Good Idea: Big Dogs Huge Paws
As we approached the Pepsi Center for a Nuggets game just over a week ago, we were greeted by several huge dogs. These dogs probably weighed nearly as much as us and came up to our chests in height. They were extremely friendly. Curious about why were being treated to the presence of such wonderful creatures, we stopped to chat with the dog owners. Who we thought were dog owners were actually foster dog parents volunteering for an organization called Big Dogs Huge Paws.
Big Dogs Huge Paws is an organization that rescues, treats, trains, and finds loving homes for giant breed dogs–dogs like Great Danes, Great Pyrenees, Newfoundlands, Saint Bernards, Mastiffs, Irish Wolfhounds, and Scottish Deerhounds. But why the focus on big dogs?
Just as it is harder to find homes for older and bigger kids in foster homes, it is also harder to find homes for older and bigger dogs. Though not all of the dogs at Big Dogs Huge Paws are old (some are small puppies!), all of them will eventually become very large. This, unfortunately, is the reason why the dogs need to be rescued in the first place. Compared to small dogs, giant breeds take up significantly more space, eat significantly more food, are significantly more expensive to care for, and can be difficult to physically manage (on a leash or otherwise). In tough economic times, it is easy to understand why there are more and more giant breeds needing rescue and less and less adoptive homes ready to take them in.
Reba, a Saint Bernard available through Big Dogs Huge Paws.
Reba (right) was previously locked outside and neglected. Now that she is with a foster family, she loves to play, is being trained, and has “a heart of gold.” Reba, unfortunately, is one of the many dogs that have been neglected, abandoned, and/or abused before being rescued. Some of the dogs at Big Dogs Huge Paws were given up because owners could no longer afford to care for them or were forced to move into a residence that would not allow them. There are many more Reba’s out there who need Good, loving homes. A list of all of the dogs currently available for adoption from Big Dogs Huge Paws can be found here.
If you’d like to support the work of Big Dogs Huge Paws, there are several ways you can get involved:
1. Adopt a dog. Big Dogs Huge Paws has over 75 dogs looking for homes, including old dogs, puppies, and everything in between.
2. Become a foster dog parent. Big Dogs Huge Paws depends on volunteers to house, care for, and rehabilitate the dogs it rescues. Without the dedication of the foster families, the program could not exist.
3. Donate time or money. All nonprofits benefit from donations from the public. If you can’t donate your money, you can get involved by conducting home visits, writing grants, planning events, and more.
For further information on Big Dogs Huge Paws, visit http://www.bigdogshugepaws.com/.
Need to find a new home for your big dog? Search Denver homes for sale here.
To stay in The Good Life Denver loop, become a fan on Facebook or follow @thegoodlifeden on Twitter!
