The Gay Vegans: Chico the Foster Dog

By Dan Hanley

Mike and I have been fostering dogs from local shelters and rescue groups since we have been together. It is part of what we do to volunteer and to help dogs who might have a tough time being adopted at the shelter, especially those who have been abused, neglected or who are older.

And yes, we have had what they call a failed foster. Shadow, our beloved 18 year old cockapoo who passed away last year started out as a foster. Of course at 14, no one was seriously interested in adopting her so we did. That was one of the best decisions we ever made!

Last weekend we went to MaxFund to see if they needed any of the dogs to be fostered. A few minutes later we met Chico, an 8 year old Pekingese (mix?) who has one eye and is just the cutest. A few days later I went and picked him up and he became our latest foster dog.

He is laying on a doggie bed at my feet while I write this post. I am kind of surprised as he is filled with fear, as most of our fosters are when they arrive. But this morning he went outside and came back in without encouragement (or force!) from us and he even ate breakfast. Last night he jumped out of bed with me and instead of staying cowered under the kitchen table he jumped up on the couch and went back to sleep.

The process for a foster dog who is that frightened is a long one. And it is wonderful watching them get more and more comfortable in the home, and eventually be so comfortable that we can begin having people over who are interested in adopting them.

I have written many times about volunteering at a local shelter as part of taking small actions to make the world a better place for all living beings. Fostering an animal from your local shelter is a great thing to do that will definitely change the life of an animal who could really use your help.

Oh, and Chico needs a forever home! If you live in the Denver metro area and are interested in him please let me know!

Thank you for reading!

This post originally appeared on Dan Hanley's website The Gay Vegans. Republished with permission.

Pet of the Week: Rasamba

Howdy, my name is Rasamba. I'm a typical American mixed breed puppy of seven months old who just wants to play and be everyone's friend.

I am so lucky to be at Maxfund No Kill Animal Shelter. I was wandering around by myself for what must have been a long time because when they found me I was very skinny, dehydrated and weak. After a few weeks at the hospital I am all better and have my energy back. While I was there, they discovered I have diabetes. That means I will need to get twice daily insulin injections throughout my life so that my blood sugar stays regulated. But I don't mind getting them! They don't hurt a bit and I'm used to it. The kind folks at Maxfund can show you how to do it; they say it's real easy.

I am also available for foster care, where all my medical expenses and care can be provided by Maxfund. Won't you please give me a home to live in, even as a foster parent? We would both be very happy I can guarantee it!

Pet of the Week: Queen

My name is Queen and I'm a happy, gorgeous, queen-sized, young adult Siberian Husky mix. I am energetic and high-spirited and would love to meet you.

For more information about Queen or any of the other animals available for adoption at the MaxFund No-Kill Animal Shelter and Adoption Center visit TheMaxFund.org.

Pet of the Week:

Hi, my name is Leslie and I am an 8-year-old dachshund who came to MaxFund as a stray. I am a very socialized pooch and love my daily walks. I am commited to shedding a couple of extra pounds, but with or without extra pounds, I am very loyal and a great sentry. Don't worry though, I am not a big barker at all. I am a very polite and gentle lady who loves to be around people.

Find out more about Leslie or any of the other wonderful animals available for adoption at MaxFund No-Kill Animal Shelter and Adoption Center.

Pet of the Week: Peaches

Hello! My name is Peaches! I came over to MaxFund after I was relinquished elsewhere, so not much is known about me. We American Bulldogs are typically happy and friendly dogs who are at ease with family and fine with outsiders with whom we are acquainted. I am a sweet, affectionate, shy girl who loves to lay my head on your lap.

Find out more about Peaches and the other amazing animals available for adoption at the MaxFund No-Kill Animal Shelter and Adoption Center.

Pet of the Week: Sinbad

Hi there, my name is Sinbad and I am a 1-year-old Aussie/cattle dog mix. I came to MaxFund from another shelter and am here just waiting to meet you.

