A Tiny Rabbit Hops Right Into Their Hearts

As a former rabbit owner with no pets, Brianna Lyons often found herself needing a dose of bunny cuteness. Her living situation didn’t allow Brianna to house a rabbit of her own, so she and her boyfriend, Matt, would go to Larimer Humane Society to visit with the adoptable rabbits.

One day Brianna noticed a dwarf rabbit named Mimi on Larimer Humane Society’s website. She was especially excited to visit with Mimi because of her size and coloring. The little rabbit was very sweet during their visit; she even hopped onto Brianna’s lap for some cuddle time.

After discovering that her apartment actually did allow rabbits, Brianna and Matt got their place rabbit-ready and adopted Mimi.

Mimi was renamed Merida, after the headstrong character in Disney and Pixar’s “Brave.” Merida turned out to be fitting, as the two-and-a-half pound dwarf rabbit shows some attitude every now and then.

If Brianna and Matt are sitting on the floor and Merida wants to get by, she’ll nudge them or nip their pants as a way of saying, “Excuse me!” Sometimes Merida gets upset with Brianna and Matt if they spend a night out with friends. The following morning the couple will find that their pint-sized pet has thrown hay all over her cage.

While Merida can be headstrong at times, she is usually a sweetheart. Merida loves being pet and will return the favor by licking hands, arms and even faces if given the opportunity. She has also learned what her treat bag sounds like when it’s picked up. Merida will run to Brianna or Matt at the sound and climb onto their laps, waiting for her snack.

Brianna encourages those interested in rabbits to adopt, but she says the care needed for a rabbit is more similar to that needed for a dog than a hamster. As with any pet, people looking to adopt a rabbit should do some research first.

Matt and Brianna couldn’t be happier to have Merida in their lives. In the short time that they’ve had her, the tiny rabbit has already brought them hours of laughter and smiles.

Fritz is the Perfect Fit

Glenna and Roger Smith had to say goodbye to their Schnauzer, Rocky, in 2012 after aging complications took his life. The couple felt lost without their dog but wanted to wait before having another pooch enter their lives.

During this time of grieving, a neighbor noticed how lost Roger and Glenna seemed without their little dog and gave them a new one. Unfortunately the well-meaning gift didn’t work out; the new dog was more than the Smiths could handle. Disappointed, the elderly couple brought the energy-filled pup to Larimer Humane Society so it could find a better-suited family. The shelter staff was understanding of the situation and told Glenna and Roger they could come back and adopt a dog whenever they felt ready.

Eventually the Smiths went back to Larimer Humane Society on a mission to find a new companion. Staff members worked with Roger and Glenna and were able to find them the perfect dog through the Meet Your Match program. The couple was introduced to a small dog named Fritz and bonded immediately.

Now Fritz trots beside Roger during a long walk every morning and during a walk to the mailbox every afternoon. The little dog acts as if he were meant to be part of his new family all along, which is heartwarming to friends and neighbors close to the Smiths.

Members of Glenna and Roger’s tight-knit community are delighted that Larimer Humane Society was able to find the couple a companion that brings them joy every day.

Written by Lauren Seidl

Small Dog, Big Personality

After Linda Hurley and her husband had to put down their beloved dog, Shadow, they didn’t plan on getting another pet. But only a month went by before Linda realized her home felt too empty without a canine companion. That’s when she saw Marley on Larimer Humane Society’s website.

It only took one visit for Linda to fall in love with energetic and affectionate Marley. She brought the Toy Poodle-like pooch home with her that day.

Linda quickly discovered Marley’s big personality and habit of turning glasses and shoes into his own personal chew-toys. Some much-needed love and attention helped Marley overcome his fixation on eye and footwear. Now he sticks to dog toys, but on occasion he’ll get into mischief. When this happens, Marley hides his head under the bed, leaving his doggie derrière exposed.

Marley has become a big part of Linda’s family. He loves to go for walks, play fetch and romp around with his canine cousins. Linda admits that like all pets, Marley needs a great deal of attention. But she and her husband wouldn’t have it any other way; they love Marley and enjoy having him as part of their family.

Written by Lauren Seidl

Luke Finds Nourishment in a New Home

When Pam Calderwood and her daughter, both volunteers for Larimer Humane Society, went to the shelter in November 2012 looking for an addition to their family, little did they guess they’d be walking out with a huge bundle of boundless love and energy.

“We mainly wanted a playmate for our Pit Bull mix Callie, who is full of an overabundance of energy (too much for most dogs at the dog park),” said Pam. She brought Callie to the shelter where they found Luke, a Newfoundland mix, who had come to the shelter as a stray. According to Pam, the two dogs hit it off immediately.

From day one in his new home, Luke has been a wonderful companion for the family and fantastic playmate for Callie. “He will bring toys to Callie and fling them in her face to get her to play tug-of-war,” said Pam. “They race around the yard chasing each other and wrestle for hours on end.” They also compete with each other for the rights to Pam’s lap.

When they first brought Luke home, he was considerably underweight and ate ravenously. Over time he has slowed down as he has learned to trust in the fact that he will be getting a “next meal.” It’s amazing how a little love, kindness, and nourishment can utterly transform a rescue dog’s life and the lives of its new found family.

Jasmine's Uncanny Intuition

Lisa called Larimer Humane Society every 10 minutes on the drive up from Denver. She had to make sure Jasmine was still available for adoption. She hadn’t even met her yet, but she knew: Jasmine was her cat. Everything fell perfectly into place when Lisa brought her home. She is now her “assistant healer” in her yoga and meditation practice in her home. Her peaceful presence provides stress relief for clients, and even helps with massage therapy. With Jasmine’s strong intuition about people, she knows exactly where to sit in the room, or on the massage table, to make clients feel most at ease. This happy adoption has put everything in perfect balance for Lisa’s family.