team by visiting our
team page at support.ddfl.org/site/TR/Events/
General?team_id=9250&pg=team&fr_id=1250.
Personalized Web page
The more personal you make your page, the more success
you’ll have!
• Each team member will have a unique fundraising page
with his or her story and pet photos.
• Team captains can personalize their team Web page to
give the team maximum exposure.
• After registering, you can personalize your fundraising
page by logging in to your Participant Center.
Team perks
Furry Scurry team members will enjoy these exclusive perks
by being part of a team with six or more people:
• Avoid event-day lines and pick up your incentive items a
week prior to the event.
• Receive extra team-only prizes!
Join our Furry Scurry Volunteer Team
We hope you’re all getting excited for our 22nd annual
Furry Scurry dog walk at Denver’s Washington Park on
May 2! Each year, Dumb Friends League volunteers team
up to help raise money for the homeless pets in our care,
and we would like to invite you to join the 2015 Furry
Scurry Volunteer Team. Our goal is to have our volunteer
team 100 people strong and raise $30,000 to help the
homeless pets at the Dumb Friends League.
Below you’ll find information on registering for the team
as a participant, as well as a list of team perks. If you’re
already volunteering for the Furry Scurry, you can still join
our volunteer team and have your pup relax at home as a
“Lazy Dog,” or if you’re a cat lover, you can register as a
participant in honor of your feline friend.
• Get VIP treatment at the event with entry into the
Teams-Only area, where you will enjoy refreshments, a
commemorative team photo and a chance to pick up
your prizes if you missed the pre-event pickup.
• Receive recognition for your hard work. All teams with
six or more members are eligible for these awards:
Top Dog (the team that raises the most money)
Largest Canine Crew (the team with the most registered
team members)
Spirit Award (the team that displays the most enthusiasm on event day)
If you’re interested in volunteering for the Furry Scurry and
have not yet signed up, please visit furryscurry2015.eventbrite.com to see the available volunteer positions.
Thank you for supporting the Furry Scurry and helping
homeless pets!
HAPPY TALES
stories from our patrons
Kiwi
We adopted
Kiwi, who was
known as “Lucy”
at the time, from
the Dumb Friends
League towards the
end of 2012. My
husband saw her
picture online, and
we figured that we
would stop by for
a visit. We instantly
fell in love with a very shy and sweet little girl. She
was about 7 months old at the time. It took us
some time to decide whether our home would be a
good fit for her. At the time, we had 1- and 3-yearold boys at home, and although they are very
loving, they can be a little rough with animals. The
boys met Lucy and fell in love as well.
We took her home and found that she was very
shy, but incredibly loyal. We renamed her Kiwi to
go along with our orange tabby, Kumquat. What
we’ve found is that Kiwi has really blossomed. She
is outgoing, friendly and incredibly loving once
she warms up to you. She is very protective of her
family and “guards” her boys by standing watch
at their bedroom door. She is snuggly and loves
her cat sibling, Kumquat. They can often be found
cuddling or wrestling with each other. Kiwi has
been a blessing to our family and has been the
perfect fit. Thank you Dumb Friends League!
—The Y. Family
Gus
First off, we want to thank you for everything that
you do for the animals of the area!
Last August, our then-current resident kitty
had a sudden and very difficult ending to his life.
Squirt was our little buddy, and we were very
upset and distraught when he was taken from us
entirely too soon!
vip update
3
My husband had previous experience with the
Dumb Friends League, and we decided to look for
our new friend there first. Our experience at the
center was amazing; the background on the animals
helped us choose the exact little buddy that would fit
perfectly into our life.
We chose Gus and headed home. He was the
sweetest little guy we had ever met and just wanted
to cuddle. On the way home, he did not want to be
held in the take-home box, clawed his way out and
spent the rest of the ride home sitting on my lap as
content as can be.
Ever since we brought Gus home, he has been
nothing but a joy and filled our lives with happiness
and laughter. He is such a character, and we owe the
Dumb Friends League everything for what they did to
restore our lives after our loss.
Thank you for all you do!
—Brittany, Steve and Gus H.
Ever since we brought Gus
home, he has been nothing but
a joy and filled our lives with
happiness and laughter.
