ABOUT US

Thank you for your interest in Heeling Partners of the Roaring Fork Valley. We are an all volunteer, non-profit 501c(3) organization serving the communities of Glenwood Springs and Carbondale in Colorado.

We consist of Delta Society evaluated and registered dog/handler teams. The Delta Society (www.deltasociety.org) works to improve human health through service and therapy animals. It is the leading international resource for the human-animal bond. Heeling Partners uses their Pet Partner program, training and evaluation materials. These materials prepare pets and their people to participate in animal-assisted activities and therapy. Pet Partners is the only national registry that requires volunteer training and screening of animal/handler teams.

Heeling Partners dog/handler teams complete the Delta Society training course, health screening of their dog and an evaluation which has 20 different tasks the dog/handler team performs which are evaluated by a Delta Society-certified professional. Teams are re-evaluated every 2 years. We also have a Financial Aid Program.

HEELING PARTNERS TEAMS

The dogs and people shown below (in alphabetical order) have passed their Delta Society evaluation and are full-fledged Heeling Partners teams. We have many more teams who are in preparation and not yet pictured.

DAVY & CHICA

DAVY & SPIRIT

DEBBIE & LEXXISS & RUDI 
Lexxiss (left)
Lexxiss was born October, 1996 in Alaska to a Blue Merle Australian Shepherd mom and a Golden Retriever dad. Her nicknames are Lexi Bug and Merle Girl. She loves to eat and loves to be the boss of the household. She dislikes being told what to do. Lexxiss makes her own decisions and I have learned to respect them. She loves her brother, Rudi, but she is very clear that she IS the boss. Lexxiss’ favorite toy is her "baby," a stuffed mouse in a Christmas outfit. It was given to her by the shelter volunteer who nursed her to back to health. She has had her baby now for at least 10 years; she protects it and won't let anyone else near it. Lexxiss is the most independent dog I have ever had. When we lived in Alaska she would walk the property line every morning, then would lie in her "den" under the house and watch things all day. She used to stay out at night, but doesn't do that in Colorado - too many skunks! I would like others to know that it is possible for a timid, scared, starving young dog to become a Heeling Partner through patience and love (and Lexxiss might add FOOD).
Rudi
Rudi is also a rescue dog we adopted on December 24, 2004, hence his nickname of Rudolph. His other nicknames are Button Head and Rooter. We do not know his birth date, but estimate he is now 8 or 9 (in 2008). Rudi loves to sleep, roll in leaves and snow, and loves to dig holes and lay in them. Rudi also adores his sister, Lexxiss. He doesn’t seem to dislike anything and is a pretty agreeable guy. Rudi is such a slow poke. He isn't in a rush for anything. I brought him to Heeling Partners because of his sensitivity to others. The only time he ever shows much excitement is when his HP collar goes on and he gets his final brushing to go be a "hospital boy." He perks right up and has such pride when he visits. He knows he is doing something important. If I could use one word to describe Rudi it would be "content". 

JAMIE & COSMO
Cosmo was born June 14, 2003. He also answers to Mo, Cos, and Awesomo. Cosmo loves running, swimming, snowshoeing, sleeping by the fire, and being loved. Cosmo likes to sneak onto the bed in the morning for cuddles. He hates being sprayed with water - but will jump into, splash through, and occasionally even dunk his head under, any water he can find - whether still, moving with a current, or mixed generously with mud. Oh - add frozen - Cosmo loves to charge through the snow, too. Cosmo's toys do not last very long. He loves balls, bones, sticks, stuffed toys-whatever - but they all get the same treatment - torn to bits as soon as possible. He's almost as smart as his Border Collie sister. Despite his energy and enthusiasm, Cosmo is a truly gentle soul. There is nothing he likes better than to lean against the nearest dog lover, and accept petting and love. Cosmo is a Renaissance dog - he is an amazing athlete and throws himself into his active outdoor time (including hunting with dad); he enjoys learning new things; and he is not afraid to show his tender, sensitive side either. Cosmo loves meeting new people, especially children. He has limitless love to share.

