Pucks & Paws- Please join support this great event!

Join us Saturday, March 6th for the 2nd Annual Pucks & Paws Event! Discount tickets available (see links below); a portion of ticket sales from those purchased through links the provided will be donated to BDHP. Join us for the Pucks & Paws Pet Fair at 10am, then come back for the game & watch as Matt Duchene, Paul Stastny and the rest of your Colorado Avalanche battle it out with the St. Louis Blues.
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DISCOUNTED TICKETS: (2 options available)
$30/each (Upper Level)
Includes:
- 1 Upper Level Ticket (Face Value $40)
- 1 Entrée (choice of hot dog, pizza, burger, salad, cheese steak, nacho deluxe or chicken tenders)
- 1 Beverage (Pepsi product)
To Order these tickets go to: www.pepsicenter.com/groups/avalanche/BDHPFN
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$60/each (Club Level/VIP)
VIP Club Level Ticket (Face Value $102-$115)
To Order these tickets go to: www.pepsicenter.com/groups/avalanche/BDHPVIP
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GAME: SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 2010 @ 7:00 PM

Join us before the game for the Pucks & Paws Pet Fair!
Everyone who purchases a ticket through this offer is invited down to the Pepsi Center for the 2nd Annual Pucks & Paws Pet Fair. The Pet Fair is scheduled from 10am-12pm on March 6th in Pepsi Center parking Lot A. Ticket prices include entrance to the pet fair and a ticket to the Avalanche vs. Blues game at 7pm. There will be fun events going on for you and your dog and a chance to meet Bernie the Avalanche Mascot. All dogs in attendance need to be on a leash and the owner is responsible for their dog(s) at all times. Don't have a furry friend to bring along, then come and stop by one of the many rescues in attendance to talk about adopting a dog of your own. Dogs will not be allowed inside the Pepsi Center during the game.

** THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR SUPPORT! ~ YOUR FRIENDS AT BIG DOGS HUGE PAWS
...

Women's Expo in NE

Congrats to our NE team of Volunteers who raised $700 this weekend at the Women's Expo in Lincoln, NE.

We encourage all Volunteers to look into local events in their areas to help promote our rescue!

RRR T-Shirts TIME IS RUNNING OUT TO ORDER

Hi Everyone

Have you ordered your t-shirt or hoodie to support our January Fundraiser?

How to Order...

Big Dogs Huge Paws "REHOME – RESCUE – REHABILITATE" Hooded pullover sweatshirts, short sleeve and long sleeve Ts on sale NOW – order online, directly through bigdogshugepaws.com!

* Order by 1/31/2010. Step by step instructions on how to order are below; see design, styles, colors, sizes and pricing in the links to images at the bottom of the page of this event's details.--

** REHOME - RESCUE - REHABILITATE DESIGN ON SAMPLE WHITE TEE SHIRT:http://www.bigdogshugepaws.com/sites/default/files/BDHP_Rehome_Rescue_Re...--

How to order your new BDHP “REHOME – RESCUE - REHABILITATE” apparel:
1. Pick out the style(s), size(s) and color(s) you’d like to order – pricing is listed next to each item (see attached).
2. Go to http://www.bigdogshugepaws.com/donate and in the first line, where it says, “How much would you like to donate?” enter the total (including shipping – see note below) in this space, and then in the “How would you like your donation to be used?” space, just type in the style(s), color(s), size(s) and quantities you’d like to order.
3. The shirts will be shipped to the billing address – you’ll be asked for this on the next page when asked for payment information. If you have questions or would like to find out more about shipping options, just let us know.--

** FLAT RATE SHIPPING: Up to 5 items, sent to the same address = $4.95 (per order, not per item). Questions? Ordering more than 5 items to the same address? Please contact Claire at Claire@BigDogsHugePaws.com, thanks!--** Order by 1/31/2010 (LAST DAY TO ORDER!) and receive your shirt(s) on or before Valentines’ Day! **--Styles, sizes, colors and pricing shown in attached JPG Photo Files/links (each style is it's own image attachment)--** REHOME -

RESCUE - REHABILITATE DESIGN ON SAMPLE WHITE TEE SHIRT:http://www.bigdogshugepaws.com/sites/default/files/BDHP_Rehome_Rescue_Re...**

SHORT SLEEVE TEE SHIRT - SIZES, COLORS AND PRICES:http://www.bigdogshugepaws.com/sites/default/files/BDHP_RRR_T%20Shirt_si...**