FEATURED VOLUNTEER
Donna Ashford –Buddy Center Head Start 1 volunteer, Xtreme Team
How long have you been
volunteering with the
Dumb Friends League, and
what do you do?
I’ve been volunteering at the Buddy
Center for approximately five years.
Currently I am an Advanced Dog Walker.
If your pets could talk, what
would they say?
I think they might call me “Aunt Donna,
who loves to spoil me!”
What do you enjoy most about
volunteering?
Meeting other “doggie lovers” who
also want to help teach each of the
dogs better manners in order to get
them ready for a new forever home!
What do you enjoy doing in
your free time?
Playing golf with my husband, friends
and the women’s group at Wellshire.
Working out with Silver Sneakers.
Enjoying the Women’s Bible Study
at church. Trying out new recipes
for guests.
What does the staff say about
Donna?
“Donna is great! She’s always happy
when she comes in and is super helpful.
She’s always willing to talk about things
and asks questions when she needs
answers. All of the staff love having
her around.”
—Eric Eisenhauer, Buddy Center
supervisor
critter camp
Is your 3rd through 5th grader
ready for Critter Camp?
Kids will learn about treating
animals humanely through fun,
interactive lessons that will benefit
them—and the animals in our
community—for a lifetime. Our
summer Critter Camps start in July,
and we’re also offering a two-day
Equine Exploration Camp at the
Dumb Friends League Harmony
Equine Center for 3rd
through 6th graders.
Sign your kiddo up today
at ddfl.org/camp.
vip update 4
Donna Ashford (left) with Lisa
Roberts and an adoptable dog
at the Buddy Center
We need cat/
kitten foster
parents!
Would you like to help homeless
felines by fostering an adult cat
or kittens this spring or summer?
During the summer months,
we can see as many as 800
cats and kittens between both
of our shelters. Foster volunteers
receive all cat food, bedding,
litter-box supplies, toys and
medicine (if needed) at no
cost; all you have to provide
is a safe, loving, temporary
home until the cats can
return to the shelter
for adoption.
If you’re interested in becoming a foster parent, please
contact Jasmin Rice at [email protected] or (720) 241-7146.
FEATURED VOLUNTEER
Martha Gertz—horseman, Harmony Equine Center
vip update
How long have you been volunteering
with the Dumb Friends League, and
what do you do?
5
What does the staff say about
Martha?
“Martha selflessly volunteers for two shifts
a week here at Harmony. Every day she
I have been volunteering at Harmony since
shows up with a smile and gets right to
July 2014.
work at whatever project needs worked
Do you have a favorite animal
on. I have been able to count on her
several times to help me with adoption
you encountered while volunteering?
appointments, grooming and shuttling
Why?
Martha and a friend
horses in and out for me, and they always
That’s a hard one. All the horses are so
look good. Ranging from cleaning stalls, raking up hay,
unique and have their own special personalities. I do like
grooming horses or cleaning the bathrooms, Martha always
Sienna very much. She loves people and attention. Then
works diligently with a great attitude. Martha is always a joy
there are the babies. They are so curious and sweet.
to be around, and her positive attitude is definitely contagious. Martha is a great example of someone that is giving
What’s on your bookshelf?
her time to help the animals and the people around her.”
Right now, I am trying to finish up Stephen King’s
—Brent Winston, trainer
“11/22/63.” Then I have “Wild Horse Annie” by fellow volunteer Alan Kania, “Zen Mind, Zen Horse,” “The Science
“Martha is a very dedicated volunteer, coming to Harmony
and Spirituality of Working with Horses,” and anything by
twice a week and willing to do whatever is asked of her.
Daniel Silva.
She is a great help in getting horses caught, groomed and
ready for us to ride or show, while also being willing to do
If you were an animal, what would you be?
any other task asked of her with a positive attitude.”
I honestly don’t know. Horses have always been special to
me, but I think cats have it pretty good.
—Taryn Hillman, barn attendant
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11 A.M.–3 P.M.
HARMONY EQUINE CENTER
5540 E. HWY. 86 • FRANKTOWN, CO
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Enjoy local food trucks, tours, games for kids and
training demos, and meet adoptable horses.