As is true for both Aussies and cattle dog breeds, I am a very friendly, affectionate, polite and extremely loyal pup who loves his walks. My leash manners are superb and I get along with the other dogs at the shelter as long as they aren't aggressive towards me. I am a very calm guy at heart. All I really need in life are daily walks or hikes, a couple of naps, and to be a loyal companion to someone like you.

Find out more about Sinbad or any of the other wonderful animals available for adoption at the MaxFund No-Kill Shelter and Adoption Center.

Pet of the Week: Burt

Hi there, my name is Burt. I am a 10-month old, 26-lb. Shar-Pei mix who was brought to MaxFund from another shelter.

Right now I tend to be fearful of men and am trying to learn to be more trusting of them. True to my Shar-Pei heritage, I need a confident, consistent leader. If you are uncertain or inconsistent, I may try to fill the leadership vacuum myself. Obedience training will help me greatly! I'm very intelligent and already know such basic commands as "sit" and "shake."

Find out more about Burt or any of the other wonderful animals available for adoption at MaxFund No-Kill Animal Shelter and Adoption Center.

Pet of the Week: Yucca

Hi, my name is Yucca and I am a two-year old Husky mix. I was brought to MaxFund from another shelter and I am still frightened and shy, but the staff and volunteers are diligently working with me to overcome all of my fears. They know that I can be a great dog who will be a loyal companion to just the right person.

Attending training classes is a must for my socialization skills. Will you be willing to attend obedience classes with me and have the patience to help me through my training period?

Find out more about me or any of the other amazing animals available for adoption at MaxFund No-Kill Animal Shelter and Adoption Center.

Pet of the Week: Dante

Hi! I'm Dante, the sweetest black lab mix you've ever seen! I am four-years old and I am full of so much love and affection. I love to give hugs and kisses and I am most happy when I am being petted and loved.

I am extremely intelligent and I know many commands, including sit, down, shake, and stay. I am full of energy and love to go for walks and play fetch. I absolutely adore belly rubs-I will lie on my back and get petted for hours! I am true to my breed and will be very loyal to my new family but I am also very friendly to new people, as long as they approach me politely.

Find out more about Dante and the other amazing animals available for adoption at MaxFund No Kill Animal Shelter and Adoption center at www.themaxfund.org.

Oh my God, you guys! Legally Blonde: The Musical and MaxFund are having a Dog Adoption Weekend

'Legally Blonde: The Musical" and MaxFund are working together to put on a fabulous Dog Adoption Event this weekend only - February 6 and 7 from 1-8 p.m. - on the corner of 14th and Curtis Streets in Downtown Denver.

And while you're down there you better nab your tickets to 'Legally Blonde: The Musical'. It's only here until February 14 and it really is a rollicking good time that you don't wanna miss.




Pet of the Week: Gizmo

Hello, my name is Gizmo and I am the sweetest little guy you ever laid your eyes on. I am a 6 lb., one-year old Chihuahua mix with a small sleek, muscular build and a very, shiny healthy coat. Why don't you come down and see if we're a match?

Find out more about all of the amazing animals available for adoption at MaxFund No-Kill Animal Shelter.

Pet of the Week: Oscar the Great

Hello! I’m Oscar, a Pyrenees-Heeler mix, and I’m about a year old. I was found as a stray in New Mexico, and taken to a shelter there. When my time there was up, I was fortunate enough to be brought to MaxFund. Whew! I’m so glad I’ll have time to locate my wonderful forever family ... is that you?

I’m young and active, so I would like to be with an active family. I’m a playful, friendly, and fun boy, but I’m a bit behind in my socialization, and need to continue my education in the ways of Great Caninehood. Puppy Kindergarten will be a must for me, and will help me catch up on the finer points of being a canine good citizen. (What? Humans don’t appreciate play-bites? Who knew?) I’m a smart boy, though, and treat-motivated, so I have no doubt that, with your patient and gentle guidance, I will blossom into a most wonderful companion to you.

Find out more about Oscar the Great and all other wonderful animals available for adoption at MaxFund.org.

