The focused stare of a hunting dog. ©Victoria Lise

Dog of The Mountains

Styx (our dog) is an absolute beauty to watch let alone, photograph. He looks more wild than he does like a domesticated house dog and when he’s unleashed and free to explore his primal, primitive intuitions are exposed. He becomes a part of the landscape, a native to nature and the natural world around him. He moves like a gazelle, hunts like a coyote, traverses mountain edges like an alpine goat,  and protects his pack like a wolf. Did I mention he does yoga? When we adopted Styx he was so afraid of water. He would cry at the water’s…

Tyson the Shelter Dog

Remember Me Thursday

Remember Me Thursday was brought to my attention by Three Irish Cats an advocacy and awareness blog with occasional tales from the cats. Remember Me Thursday was founded by Mark Arms, CEO of Helen Woodward Animal Center, in an effort to bring awareness to shelter animals awaiting their furever homes and those who unfortunately never make it out of the shelters alive like my buddy, Tyson.  Today let’s honor the lives lost, bring awareness to those in need of homes, and gratitude to all who contribute to the welfare of animals. And my all time favorite, share rescue stories! No…

Adopt Don’t Shop

 ADOPT DON’T SHOP!  There is an influx of puppy and kitten and bunny (and animals of all kinds) sales around the holiday season and most of those animals purchased end up in high kill shelters or as strays on the streets and many won’t make it to see the end of their life in a loving home. Pets are not presents, they are sentient beings, they are a responsibility and they require a commitment. If you have chosen to invest in the life of an animal please take responsibility for your choices and understand that by rescuing an animal you…

Bears Mission; Loving a Senior Dog

Today would have been Bears 17th birthday! And it will always be a day to celebrate as she brought the very best of everything when she trotted into our lives. Bear was born and raised in Colorado with a short stint of time spent in California. Bear was a town dog, she freely roamed the old mining town knowing which places would happily give her something to eat. Her first two owners passed away and from what I understand they hadn’t been too attentive to the needs of a dog. Her given name was Jaeger short for Jaegermeister later renamed Black-tongue by…

Victoria Lise captures green eyed Kahlonie kitty

GVAWL Animals

  “Until one has loved an animal- a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” Anatole France Some of the souls I have been blessed to cross paths with at Gunnison Valley Animal Welfare League. Oliver and Rugur have found their forever homes since these photos were taken but all of the others are patiently awaiting a committed, loving family or companion. As promised I created a page under photography of the animals at the shelter which you can find Here. Even if you aren’t looking for a furry companion your heart will smile looking at the purest most genuine beings. Their…