Hawgs For Hounds
SEE MORE PHOTOS IN THE GALLERY SECTION
By Joe Maher
Benny’s on W Colorado Ave in Colorado Springs was a much busier than normal the morning of Sunday July 25th. The 8th Annual Teller County Regional Animal Shelter (TCRAS) Hawgs for Hounds run was ramping up for a fun-filled ride through the mountains. Doc, the cook at Benny’s, got there bright and early to prepare breakfast for the more than 125 participants. Benny’s not only provided the starting point for the run, but the gorgeous, tall, bikini clad Jamie was handing out free drink chips to everyone who wanted ‘em.
This annual run has become a one of the most widely supported runs in the Colorado Springs area, and one that TCRAS counts on to help them through the year. As Kellie Case, TCRAS Board President put it, “This is our last big fund raiser for the summer, and with donations and adoptions down, we need this to fill the gap. Plus, 10% of all our fund-raisers go to our new building fund for a new shelter. The fact that this is a NO KILL shelter makes it more expensive. Some of our animals are with us for a year before they are adopted.”
As for the building, Teller County is donating the land with a long-term lease. Approximately $3 million is needed for a proper shelter and hospital that will last at least 20 years.
On to the run, which was blessed by near perfect riding weather! From Benny’s it was a quick scoot up the hill to the Ute Inn in Woodland Park for the second card and a little refreshment before the next leg: a meandering putt to The Lucky Buck in Victor. So, it was up HWY 24 to 67 and then 81 into Victor. Everything seemed unusually green this year, with roads that seemed to be mostly clear of any gravel or other debris and light traffic. This was a constant throughout the run…as if it was planned that way.
From The Lucky Buck it was on to, and right through Cripple Creek before taking Teller County 1 to the intersection of Highway 24 and the Thunderbird Inn. Coming out of Victor, the scenery was fantastic, with patches of rock, trees and meadows in the distance mixed with sunshine and the shadows of puffy clouds. The clear roads just seemed to open up to the riders, showing the way to the next stop. It was just one of those great Colorado days.
Once at the Thunderbird, the fourth card was drawn and may of the riders took the opportunity for a little rest before the last leg east on Highway 24 to the Crystola Roadhouse for the final card and the after ride party. Traffic was a little heavier on Highway 24, but no one minded, and once in Divide the road opened up, making for a pleasant Ride to Crystola.
The Crystola Roadhouse was full of happy riders, which numbered close to 200, and were welcomed by Spright, the mayor-elect of Divide. At each stop some of the dogs that were up for adoption also welcomed the riders with wagging tails and dog kisses. Two lucky pooches even had wishes come true, as they were adopted into what are hopefully forever homes. Winslow the Staffordshire Terrier from the Ute Inn, and Boogie the Jack Russell mix, who was at the Crystola, didn’t have to go back to the shelter, and everyone was happy about that.
Everyone was generally happy. Riders enjoyed the cause they were enthusiastically supporting.
Sue Sterritt exclaimed, “I do it for the doggies!” and Anne Dewalt chimed in, “It is just a great cause.”
Carol Lee won the high hand and donated all her winnings back to TCRAS. There were also many raffle prizes, a 50/50 drawing and a silent auction, but the big winners were hounds.
It was a great day, great ride and all for a great cause. There is no question that the 4-legged beneficiaries of this run would lick every participant in thanks if they could, with the hope that maybe...just maybe, that lick would open the door to a forever home.
For more information on TCRAS please visit http://www.tcrascolorado.com
