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Let’s face it: the news is often depressing, winter can be a drag, and h*ckin’ COVID is still raging. But beloved dogs never let us down! Dogs are pure, wonderful creatures who brighten our lives and shower us with unconditional love. And let’s be real: occasional drool, fur, and farts. Though we love *all* dogs, some of us are partial or nostalgic for a certain breed. If that’s you, sniff out this comprehensive list of breed specific Colorado dog rescues.
Note: All of the rescues listed are licensed by the Pet Animal Care Facilities Act (PACFA), which is a licensing and inspection program dedicated to the health and wellbeing of pets.
Colorado Beagle Rescue
Beagles have been a pupular breed for years, in part thanks to everyone’s fave cartoon dog, Snoopy. Snoopy lovers should check out the Colorado Beagle Rescue, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the welfare of Beagles.
Colorado Boxer Rescue
The fine folks at Ho-Bo Care Boxer Rescue are dedicated to educating people about this loving but often misunderstood breed, and providing judgement-free education to folks considering surrendering or adopting a Boxer. They pull from shelters and also take in owner surrenders.
Colorado Bulldog Rescue
The mission of Moe Moe’s Bulldog Rescue of the Rockies is, “where there is love, there is life.” Named after the founder’s beloved late bulldog, Molly, this volunteer-run nonprofit rescues dogs who need a little extra TLC, especially senior dogs and those with medical issues. Though they were originally focused on the affable and adorable Bulldogs, they now help dogs of all breeds.
Colorado Chihuahua Rescue
Want a tiny, purse-size fren with a big personality? Visit the Chihuahua & Small Dog Rescue, which is committed to finding the best foster and fur-ever homes for small breeds. The passionate volunteers at this rescue are happy to help find a safe haven for homeless, abandoned, injured, ill, and senior doggos.
Colorado Cocker Spaniel Rescue
The Rocky Mountain Cocker Rescue has saved 1,650+ Spaniels in Colorado, connecting these beloved four-legged companions to happy foster and forever homes.
In addition to matching abandoned Cockers with homes, the lovely humans at this rescue assist owners in finding new homes as an alternative to placing pups in shelters, educate the public on how to prevent animal cruelty and support the closing of puppy mills, and promote the importance of spaying and neutering.
Colorado Collie & Sheltie Rescue
Have you ever dreamed of adopting a Lassie of your very own? Check out the Rocky Mountain Collie and Sheltie Rescue, which has been rescuing, rehabilitating, and placing Collies, Collie-mixes, and Shelties in loving homes since 1979.
Colorado Corgi Rescue
Calling all ye Insta influencers! Corgis are photogenic AF, lively, and friendly. Connect with the lovely folks at CO Corgis and Friends. They help homeless Corgis in need of forever homes, assist struggling owners in rehoming their pets, and offer advice on training issues typical of Corgis and other low-rider herding breeds.
Dalmatian Rescue of Colorado
The Dalmatian Rescue of Colorado is a committed group of volunteers who rescue and rehome Dalmatians and Dalmatian “Wannabes” mixes until a fitting furever home is found for these friendly, playful doggos.
Colorado German Shepherd Rescues
Looking for a protective, intelligent, and loyal breed? Our beautiful state is home to two PACFA licensed German Shepherd rescues. Located in Denver, Front Range German Shepherd Rescue rescues and rehomes purebred German Shepherds. Located in Fort Morgan, German Shepherd Rescue of the Rockies is a nonprofit that helps find well-matched, carefully-screened, permanent homes and families for homeless and abandoned German Shepherds.
Colorado German Shorthaired Pointer Rescue
Mile High German Shorthaired Pointer Rescue provides second chances for this energetic, affectionate, and playful breed. This wonderful rescue takes in abandoned, neglected, abused, surrendered, or otherwise displaced German Shorthaired Pointers and adopts them into permanent, loving homes that’ll nurture and appreciate them.