JANET & ZOE
Zoe was born on March 31, 2002 and her nickname is Zo-zo. She loves retrieving, playing with kids, swimming, going for hikes, sleeping in the sun or by the woodstove. She also loves her doggie companion, MaKenzie, and the snow. Zoe isn't wild about riding in the car or having a bath but she tolerates both to be a Heeling Partner! Zoe's favorite toys are tennis balls and a squeaky green frog. She is the daughter of one of Aspen's firehouse dogs and the great granddaughter of Chopper, a famous Aspen Skiing Company avalanche rescue dog. Zoe also has the cutest ridge of fur on her nose. She likes to deliver Christmas presents. Zoe is very loyal and loving and loves to sit right by our feet, where ever we are.

JENN & FINN
Finn was born on November 11, 2006. His nicknames are “Boy” and “Finndoggin”, and his Indian name is “Whitepaw”. Finn’s favorite things to do are playing fetch with his dog friends, listening to his dad play guitar, going for hikes or skinning with his humans, getting belly scratches, and cuddling. He also loves to play in the snow! Finn doesn’t enjoy being left alone, ignored, or told that it is time to sleep in. He is always ready to start his day before any of his family members! Finn’s favorite “toys” are his many bones that he brings out of his toy box one after the other to chew on until he is surrounded by most of them. Finn attracts a lot of attention and makes many people smile because he has one white paw. Although he can’t speak, he can answer yes by tilting his head to the left or right when you ask him “yes” questions like, “Do you want a biscuit?”  Finn brings so much joy to our family, makes us laugh every day, and always gives back when it comes to sharing affection and taking care of each other. Finn has been raised by us since he was a puppy, and we are so grateful for all he has taught us about love and friendship. And....he loves carrots! 

JOANNE & MAXX
Since Maxx did not join our household as a puppy, we unfortunately missed out on some cute puppy moments, but in the five years since he found his way to our home, he made up for all the times we missed out on. We believe that Maxx's year of birth was 2001 and we are definitely sure that he was the cutest puppy ever!! He is a 15 lb. black and white ShihTzu. We call him our little velcro doggie because he needs to be with his family 100% of the time. You can find Maxx almost every day at his papa's office or at home with his big brother, Jack, lying together on their big bed. Maxx's favorite toy is his stuffed Sponge Bob Square Pants. He loves to have it thrown so he can chase it, and bring it back to play tug of war. When Maxx is not chasing Sponge Bob you can find him sitting beneath the counter that holds his cookie jar, barking and talking to that jar until he gets one of his special treats. He knows exactly which cookie he is asking for and will spit out anything that he doesn't want. A true spoiled gourmet!!! He loves gourmet treats and will NEVER turn down a piece of cheese. Our little "Maxxy" had many homes and some very sad experiences along the way before fate brought him to our family. Our household agrees that Maxx has made our family complete.

JUDY & MOLLY
Molly is a Lhasa Apso, 8½ years old going by the date when I found her at The Humane Society in a little Texas town in August of  2004. I was minding my own business when ‘my car turned’ at the corner to the shelter! I had no plans of adopting a dog that day. Molly looked horrible and acted pretty much the same. She came home with me.  In time the beautiful hair grew out, as did her precious personality – you see, she was mourning the loss of 4 years with a beloved elderly couple!  2½ years ago she began manifesting a desperate and bazaar behavior. It didn’t take long to figure out she was recognizing and signaling the onset of devastating Cluster-Headache events (with loss of consciousness) that I had suffered with. Molly is now my Service Dog. I consider her a gift from God for many reasons. Absolutely no doubt I was led to her, and she to me… now I can share her with others who need her special touch, too.
Nicknames – She answers to all terms of endearment!
Likes & Dislikes – Loves the neighborhood kids, who are crazy about her, too. They visit regularly to play. She especially loves babies.
Favorite Toy – Not at all interested, but used to go nuts over a little white, super soft teddy bear belonging to a lady friend. She said it was covered with many tears… could not get her to give it up to Molly, but it does show Molly recognizes ‘evidence’ of emotional and physical pain wherever it appears, as she has for my own. And now, compassion for those in pain has served to quickly push past her initial stress in visiting at the hospital.  Now she loves even the ritual of preparing to go… me, too.