Visit ddfl.org/open-house for more information.
To volunteer visit harmony2015.eventbrite.com.
LEAGUE NEWS
general information
vip update
6
am enjoying getting to experience another program with
this organization.
Joe Cañas, offsite outreach coordinator
From left to right: offsite outreach coordinators Rita
Aragon, Karissa Gerondale and Joe Cañas
Get To Know Us: Offsite Adoptions
Rita Aragon, offsite outreach coordinator
I have been with the Dumb Friends League for 10 years
now. I started out in Animal Care, worked in Veterinary
Services and have now been in Outreach for a little over
seven years. I have two cattle dogs that are 7 years old,
two three-legged cats, and am a foster “flunkie” to my
last cat who was a Home Buddy. I love going dancing,
reading, attending sporting events, and when I have the
chance, playing volleyball. I am so fortunate that I have
found the perfect blend of working with animals and
people. The new Dumb Friends League adoption center at
Petco has been a wonderful addition to the League, and I
Rita Aragon
Joe Cañas
I was born in Nebraska but moved to Phoenix, Ariz., with
my parents when I was 14. That is where my immediate
family lives. I swore never to move to a city that had snow,
but in September 2003, I moved to Denver and have never
regretted it. I spend most of my free time catching up on
what’s on my DVR or spending time with my partner of
eight years, Jaason, and our now four dogs: Jacob, Jasper,
Sookie and our latest addition, Spartacus. We also like
to go to the movies and eat out at restaurants that are
unique to Denver—so if anybody has any great recommendations, please let me know!
Karissa Gerondale, offsite outreach
coordinator
When not at work, you can usually find me hanging out
with my many four-legged children, going for hikes with
the dogs or rides with the horses. My other hobbies
include racing at Bandimere and taking the dogs camping,
and you can find me at most concerts, motocross races
and monster truck shows! I also love country line dancing
and anything camo!
Karissa Gerondale with (from left to right) Mater, Chevy
Moto, Maggie Moo, Ratchet, Nysha and Thumper
LEAGUE NEWS
general information
vip update
7
Department Dish:
Adoption Center at Petco
On Saturday, Feb. 21, we celebrated the grand opening of
our new adoption center at the Petco store located near
I-25 and Colorado Boulevard in Denver. Dozens of shoppers
stopped by to watch the ribbon cutting, enjoy refreshments
and giveaways from Hill’s® Science Diet®, and meet the first
cats and dogs at the center. Two fortunate felines and five
lucky dogs found homes during grand opening day.
The adoption center was made possible by a grant from
Petco and the Petco Foundation, and has the distinction
of being Petco’s first in-store adoption center in Colorado.
It’s also a first for the Dumb Friends League, and was the
next logical step in the evolution of our offsite adoption
program. We have been featuring adoptable cats from our
shelters at select Petco locations throughout metro Denver
since 2012. Our partnership with Petco has
been extremely successful, with more than
1,500 Dumb Friends
League cats finding
homes through Petco
stores since then.
Unlike the six metroarea Petco locations
that strictly showcase Dumb Friends
League cats, the new
adoption center features both cats and
dogs from our shelters, and is staffed by
Dumb Friends League
employees and volunteers. The staff team
includes Joe Cañas, Rita Aragon and Karissa Gerondale,
our offsite outreach coordinators, and is managed by
Kristin Elliott, our customer care manager. During their
shifts at the offsite store, they are responsible for feeding
the pets, cleaning the facility and helping with adoptions.
They are busy during their shifts and rely on volunteer
support to get the job done.
… the new adoption center
features both cats and dogs
from our shelters, and is staffed
by Dumb Friends League
employees and volunteers.
By having a permanent presence at the busiest Petco store
in metro Denver, we’ll be able to introduce our shelter pets
to people who might not otherwise visit a Dumb Friends
League facility and who may not realize that shelter pets
are smart, affectionate and all-around wonderful. The new
adoption center will help the League find loving homes
for more cats and dogs, more quickly, while reducing the
length of stay for pets at our shelters and giving us a great
way to reach new donors and volunteers.