Colorado Golden Retriever Rescues
Looking for a family-friendly, playful breed? Dog blessed the Mile High metro area with two spectacular rescues devoted to beloved Golden Retrievers. Golden Retriever Freedom Rescue is a “quiet but determined army of volunteers and dog lovers” who have placed 3,800+ dogs into forever, loving homes since 2001.
The dedicated hoomans at Golden Retriever Rescue of the Rockies foster and rehome approximately 300 Golden Retrievers annually. They house their foster dogs at Phoebe’s Place in Arvada, Colorado.
Colorado Great Dane Rescue
Seeking a large, gentle giant and have plenty of room for him to roam? The Rocky Mountain Great Dane Rescue is passionate about rehabilitating and rehoming Great Danes and Dane mixes. Serving 13 states, this rescue has had 2,260 successful adoptions since 2000.
Colorado Great Pyrenees Rescue
Great Pyrenees Rescue and Sanctuary provides a secure and stable place for this regal, affectionate, and protective large breed. At the Rescue and Sanctuary, Pyrenees enjoy a 5-acre fenced pasture to play in, along with emotional, medical, and nutritional support until they are adopted by a loving family.
Colorado Labrador Retriever Rescues
The Centennial State is home to three rescues devoted to the friendly, sweet-faced, and exuberant Labrador breed and mixes. “Saving one wagging tail at a time,” Rocky Mountain Lab Rescue rehomes rural Labrador Retrievers and mixes throughout the state. Safe Harbor Lab Rescue rehomes approximately 250 Labs a year. Last but not leash, Mile High Labrador Mission rescues and rehabilitates homeless Labradors in high-kill areas, especially County pounds or shelters.
Old English Sheepdog Rescue of Colorado
Dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming this intelligent, sociable breed the OES Rescue group of volunteers is united by a single interest—helping Old English Sheepdogs.
Colorado Pug Rescue
Looking for a mischievous, charming, and apartment-friendly breed? Check out Colorado Pug Rescue. This rescue helps unwanted, abandoned, or sick Pugs in Colorado and surrounding states with necessary veterinary treatment, emotional and behavioral support, and foster homes until they are placed with a forever family.
Colorado Rottweiler Rescue
Rottie Aid focuses on placement assistance, rescuing, referral, and education for this fiercely protective, powerful breed. Rottie Aid can also help with behavior modification so peeps can best train and support their woofs.
Denver Samoyed Rescue
Fluffy, smiley, and affectionate, Samoyeds are wonderful cold weather dogs. Denver Samoyed Rescue works closely with area shelters to pull Samoyeds into their rescue in addition to taking surrender requests from the public.
Rocky Mountain Region Scottie Rescue
Looking for a dignified, independent, and spirited small dog? Hop on over to the Rocky Mountain Scottie Rescue, which rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes Scottish Terriers in seven Rocky Mountain Regional states.
Colorado Shiba Inu Rescue
Colorado Shiba Inu Rescue celebrates and rehomes this unique, intelligent, and strong-willed breed. Because Shiba Inus can be challenging to train, they conduct an in-depth screening process for all potential adopters and offer post-adoption training.
Colorado Saint Bernard Rescue
Roll over, Beethoven! Saving the world 150 pounds at a time, the Colorado Saint Bernard Rescue has rehomed 800 abandoned and abused Saint Bernards since 1997.
Colorado Weimaraner Rescue
Serving six states in the Rocky Mountain region, Mile High Weimaraner Rescue finds loving, permanent homes for this sleek, swift, and active breed. In the last 30 years, this rescue has proudly rehomed 1,000+ Weimaraners.
Colorado Yorkshire Terrier Rescue
If you’re lookin’ for a clever, sociable toy fluff, Yorkies are the way to go. Aiming to find the right home for each and every pup, Rocky Mountain Yorkie Rescue is committed to educating the public about this breed.
Have you fostered or adopted a dog from one of these Colorado dog rescues? Woof at us in the comments, post on our Dog-Friendly Denver Facebook Group, and be sure to tag #SidewalkDog in those pupper pictures.
Featured photo: Karsten Winegeart
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