LONG SLEEVE TEE SHIRT - SIZES, COLORS AND PRICES:http://www.bigdogshugepaws.com/sites/default/files/BDHP_RRR_Long%20Sleev...**

HOODED SWEATSHIRT - SIZES, COLORS AND PRICES:http://www.bigdogshugepaws.com/sites/default/files/BDHP_RRR_Hooded%20Pul...-

-WEAR YOUR BIG DOGS HUGE PAWS RESCUE GEAR EVERYWHERE - SUPPORT BDHP IN STYLE!** Thank you for your support! **

Sailor Saint

Update on Rocky...adopted over a year ago:

We are so blessed to have Rocky in our life. He has been nothing but THE BEST DOG EVER! His personality has really started to emerge, he has this enduring habit of talking (kind of like a husky) whenever he wants to go outside, or just gain attention. He has mastered the “bang your dead trick”, which is quite hilarious, though this summer he thought our boat was a bit small, he did enjoy yachting…see attached photo…he loves the mountains enjoying the snow, and every morning he goes out and washes his face in it.

Thanks for all your hard work and all you do!

Nico The Great

Dear BDHPI

Nico (aka M&M) is doing great. He's is such a sweet pup and so well behaved. He's up to nearly 30 commands / tricks now and is a blast to play / work with daily. He has a cases of being ornery, but he's just a fluffy kid, so that's expected and it's entertaining. He saw his first big snow Christmas Eve here and just loves playing in it. He was bounding through it like a rabbit and constantly wanting to go back out. I attached a couple pics for you to see. He's still cute as can be, but just a little bigger.

I hope all's going well your way and Thanks for the work you do at Big Dogs!

Seriously? Seriously?

Who would ever let this gorgeous girl get away from them?

I met Sabrina on Sunday and she was as cute as they come. She was so friendly, happy & 100% puppy. I hear from a little birdie that her foster mom is already worrying about saying goodbye!

Some family is going to be very lucky!

I am an Animal Rescuer

My job is to assist God's creatures
I was born with the drive to fulfill their needs
I take in helpless, unwanted, homeless creatures
without planning or selection
I have bought dog food with my last dime
I have patted a mangy head with a bare hand
I have hugged someone vicious and afraid
I have fallen in love a thousand times
And I have cried into the fur of a lifeless body too many times to count
I have Animal Friends and friends who have animal friends
I don't often use the word "pet"
I notice those lost at the road side
And my heart aches
I know of no creature unworthy of my time
I want to live forever if there aren't animals in Heaven
But I believe there are
Why would God make something so perfect and leave it behind
Some may think we are master of the animals
But the animals have mastered themselves
Something people still haven't learned
War and Abuse make me hurt for the world
But a rescue that makes the news gives me hope for mankind
We are a quiet but determined army
And we are making a difference every day
There is nothing more necessary than warming an orphan
nothing more rewarding than saving a life
No higher recognition than watching them thrive
There is no greater joy than seeing a baby play
who only days ago, was too weak to eat
By the love of those who I've been privileged to rescue
I have been rescued
I know what true unconditional love really is
for I've seen it shining in the eyes of so many
Grateful for so little
I am an Animal Rescuer
My work is never done
My home is never quiet
My wallet is always empty
But my heart is always full

9 Years Young

Meet Dandy, a new BDHPI foster dog! She is a gorgeous Great Dane, whose family fell victim to the economy.

She is 9 years young with a lot of personality behind those eyes! Dandy is desperate to find a new family to call her own.

Shop and BDHPI earns 5%!

From a BDHPI Volunteer, Cindy:

I was on the internet a couple of days ago looking for a harness for Finn, my 180 lb Newf. I found www.bigtalldog.com. It is an awesome website that offers products for our gentle giants.

Larry and Val are the owners and will donate 5% to us for all sales that come from our rescue. If you order please tell them that you are with BDHP and we can get the donation. They are totally supportive of rescue and when he got my order with the email address bigdoghugepaws.com he said he had heard of us, all the way in Connecticut! Please check them out and help BDHP.