All pets available for adoption are spayed or neutered,
have a microchip ID implant and have received their initial vaccinations. Adopters at the center go through our
normal application and screening process, and adoption
fees and promotions are identical to those at our shelters. Please stop by to see the new location if you have
not already!
FEATURED VOLUNTEER
Lisa Roberts—Xtreme Team, horseman and Buddy Center Head Start 1
vip update
8
How long have you been
volunteering with the Dumb
Friends League, and what
do you do?
If you were an animal, what
would you be?
I started at the Buddy Center in June
2006 as a dog walker, and I’m still
a dog walker and loving it. I also
started volunteering at Harmony in
March 2012 when they first opened.
My primary expertise is scooping
poop; well, someone has to do it!
What does staff say
about Lisa?
Do you have a favorite pet you
while volunteering?
A hummingbird for sure!
“Lisa is a lot of fun to work
around. She comes in and always
has a big smile and willing attitude. She loves being out with
Lisa Roberts and a furry friend
the horses, mucking and cleaning
waters on nice days. I personally
encountered
really enjoy sharing stories about each other’s Australian
cattle dogs and sharing pictures.”
My heart goes out to the older dogs and horses, and also
the younger, wild ones. Hmmm, does Howie ring a bell
with anyone? Why? Because many times, it takes longer
for them to find good homes.
What’s on your bookshelf?
I recently ordered the Margaret Coel “Wind River Murder
Mystery” series—18 of them. I’ve read the first book in
the series.
—Sam Wilson, barn attendant
“Lisa always shows up with a smile on her face and
a friendly demeanor. She is willing to do whatever is
needed to be done and works hard to accomplish every
task with a good attitude. Even when it comes to doing
the ‘dirty work,’ she happily will carry out the task and
never complain.”
—Taryn Hillman, barn attendant
Thank you, trainers!
We have 54 amazing trainers that train all of our new volunteers. Since July 2014, our
trainers have spent over 835 hours training new volunteers so they are prepared for their first
shifts. Thank you so much for all you do!
John Allison
Nasiya Amoroso
Heather Aubart
Robin Bathke
Amanda Bolus
Sandy Boyd
Joan Campbell
Barbara Chesebro
Kristine Clay
Laura Cox
Charise Denavit
Mae Desaire
Brittany DeZutter
Fernando Diaz
Mike Ewing
Maren Getz
Lynn Gillingham
Mary Harmeyer
Dave Hegeman
Kathy Jarvis
Lauren Klostermann
Sara Levien
Jennifer Moss Logan
Nancy Lynch
Kristi McCormick
Mark McKenna
Janet Meyers
Lauri Moeller
Jim Mullins
James Mulvey
Emily Niemeier
Leanna Palmer
Martha Pavish
Sherry Peterson
Jeanne Rasmussen
Pat Rice-Savage
Will Schneider
Jim Slater
Diana Smith
Sue Smith
Suzanne Sutton
Linda Tegtmeier
Mary Thayer
Karen Vanderhyde
Nathan VanRaemdonck
FEATURED VOLUNTEER
Stephanie Pasek—foster parent and onsite foster clerical volunteer
How long have you been
volunteering with the
Dumb Friends League, and
what do you do?
I have been volunteering with the
League since February 2012 as a foster parent. I mostly foster orthopedic
dogs, but also foster puppies and cats.
I volunteer onsite as the clerical assistant in the Foster office. In the past, I
have volunteered in Intake and interviewed new foster parents. Last summer I was the summer camp counselor
in Humane Education, too.
vip update
9
What is your favorite animal,
and why?
My favorite animals are cats that act
like dogs and big dogs that think
they are lap dogs. I enjoy moose and
penguins, too!
What was your first pet?
My first pet was my golden retriever
named Alex.
What does the staff say
about Stephanie?
“Steph does it all! With no resident animals
at home, she is willing to foster anything.
What hobbies, sports or
Stephanie has taken on some tough mediStephanie and foster dog Bo Peep
cal cases and a lot of dogs with broken legs
other leisure activities do
or orthopedic issues. Stephanie always has
you enjoy most?
a smile on her face and is thinking about her next foster aniMy hobbies include fly fishing, hiking, snowboarding and
mal. We truly appreciate all she does for her foster animals.”
camping. I try to get to the mountains as often as possi—Lindsay Walsh, foster care coordinator
ble. I also love to read and travel!
