DEL NORTE—The first annual biscuit party hosted by Del Norte resident Ruthanne Johnson on Sunday evening was a success that donated several pounds of treats, blankets, food and other supplies to Conour Animal Shelter in Monte Vista.
Johnson, an award-winning writer who has been published in All Animals magazine, Animal Sheltering, Boulder Magazine, Boulder County Home & Garden, The Aurora Guide, Denver Urban Spectrum and Massage and Bodywork Magazine came up with the idea because she is a dog lover herself with two rescue dogs, Chili Pepper and Huckabee.
Additionally, she wanted to “do something positive” to commemorate the passing of her mother a year ago. Her mother passed away on March 19, 2016, the first day of spring. She wasn’t looking forward to the dismal anniversary when she remembered the uplifting story of a friend who adopted a dog on the first day of spring; that dog now works with cancer patients as a therapy dog. Johnson decided that she could do something that honored her love of rescue animals and turn a negative memory into an impactful day of service.
Donors helped make Johnson’s vision a reality, including Tammy Clark from Boogie’s Restaurant who donated a blueberry pie, Three Barrel Brewing donated a growler of their peachwheat beer, Kevin Haas from the Windsor donated four bottles of wine for the human attendees to enjoy during the event and Wild West Wine and Spirits donated a bottle of wine as well. The hors d’oeuvres (for people) and several pounds of the dog treats were donated by Johnson herself.
Approximately 10 donors /attendees mingled at the event, along with about five canine companions, the guests of honor who would determine the winner of the homemade dog biscuit tasting contest. The tasting was completed as a tournament, with the dogs’ human companions having them select from two treats at a time to determine a favorite from the three entries. Johnson’s dog bone biscuits were made from brown rice flour, blackstrap molasses, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and saffola oil. As city of Monte Vita Community Outreach Assistant and attendee Azarel Madrigal commented, “they smell like Christmas.” Karen Bonnie’s entries were made with grass-fed longhorn steer, oatmeal, whole wheat flour, salt and a tiny bit of garlic. Jennice Aldrich entered the competition with her squirrel-shaped treats made of peanut butter, molasses, oatmeal and whole wheat flour.
The competition was very tough during the tasting. Huckabee, a beagle, chose Karen Bonnie’s treats three times. Chili Pepper, the smallest in the tasting group, chose Bonnie’s treats twice and Jennice Aldrich’s once. Zero, the gentle giant, wisely chose mother Jennice’s treats each time, and Lamb Chop, the poodle, chose Bonnie’s each time. Bonnie was declared the winner, selecting the blueberry pie as her award; Aldrich took second and accepted a bottle of wine as her award. Johnson, after asking her dogs why they didn’t vote for her, accepted the growler of peachwheat as her prize and gifted it to another guest.
Human and canine party attendees concluded the evening by taking a walk to the creek on Johnson’s property; two even took a jump into the nearby pond. Johnson said she wants to hold the fundraiser annually every March 19.
To find out how you can adopt dogs ready to compete in a dog-biscuit-tasting-tournament please see the weekly ad in SLV Lifestyles. To help Conour Animal Shelter year-round, visit their Facebook page, Conour Animal Shelter-Upper Rio Grande Animal Society, visit their website, slvanimalshelter.com, or stop by in person at 2825 Sherman Ave in Monte Vista.
Volunteers to walk the dogs and help at the shelter are always appreciated and their wish list currently includes: medium-sized collars; strong leashes; dog and cat beds; heavy blankets (no fringes or other chewable parts please); food and water bowls; plain rawhide sticks; dog food (small and regular kibble); dog and cat toys; laundry detergent; empty spray bottles; essential oils such as lavender, sage, eucalyptus, frankincense, peppermint, sweet orange, sandalwood; small CD player; calming music CDs (classical, smooth jazz or easy-listening reggae.)