This weekend our local paper had a really great article on the pet friendly atmosphere here in the Denver/Boulder area. It wasn't news to me, I've been coming to visit for many years (before finally moving here) and I've experienced the way folks here accept pets, especially dogs, just about everywhere.

The author of the article, John Davidson, wrote, "The Denver area is a heavenly place to be a beast." Is that not a great opening? He also says, "In fact, [Denver] is among the top five to 10 places in the country for pets, according to John Snyder, vice president for companion animals at the Humane Society of the United States." Denver is cited as a good place for rescues and lower euthanasia rates.

We didn't talk much about dogs during our visit to the NAVC, last week. Our focus was on cats - because cats don't get enough attention. But, we didn't forget about dogs. We saw dogs out and about the exhibit floor - some service dogs of all sizes, and a couple of booths of Greyhounds. One Greyhound tried to follow us as we walked away and I so wanted to adopt her! But, the trip from Orlando to Boulder might have been tough and expensive. And, I know there are Greyhounds right here in the Denver area up for adoption.

Back to the article and why Denver is very pet-friendly, one reason is the Metro Denver Shelter Alliance. According to the quote from Martha Smith, an alliance member and volunteer, "If an animal is not getting adopted in one shelter, it can be transferred to another." Wow! That's cooperation and something shelters and rescue centers could use more of, IMHO.

Additionally, the article notes that CEOs of half-dozen animal-welfare groups meet every other month for lunch and a discussion of common issues. Another, Wow! Animal-welfare groups working together for the benefit, health, and care of our companion animals. I love it! Don't you?