Pet of the Week: Andrew

Hello, my name is Andrew. I am a beautiful one-year-old, 44 lb. Corgi/ cattle dog mix who is intelligent and happy-go-lucky. I am also hearing-impaired and one of MaxFund’s very generous volunteers is funding two training sessions for me with an individual who is experienced in working with deaf dogs. See . I can hardly wait to start the sessions because I know this will help me better communicate with my humans.

Visit TheMaxFund.org to find out more about Andrew or any of the other amazing animals available for adoption at MaxFund No-Kill Animal Shelter and Adoption Center.

Pet of the Week: Millie

Hi, I'm Millie, and all I want for Christmas is my forever home! You may have heard about me on the news. I was likely hit by a car in Taos, NM and I lived on the streets with a broken back and without the use of my hind legs. I survived by pulling myself around and I was so quick that no one could catch me for eight months.

I use a cart to get around that was generously donated by Donna Cashen, a MaxFund volunteer. If you want a dog who will love you and snuggle with you and try to always please you, then I’m your girl.

Did I mention that I have the most beautiful blue eyes?

For more information about Millie or any of the other wonderful animals available for adoption at MaxFund No-Kill Animal Shelter and Adoption Center click right here.

Pet of the Week: Teddy Bear

My name is Teddy Bear, a three-year old, 70lb Chow mix who is as sweet as a teddy bear. I have a good temperament and great leash manners. I love exercise, so I want to take advantage of any opportunity to go outside for a walk, a hike, or a play session! Because I am an active young dog, I would do better in a house with a nice (and well-fenced) backyard. I'm just not a condo or apartment type of guy! I'm a smart dog, but I would greatly benefit from some higher education in the ways of Great Caninehood. So I hope you'll have the time to attend some training classes with me.

Find out more about Teddy Bear or any of the other wonderful pets available for adoption at MaxFund No Kill Animal Shelter.

Pet of the Week: Oscar the Great

This big boy is Oscar, a Pyrenees-Heeler mix who is about a year old. He's playful, smart, and friendly and loves to chase tennis balls and indulge in other outdoor activities so what are you waiting for? Come on over to MaxFund No Kill Animal Shelter to meet Oscar the Great - and bring your tennis ball!

Pet of the Week: Bubba

Hey there, my name is Bubba and I am a two-year old English Bulldog who was brought to MaxFund as a stray. I was a hurtin' pup, skinny and severely malnourished. I only weighed 40 pounds at that time! MaxFund sure helped me and brought me back to good health.

I have a very sweet and loving personality, and my smile will brighten up anybody's world. I love car rides and human attention. I am looking for a home where my human companion will train me with positive behavior techniques, love me, and take great care of me. Familiarity with my breed will be a big plus.

For more information about Bubba or any of the other great animals available for adoption visit www.TheMaxFund.org.

Pet of the Week: Prince

Hi, my name is Prince and I'm an adorable eight-week old German Shepherd mix.

I like to play, bite and lick faces.

Please come and see me so we can go outside and play!

For more information about Prince or any of the other wonderful pets available for adoption at MaxFund visit www.MaxFund.org.

Puttin on the Max

Puttin' on the Max, an annual fundraiser for the MaxFund No Kill Animal Shelter, takes place this Saturday October 17 at 5:30 p.m. at the venerable Brown Palace Hotel.

For tickets or more information call 303-595-9481 or visit www.MaxFund.org.

Pet of the Week: Minnie

Hi there, my name is Minnie and I am a "mini" 2-year-old, 5-lb. chihuahua/pug mix.

It's a little scary here at MaxFund for a tiny gal like me, but the volunteers and staff have made it easier for me to adjust to my temporary home.

I love to go out for walks with the volunteers and some of the other dogs. My little legs go really fast, and I keep up with everyone, in fact I have heard the volunteers say that I "prance".

Not only do I like to go outside, but I also love to sit on laps and cuddle.

For more information on Minnie or many other wonderful dogs available for adoption, visit MaxFund No-Kill Animal Shelter and Adoption Center.