Article Contributed on: 10/18/2006 10:30:13 PM
Pet Overpopulation has been a significant problem in our country for many years. It has been estimated that for every 10,000 babies born, there are 70,000 companion animals born. This results in millions of animals being euthanized, every year, in the United States. To help address this enormous and costly problem, many animal rescue organizations have been formed both nationally and locally. A large number of these rescue groups focus on specific types of animals, such as dogs, cats, horses etc. Many of the rescue groups for dogs address specific breeds and their problems.
One such group is Keeshond Rescue. This group was formed in the mid 1970's by several Keeshond owners. The Keeshond is a medium sized dog, originally from Holland, known for it's gentle nature, love of children and devotion to family. In 1985 the group was incorporated as a non-profit organization named Peak to Peak Keeshond Fanicers, Inc. Several of the members have been with this group since the late '70's.
"Peak to Peak" has three main objectives, first of course, is the rescue of unwanted, abandoned and abused Keeshonden (the pural of Keeshond). While the majority of the rescues are from the greater Denver-Boulder-Colorado Springs area they have also taken in dogs from Wyoming, Montana, and Nebraska. The group works through a carefully selected network of foster homes to match each dog to the best "forever home". When the dogs enter the rescue program they are spayed or neutered, given all their vaccinations, including rabies, receive a general health exam, a heartworm test, and are micro chipped.
The second is the education and problem solving for all Keeshond guardians who contact Rescue as a result of referrals, the group's website (http://www.ppkf.org) or websites on the internet. Members are available for counseling, problem solving, or general information about the breed. "Peak to Peak" also publishes a newsletter six times a year, which includes health issues, articles of current interest, and other pet realated issues.
And third, is the education of the public in regards to general pet care. Information about the need for spay/neuter programs, regular veterinary care, behavioral issues, health concerns, and many other issues. The group has particpated over the years in many educational showcases, pet expos, "Wags To Whiskers" and the Brown Dog School's "Pet Adoption Day".
I am recommending this organization because of the work, devotion to the breed, and dedication they have for doing their part in rehoming dogs and giving those dogs the opportunity to life with a family that will love it and give it a good home for the rest of it's life. They are doing their part to eliminate the overwhelming number of dogs that are euthanized each year in this country.
For more information about Peak to Peak Keeshond Rescue, you can contact:
Sharon, Westminster, 303-426-6606
Carol, Broomfield, 303-469-4181
Lonnie, Golden, 303-279-9469