Welcome Whitney: Whitney Shook,
volunteer programs assistant
Whitney grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and came to
Colorado in 2010 to do a year of service with Americorps
NCCC. During that time, she traveled around the country working for nonprofits in everything from trail building to disaster response. Afterwards, Whitney knew that
she wanted a career that helped enrich and strengthen her
community, so she went back to school to study Women’s
Studies and Non-Profit Administration and Organization.
Whitney is excited about her new job at the League
because she has always been an animal lover. In fact, she
(or someone like her) has probably stopped you in the
street at some point to ask about the dog you’re walking and whether or not she can give them a belly rub.
Whitney has two dogs, Samson and Gus, who love to join
her in all of her outdoor adventures. When she isn’t working at the League, you can bet Whitney is out rock climbing, hiking, drinking craft beers or cuddled up with her
dogs watching “Parks and Recreation.”
Whitney with her two dogs and boyfriend, Roman
NEWS BRIEFS
general information
vip update 10
ask the expert
Spaghetti and Rice
by Holly Aubart, Meow Mobile coordinator
You may think I’m asking you what you had for dinner,
but I am actually talking about parasites. I’m referring
to roundworms and tapeworms, both of which can be
spread to dogs, cats and humans!
Roundworm (Toxocara) is a common parasite that plagues
dogs and cats. They have thin, round, smooth bodies that
look like spaghetti. Roundworms are spread between animals by ingestion of eggs that are shed in the stool of
infected animals. Infected female dogs can pass roundworms to their puppies before birth or through the milk
when nursing. Infected female cats can pass roundworms
to their kittens through nursing, but not before birth.
Humans can become infected with roundworms when they
ingest soil, sand or plants contaminated with roundworm
eggs. Visceral larva migrans (VLM) can occur when the
movement of larvae causes swelling of internal organs (for
example, liver, spleen, heart, lungs, brain or spinal cord).
The most common type of tapeworm (Dipylidium caninum) is spread by fleas. Dogs and cats contract this species of tapeworm when they swallow fleas in the process
of grooming. Shedding of tapeworm segments in the
feces is the most common symptom of tapeworm infestation in pets. The segments are small pieces of the worm
that look like grains of rice. People become infected when
they accidentally swallow a flea infected with tapeworm
larvae; most reported cases involve children. Thankfully,
Dipylidium infection is easily treated
in humans and animals.
We want to feed our pets—not the
parasites. That is why we deworm!
*Gross! The largest roundworm
ever recorded, (Placentonema
gigantissima), measured over 27 feet
in length with a diameter of 0.3 mm. About 20
million people worldwide are infected with tapeworms at any given time, and they can live inside
their host for 25 years or more.
YOU’RE INVITED TO A FREE LUNCHTIME SEMINAR THAT COULD CHANGE YOUR LIFE . . .
“ T HE 7 SECR E T S TO ENH A NCING
A ND PROT EC T ING YOUR W E A LT H”
P R E S E N T E D BY J O H N I H AYS , J . D.
Attorney and Vice President, Thompson & Associates
Tuesday, April 21
11 : 3 0 A . M . – 1 : 3 0 P. M .
(complimentary lunch included)
Dumb Friends League Quebec Street Shelter • 2080 S. Quebec St., Denver
Johni Hays is a national presence in the field of retirement and estate
planning, helping people take charge of their financial destiny and leave
more for their heirs than they thought possible. Through the use of
strategic retirement and estate planning techniques, you’ll learn how to:
• Maximize your assets without unwanted pressure
• Stop worrying about your finances
• Start loving your golden years
Johni Hays, J.D.
Ms. Hays will also address estate planning and philanthropic giving, as
well as ways to ensure the well-being of your pets if they outlive you.
Seating is limited. Please
RSVP by April 17 to Melannie
Grimme at 720.241.7150 or
[email protected].
Peppermint Bark
a swe et ad dition to family
Peppy, an adorable 10-year-old Welsh corgi, came
to our shelter the day before Thanksgiving. His
owners said they could no longer care for the
little dog, who was overweight and suffering
from decayed teeth and gum disease. Peppy had
spent most of his life in his owner’s garage and
back yard, and he seemed sweet but a little timid
around strangers.
