Every dog should have a person

By Marty Metzger
Correspondent

As thousands of dogs die daily in animal shelters, Sandra Risler disputes the necessity of any of those deaths.

"There's a person out there for every dog," she declares.

Risler and business partner Ali Eccleston promote that premise with dedication and hard work at their no-kill dog shelter, Animal House Rescue and Grooming. The fledgling nonprofit organization opened its doors in March in a "trial-by-fire" initiation. Risler and Eccleston were painting and installing flooring when a Kansas high-kill shelter offered them 20 dogs destined for demise.

Although their facilities weren't ready, their hearts were. They accepted, and somehow managed to vaccinate, de-worm, spay or neuter and attend to all the dogs' emotional needs while still buffing and polishing the building.

All of those original 20 canines have been adopted. The last was a nearly year-old black Lab named Maury. He's a sweet dog, a regular social gadabout, who became shy when potential adopters came to look at him. His new owners, however, fell in love with Maury's picture online, so the match was a cinch when they met in person.

Animal House has been the temporary home of many purebreds as well as mixed breeds. For mutt lovers, charming canines of compound familial lineage comprise a large percentage of the adoptable dogs. About 20 dogs are in residence now, and 10 puppies and three dogs are in foster care.

Risler said that every breed presents its own unique challenge. Shar Peis, for example, are very susceptible to eye problems that may require surgery. Animal House strives to make people aware of any such possibilities before they adopt a dog. Eccleston is a behavior expert specializing in pit bulls and dachshunds.

Individuals at the rescue range in age from 6 weeks to about 6 years, although a 10-year-old Chihuahua has been placed.

Animal House has found homes for 108 dogs and puppies. Adoptions also occur monthly at Petco. Risler eagerly anticipates additional sites soon, including the Harmony Farmers' Market.

Animal House exists to support high-kill shelters, some of which have space issues that give a stray or surrendered animal just three days before euthanasia. Four such shelters, two in Kansas and two in Wyoming, are eager to work with rescues, thereby reducing death numbers. Risler said her facility saves many otherwise-doomed dogs thanks to volunteer transport efforts.

It's a difficult, life-or-death decision, but her own space limitations decree the choice must be made based on an individual animal's adoptability. She accepts only nonaggressive animals because too many people-oriented dogs are needlessly dying.

In their sincere attempt to assure a happy, healthy pet for each adopter, Animal House also commits itself to high standards of care. All incoming animals are quarantined and vaccinated. Thanks to veterinarian Dr. Thomas Welsh, all dogs are spayed or neutered gratis at Fort Collins Cat Rescue's Spay/Neuter Clinic.

Risler is also grateful for the Pet Wellness Clinic in Fort Collins and Dr. Amy Gane in Loveland, who offer free or discounted services. They must, however, charge for supplies. Risler is seeking more donated veterinary time and donated supplies.

Because shelter dogs can arrive with ailments that might not initially display symptoms, Animal House provides a free follow-up vet exam within the first post-adoption week to detect any residual problems.

To enhance dogs' mental and emotional well-being, they're housed rather than restrained. Indoor and outdoor facilities include fenced play areas where dogs socially interact. Groups of three to five are matched by personality type and hierarchy. Risler said this pack playtime produces better-adjusted animals than does confinement in small, individual cages.

Risler, an Ohio native, delights in the area's dog aficionados.

"Fort Collins is wonderful," she exclaimed. "People love their animals so much."

And, with 20 to 30 dogs at a time happily cavorting at Animal House, potential adopters should each be able to find at least one that will grab their heart. Or, in lieu of love at first sight, people can put their names on an animal-desired list. High-kill shelters' web sites are regularly checked for a match. When found, the requestor is called with a description of the dog, and if it still seems the right one, it's included in the next shipment to Animal House.

Running a rescue is simultaneously saturated with satisfaction and sadness. The former stems from successful adoptions, the latter from the painful knowledge of abuse and the large numbers of dogs that aren't saved.

Occasionally animals die after they come in. Recently, Risler could only helplessly watch as six puppies in a litter of 13 from Kansas died from a rare virus. "It's especially hard when you lose pups," said Risler. "There's so much emotion invested."

Animal House, like most start-up nonprofits, remains open through the generosity of donations, volunteer hours and fund-raising events. One innovative program is the "Give a Dog a Bone Loan" through which Risler's mortgage broker husband, Jason Risler, donates a percentage of each loan transaction to the rescue.

Current needs at the rescue include more foster homes, monetary donations and canned dog food, which is used as a disguise for some not-so-tasty medications. More information is available by calling Animal House at 224-3647 or visiting www.animalhousehelp.com. Donations can be made online or mailed to Animal House Rescue & Grooming Inc., 1104 W. Vine Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80521.

The facility, located at the northwest corner of Shields and Vine, is open for adoptions Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adoption fees are $250 for puppies and $225 for dogs. The fee includes services needed for a new pet, including vaccinations and microchipping for identification.