A note from Boyd's family:

Dear Big Dogs,

We were just talking about all of this yesterday!! It was Boyd's 5th birthday and the 1st year anniversary that he came into our lives!!....we celebrated big (he got a new toy and a lot of treats)!! He has been nothing but a pleasure, we absolutely love him and he has made so much progress. He was very nervous (shy) at first but now he goes up and down stairs and waits for me to get up in the morning to get his morning "love'ns"!! He is such an incredible dog and I don't even want to call him a dog - he is part of the family and I consider him my baby!! He is SO fantastic and we love him SO much!! Even though he is about 140lbs now.....he totally believes he his a lap dog and that is fine by me!!

Thank you so much and I believe Boyd would thank you as well!

New BDHPI Meet Up Group-Colorado

BDHPI has a new meet up group for those of you in Colorado! The goal of this group, which is open to the public, is to organize doggie playdates throughout the dog parks in Colorado!

To join : http://www.meetup.com/Colorado-Big-Dogs-Huge-Paws/

Come socialize your own big dog, meet volunteers, meet foster dogs and enjoy our gentle giants!

Questions: bigdogshugepawsmeetup@gmail.com

Who is watching who?

Conan, who was adopted from BDHPI last year, isn't the most serious babysitter we've ever met!!

An Unexplainable Connection

My name is Brittney and I have been a volunteer with Big Dogs Huge Paws for over a year now. Our journey with BDHP began with our search for a new addition to our family. This is a big decision for any family, but ours was a little more involved. I have 2 children. My son, Keith, who is 4 years old is the greatest kid you will ever meet. He is a big boy and very athletic. He is also very sweet. One of the kindness hearts you will ever meet. Keith is also autistic. He doesn't talk. He is compulsive. He makes high pitched noises and interacts with his surroundings very differently than the "norm".

When we decided to add a member to our family we did a lot of research, and decided on the Saint Bernard. We went to a reputable breeder and got a female who we named "Hera". About a year later, we decided Hera needed a friend. We didn't want to go to a breeder. There are to many dogs in need, and we didn't want to contribute to that. How would we find a rescue dog that could deal with an autistic child though??? Our search brought us to Big Dogs Huge Paws! From the beginning we had our eye on a gorgeous 1 year old male saint named Goliath. We kept our minds open though, knowing that not just any dog could fit into our family situation. After going through the process and getting educated we finally met Goliath. It was love at first sight. We have had him in our home for over a year now, and we couldn't imagine life without him. He is big, goofy, confused, protective, and most importantly completely devoted to Keith.

How do these big furry giants know when someone really needs them? I don't have the answer for that. They just do. I have been a foster for BDHP for a year now, and every foster that I have had,regardless of behavior problems, has been devoted to Keith.

Is every giant breed dog the best fit for a family with an autistic child...no. Is it impossible to rescue a dog in need when dealing with your own need at home....NO!!! Keep your mind and heart open, and the right fit will find you.

What to stay away from when looking for a new addition when you have a child with special needs:

1. Previous abuse from children
2. Bigger medical or behavior issues than your family can take on
3. Timid behaviors
4. Anything that your family has seconds thoughts about....trust your instincts...if they say it's not a good fit, listen!

Now what to look for in your new addition:

1. Personality! Enjoy it!
2. Size. It can make a big difference!
3. The small things. Do they mind to being petted? Do they love to snuggle? Do they love to play with toys? Taking treats gently? Don't mind loud noises? The smallest thing can make a big difference! You know your family and child best. Listen to your heart!

The best thing we have done is bringing Zeus and Keith together. A boy who needed extra love and a dog who just wanted someone to love him.

Autism is a very scary and new thing that parents are having to deal with. Visit www.autismspeaks.comfor more info. What my family knows now though, is that with every set back from autism, we get some new experience that we wouldn't miss for the world!

This is Dude, one of our fosters who adored Keith and kept watch over him when he napped!

Jed crosses the Rainbow Bridge

On New Year's Eve Day, BDHPI sadly said goodbye to one of our foster dogs, Jed the OEM. Jed came into rescue with his love, Ellie Mae, after being dumped at a shelter by divorcing couple. . They both were in bad shape and clearly had been neglected. Poor Jed had a bad heart, and lived longer than we an anticipated.

Jed passed in the arms of his foster mom, Sharla and with his wonderful vet, Dr Greene. We are so thankful for foster homes like Sharla's who choose to open their homes to dogs in need, even if it could possibly end in heartache.

Poor Ellie Mae is very said without her beloved, which just breaks our hearts! Hopefully there is a family out there who will open their home to Ellie and introduce her to a new boyfriend!