Our grooming staff gave Peppy a nice bath and
brushing, and put comforting ointment on his legs
where they had been rubbing against his pudgy
belly. Then our veterinarians cleaned Peppy’s teeth
and extracted five that were causing him pain. Our
volunteers started taking Peppy for short walks,
noting that he tired quickly due to his weight, but that
“true to his name, he has a pep in his step!”
It wasn’t long before Carolyn S. and her family, who
were looking for a purebred corgi, came to visit
Peppy—and fell in love with him. They adopted Peppy
in early December, and Carolyn recently sent this
update on their new pal:
Peppy, or Peppermint Bark as we named him, is
wonderful! He has been such a joyous addition to our
family. We love him so much, and my 6-year-old son,
who has never loved dogs, LOVES him. Peppy loves to
play in the snow with him.
We have Peppermint on Hill’s® Science Diet® Adult
Perfect Weight dog food to help him lose a few
pounds, per the veterinarian’s recommendation, as well
as chewy vitamins for his hips and joints.
Thanks so much for everything!
Peppermint Bark is sure to bring years of happiness
to Carolyn’s family, thanks to a healthy, new lifestyle
made possible by Hill’s Science Diet. Thank you for
ensuring that shelter pets of all shapes and sizes
receive the specialized nutrition they need.
Sincerely,
Robert D. Rohde
President and CEO
Dumb Friends League
NEWS BRIEFS
general information
DFL’s Got Talent:
Ultra Marathoner
vip update 12
inspiring and wonderful people and have developed cherished friendships. Trail running is my “home.”
Chad Wilson, adoptions
volunteer
An ultra-marathon is defined
as a race distance greater
than that of a marathon (26.2
miles). I’m not sure of the
“ultra” origin, or who came up
with the insane idea to run farther than 26.2 miles, or why
other runners would think this
was a good idea. My start of
running ultras was the result of
a bad marathon.
Chad Wilson
In late 2012, I signed up for a
road marathon in 2013. I had
primarily been running trails for almost a year and wasn’t
overly excited for the race. On race day, I wasn’t motivated
and struggled during the last half, running and walking
towards the finish.
I took a few weeks off to refocus and realized that I was
happiest being on the trail. However, I still felt defeated
from the marathon and needed to rebuild my confidence,
so I registered for a 50K in September 2013—my first ultra.
Most ultras are run on dirt trails with terrain ranging from
mountainous to desert. The training is intense and demanding, and weekly miles can peak out between 50 to 60
miles. Rest and nutrition need to balance with the physical.
gotTalent
DFL’s Got Talent: Race Car Driver
Dave Hegeman, Buddy Center volunteer
I’m not certain this is a talent, but I have a great interest in
sports car racing. As a youngster, I became infatuated with
jet planes, outer space and racing cars. In the mid ‘60s, I persuaded my dad to take me to the race track. It was astonishing. I declared that I would be a race car driver someday.
Someday came.
In the early ‘80s, I was fortunate to marry a wonderful lady named Diane who shared my interest in sports
car racing. We became competition-licensed officials
for racing in 1984. We work as safety officials and have
attended many events, here and abroad. I once had
occasion to help push a disabled car with a seven-time
World Champion at my side.
(Continued on next page)
Running an ultra is a big commitment. It’s dirty, gritty,
painful and challenging, both physically and mentally.
However, it’s more achievable than most think. The reward
is an incomparable journey where self-limits are constantly
pushed and redefined. The mind and spirit are strengthened
with the hours spent on the trail, deep in the mountain forest, experiencing some amazing terrain and scenery.
The trail and ultra-running community is a welcoming,
supportive and close-knit organic group. I have met some
Dave Hegeman
LEAGUE NEWS
general information
vip update 13
(Continued from previous page)
In 1993, after hearing me state “I will do this someday”
for the millionth time, Diane said, “Either do it or be
quiet.” So began my career as a race car driver.
