Alpenglow and Our Furry Friends
During our information sessions we are often asked if Alpenglow welcomes pets. The answer is an enthusiastic “yes!” Many, but not all, of our members have pets, and they are an important part of our lives. We imagine they will also be an important part of the Alpenglow community.
Ridgway is an idyllic place for animals. For dogs, there are ample open areas for leashed and unleased walks. The town has designated one area on the Uncompahgre River for dogs to swim. There is a large field south of the Alpenglow community where dog owners often let their dogs run and play off leash. Returning from long, mountain walks, Alpenglowers can stop in the Common House to give their canines a quick bath.
Cats can look forward to lounging in the sun on our 243 sunshiney days a year in Ridgway. Our homes will feature in-floor heating and great windows for wonderful views, two details feline Alpenglow residents will surely appreciate. Two current Alpenglow members have horses and are investigating boarding facilities in Ouray County. They are looking forward to taking their horses on some of the wonderful horse trails in the mountains.
While Ridgway is a small town, it does have its own animal hospital, https://ridgwayanimalhospital.com/. There are also three veterinary clinics in nearby Montrose.
Within the Alpenglow neighborhood, we will work together to create policies and guidelines on how to help our beloved pets be respectful neighbors. Items to be discussed will include how we relate to leashes and use of common spaces. We want to balance freedom for our furry friends and the need to coexist as a harmonious community. Another great reason to join now – help us craft our pet plans!
Now we would like to introduce you to some of the pets who will make up the animal side of the Alpenglow community. They come in all shapes and sizes.
Cassie, introduced by Abby
My horse’s name is Cassie. She was my retirement gift, and one of the best gifts I ever gave myself. It is amazing the lessons one can learn in the company of a horse!
Fezzik, introduced by Marla
Fezzik (Fez) is a handsome Maine Coon who was recently surrendered by his family on a reservation near Gallup, N.M. By the time Rez Dawg Rescue collected him and brought him to Colorado on a transport, Fez (temporarily called Mr. Sugar by his rescuers) had been through the wringer and was a very scared and scrawny kitty. Now that he’s home with me in his forever-safe home and being spoiled unmercifully, he’s bouncing off the walls and loves playing chase and tag around my apartment. His coat and eyes are shiny and bright again. I’m so grateful to the wonderful volunteers of Rez Dog Rescue who save and improve animals lives every day.
BTW, if “Fezzik” sounds familiar, it’s the name of Andre the Giant’s character in “The Princess Bride,” my favorite movie.
Lil, Zach and Mrs. Tittlesworth, introduced by Pam and Shawn
Lil, half Great Dane and half German Shepherd, and the two cats, Zach and Mrs. Tittlesworth, make up the Reynolds-Eddy zoo. Lil loves long walks, sniffing everything, and the occasional chase. Around the house she can often be found snoozing somewhere. Lil is looking forward to zooming around some of the Ridgway off-leash areas, and hiking. Zach is an explorer and will often walk a few blocks with Shawn and Lil just to see what’s up in the neighborhood. Mrs. Tittlesworth is more of a homebody and a bit high strung, as her name implies. She loves nothing more than to share some mutual grooming with Zach. Zach and Mrs. Tittlesworth will surely be engaged in copious bird watching and catnapping at Alpenglow.
Bandit, Shadow, Caramel, Happy, and Grace, introduced by Maggie C.
Bandit, Shadow, and Caramel say: "We're indoor cats. We don’t care if we live in Kansas or Colorado. But for sure we'll howl all the way there!”
The first couple of days after I adopted my dog from the shelter, she seemed to be moping instead of being appreciative, so I said, "How about being Happy?” (pun intended). Re: Ridgway, Happy says: "Where you go, I go. That's all there is to it."
Grace is half Arab and half Nobody Knows, but she is 100% grumpy. She won't let me touch her unless she's tied to a hitching post, except in the summer when she has itchy bug bites. Then she'll park herself next to me and demand that I scratch her tummy. Re: Ridgway Grace says: "I'll hop into the trailer as I always do (my best trait) and get out wherever. It might be nice to live with other horses, instead of alone, as I am here, but we’ll see. I trust you to find me a nice stable but I'm not promising to get along with the other horses. I might have to kick a couple of them to establish my position in the herd."
Bentley, introduced by Don and Sally
Our newest family member is Bentley, AKA Ben, a 3-year-old Australian Sheep Dog (Blue Heeler). Raised to herd sheep or cattle, he is energetic, strong, and intelligent. In his three weeks with us, he has mastered “sit,” ”down,” “stay,” and “fewer barks!” He is deaf, so we are also in the learning stage. In our ranching country, city folk are dumbfounded to see Heelers balanced on stacks of hay bales atop pick-ups— or jumping on a bull’s back to redirect him. We are offering frisbees, balls, and peanut butter-stuffed Kongs for our ever-busy pup. We are glad that he will be older, perhaps quieter, and practicing town manners by our move-in to Alpenglow.
Bandee, introduced by Mick and Kathy Graff
Bandee is simply remarkable. She came to us as a 4-year-old, already accomplished at catching balls and frisbees. She once caught 40 long-throw frisbees in a row from Mick, leaping, over-the-shoulder, on the run, etc. She caught tennis balls from a flinger, sometimes in the air, often on the first high bounce. She lies down to lick out containers of all shapes, holding them still with her paws. Most remarkable is her large vocabulary; she listens to and understands our conversations much like a human 4-year-old, and reacts to them, even when we’re not talking to her. She’s 15 now; we hope she’ll still be with us when we move into Alpenglow; she’ll love being near her good buddies, Sally and Don.
Lionel, introduced by Steve
I haven’t quite figured out what species Lionel is. He is really fond of going fishing with me. Only problem is I need to get the fish away from him before he eats it raw. In Colorado, Lionel is looking forward to popping out from old mine shafts and scaring hikers.
Photos below (left to right): Cassie ridden by Abby, Fez, Lil and Zach, Mrs. Tittlesworth, Happy, Bentley, Bandee, and Lionel.