Kiara- Dog of the Week

Kiara is a sweet and adorable English Mastiff who is about as wonderful as they come. She loves other dogs and loves kids of all ages. I met Kiara at a dog park and was immediately taken with her. She was so loving, devoted to her foster family, and a very happy girl. She has a beautiful face and you have to look really close into her dark mask to even notice an eye is missing, infact, I was with her for over 30 minutes before it was pointed out to me!

Kiara is what we call Special Needs as that she has been diagnosed with bilateral glaucoma. She was completely blind in left eye which we surgically removed. She can still see very well out of her right eye but will ultimately go blind and need to be removed at some point.

I can guarantee if you meet her, any fear you have of blindness will go right out the window. Her loving personality outweighs any possible negative. Sure, her "good eye" may need some extra care, but as I have pointed out before here on this blog, I have yet to meet a perfect human either!

We are so thankful to the wonderful families that we've come across so far who have adopted some of our other Special Needs- Cassie the Blind Mastiff, Mama the Deaf Mastiff, Bigsby the Saint...we know there is a family out there for Kiara too! Maybe it's you?

Apollo the Akbash

The past 6 months have been wonderful with Apollo! It's been so fun getting to know him and learn and grow with him.

He's got a few cute quirks that make him unique. He absolutely loves socks! He adores kids and loves when the neighbor girls come over to play with him. Our cat Vinnie and Apollo are great friends now as well. They always like to know where one another are. He's put on a little weight since we got him. He's almost up to 110 pounds now which is a healthy weight for him. This summer we took Apollo to the dog park here in Brighton almost every day. He got to go in the water there and play with lots of other dogs. Now that winter is here we've learned that Apollo can't get enough of the snow! He loves to dig around and bury his nose it in.

Apollo makes us smile every day and we've really enjoyed learning about Akbash dogs in general. They are extraordinary dogs and we're so glad we found him at Big Dogs Huge Paws. We appreciate the follow up you've done with us and we'll get his diploma faxed as soon as possible.

Apollo & Vinne the Cat

RESCUE-REHOME-REHABILITATE

Our January fundraiser is here! Hooded pullover sweatshirts, short & long sleeved t-shirts are ready to be ordered! Support our rescue in style!

To order, go to www.bigdogshugepaws.com/donate, in the "How much would you like to donate" enter your total cost (include shipping of $4.98 for up to 5 items), in the "How would you like your donation to be used?" enter the style(s), color(s) & quantity. If you want to order more than 5 items, please email claire@bigdogshugepaws.com for the cost.


Gildan Ultra Cotton Tee
S/M/L/XL =$12.95
2XL-4XL = $14.95•6.1 ounce 100% cotton jersey
•Sewn with cotton thread
•Pre-shrunk
•Quarter-turned to eliminate center crease
•Ash 99% cotton/1% polyester
•Sport Grey 90% cotton/10% polyester
Ash
S-5XL
Sport Grey
S-5XL
Natural
S-3XL
Prairie Dust
S-3XL
Light Pink
S-3XL
Light Blue
S-3XL


Gildan 6.1 Ounce Ultra Cotton Long Sleeve Tee
S/M/L/XL = $19.99
2XL-5XL = $21.99
•6.1 ounce 100% cotton jersey
•Pre-shrunk
•Quarter-turned to eliminate center crease
•Ash 99% cotton/1% polyester
•Sport Grey 90% cotton/10% polyester
Ash
S-3XL
Sport Grey
S-3XL
Prairie Dust
S-2XL
Natural
S-2XL
White
S-5XL
Light Blue
S-3XL
Light Pink
S-2XL


ComfortBlend Hooded Pullover
S/M/L/XL =$29.95
2XL-4XL = $31.95
•7.8 ounce 50% cotton/50% polyester
•Full hood with matching drawstring
•Set-in sleeves
Ash
S-4XL
Light Steel
S-3XL
Light Blue
S-3XL
Pale Pink
S-3XL
White
S-3XL

Visit our Fan Page on Facebook to see the different colors we offer!

Oh Happy Day

Bigsby the ginormous special needs Saint Bernard had a long wait in rescue, but has found the perfect home in Brighton, CO. His new family learned of this big lug from Big's foster Mom, Tina, when they visited the vet clinic she works at and it turned out to be a match made in heaven.




All of our dogs are special, but these extra special kiddos need an adopting family that can see past the brace, or blindness or deafness and see the heart of the dog...just as this family did!

Here's to a great 2010 for Mr Bigs!