We acquired a race car and later built a second car. I drove
for 20 years and had a ball. We raced in the Sports Car
Club of America, an amateur racing organization. I qualified for the National Championship race several times, but
we were not able to attend. We finally made the trip to
Ohio and competed in 1999, qualifying 42nd and finishing
21st. We still volunteer as officials and participate in World
Championship events in the U.S., with the occasional
thought to overseas travel.
Probably will not get to outer space. Jet pilot seems
unlikely. I’m thinking about learning to sail. Diane would
like me to golf. She’d probably be content with fishing.
gotTalent
DFL’s Got Talent: Musician & Foodie
Laura Embleton, public affairs manager
As the League’s public affairs manager, I work on animal
welfare policy, laws and the legislative process.
I grew up with a house full of pianos: five to be exact,
with one in my bedroom. My mom was a teacher. I figured out I could sing in high school, started voice lessons
and sang in most of the choirs at school. Much to my
mother’s dismay, I entered college intending to pursue a
Bachelor of Music, Vocal and ended with a Bachelor of
Arts in Music with an emphasis in Political Science. My
senior thesis project was on the music of the Civil Rights
Movement. After getting my music degree, my passion for
politics and justice drove me to obtain a law degree.
Laura Embleton
I sang opera with Opera Colorado for three seasons and
performed with Singers Master Chorale. After my daughter was born in 2000, I stopped singing professionally and
now sing Broadway show tunes and jazz, mostly in the car
and very rarely in public.
I have carried on my mother’s passion for the arts and
am now very proud of my fabulous daughter who is a
theater major at the Denver School of the Arts, which
prompted me to once
again become engaged
in the arts. Now we love
to go with a large group
to the DCPA and enjoy
local theater almost
every weekend.
“I grew up with
a house full of
pianos: five to be
exact, with one
in my bedroom.”
In addition to my passion for theater, opera,
—Laura Embleton
the symphony and the
arts, I also love to talk
food. I work Saturdays at
a Savory Spice Shop and LOVE to talk recipes and food with
my friends and customers. Sundays I work up DIY recipes and
have made ricotta cheese, salted caramel sauce and granola.
I am pretty psyched about my full life where I get to play
out my passions of policy and politics, theater and the
arts, and food.
ENTERTAINMENT
fun and games
vip update 14
crossword challenge
Answer Key:
Winter 2015 Issue
ACROSS
3.Rusty is now known as Buzz, since
his motor is always on!
5.Abbreviated name of the staff
member who worked in a small,
nonprofit animal shelter in Greece.
EC
6.In Siamese cats, darker colors
retain more heat.
9.First name of the volunteer whose
special talent is Irish step dancing.
Janine
10.Sara Gleason is manager of the
League’s newest department, also
known as the Call Center.
DOWN
ACROSS
5.Type of animal that volunteer Lisa R. would be.
7.Kiwi is ____ and loves her cat sibling, Kumquat.
8.In addition to her passion for theater, opera,
the symphony and the arts, Public Affairs
Manager Laura also loves to talk about what?
9.First name of the staff member who loves
monster truck shows.
DOWN
1.The book “Wild Horse Annie” was written by
League volunteer ______ Kania.
2.The first name of the volunteer who considers
trail running his home.
3.Dave and his wife became _____ licensed
officials for racing in 1984.
4.Last name of the staff member who loves to
give strangers’ dogs belly rubs.
6.The largest _____ ever recorded measured over
27 feet in length with a diameter of 0.3 mm.
10.Joe, offsite outreach coordinator, swore he’d
never move to a city that has ___.
Provide for our future
You can ensure that your love for animals continues beyond your lifetime
by including the Dumb Friends League in your estate plans.
Call Rick Gabrielson, vice president of development & communications,
at (720) 241-7083, or visit ddfl.org/giftplanning.
1.When volunteer Joanna started
brewing beer, she had to cut up
a jug of water to make an instant
funnel.
2.Mary H’s favorite pet encountered
at the League was named this.
McJagger
4.Use this code at
checkout when
subscribing
for Bark Box
to support the
Dumb Friends
League. DUMBFRIENDS
7.The title of the League staff
member who plays French horn is
Major Gifts & Grants Manager.
8.Volunteer Sherry’s favorite special
event to help out with was playing
Santa at PetSmart.