KAREN & PETE

LAURA L & KELSEA

LAURA V & TEAL
Scylla's Cinnamon Teal was born 9/17/2003; her nicknames include Teal, Tealy, Bucket, Teal the Real Deal. She likes to swim, run and play, chew bones, bull sticks and rawhide. She does not like to have her toenails trimmed! Her favorite toy is the water, as you can see by one of the pictures on her page. Teal is very cute, sweet and cuddly. She “roo roo's” like her mother. I fell in love with her at birth; she was born in my living room and I knew she was going to be mine the first week.

LIZ & SUNNY                                          Sunny was born 10/12/2008. Her registered name is Zion's Miss Golden Sunshine. Sunny loves people, going on walks and chasing a ball.(Fetch is still a work in progress!.) She is devoted to our older dog, Cupcake. Her favorite toy is a tennis ball. Sunny is a rare breed. She is an ISSR Shiloh Shepherd. Sunny is the second Shiloh I've had and I am hooked on them for their looks, smarts and especially sweet temperament. I think everything Sunny does is cute. She is a pretty "all around" dog. Besides her therapy work, she shows in confirmation, is experienced in obedience, rally and agility courses, and is a great trail dog with our horses.

MOLLY & SKY

NANCY & TORI                                           Victoria, AKA Tori is a Blue-Merle Australian Shepherd. Her date of birth is 2/3/04. Her nick-names are TT for Tiny Tori when she was a puppy, and also Miss Wiggles.Tori likes all living things and any kind of adventure. She loves the snow! The only thing she dislikes is being awake after 9:00 pm (she needs her beauty sleep) and not being able to go with us everywhere. Her favorite toy is a ball or a stick...she was raised by a Labrador!! Tori loves to ride (and does it well) on ATV’s, dirt bikes and snowmobiles. You can imagine the look of pure joy on her face with her ears flying back and her tongue flapping!  We think every little move she makes is cute... she does know a lot of tricks such as  play dead, roll over, sit pretty, high five, and shake to name a few. She says “please and thank you, hello and goodbye". What I would like people to know about Tori is what a wonderful helper she is with all of our foster animals. It doesn't matter if we have an old, aching Bull Mastiff or a 3 week old kitten, Tori seems to know how to help them adjust, relax, trust, and love. She is everything wonderful, giving and happy all rolled into a big, furry, wiggly bundle of love. Note: Nancy owns/operates a dog grooming business; visit her website at www.theshaggydog.biz

SALLY & PATCH                                Patch was born Dec. 2nd 2006. We also call him "White & Black", to distinguish him from his housemate, Maggie, who is a mostly black and white Border Collie. We also refer to him as"Half n Half", being half Border Collie and half Australian Shepherd and half white & black. Patch loves to hike, go horseback riding and to be with me whatever and wherever that might be. His favorite toy is his other housemate and dog friend, Puck,a yellow Lab. Ever since Patch came to us at 6 weeks old, he and Puck have been completely enamored with each other. Romp and wrestle is what they do. Patch's mellowness and sweetness are special characteristics of his personality. His innocence and trusting nature contribute to his affinity for everybody he meets. I love the way he will curl his body around people when he is petted. Patch is about love, and he has a lot to share.

SHARON & KONA
Our best guess about when Kona was born is on Groundhog Day, 2005. Her nickname, according to Mark (a.k.a. "Dad"), is Princess! Kona LOVES kids and most everyone human-wise. She gets along with most dogs unless there is a "territorial" issue. She also loves going to the river and for hikes/walks. She is compulsive about "rolling" rocks at the river or in the backyard. Her favorite toy-of-the-moment is a squeaky frog. Toys have got to be tough, however, because they usually get “de-squeakered” quickly. I always say Kona is the one who made my husband a dog LOVER! She found him at his school and they are best buds. For the first 4 months, I was able to take her to work with me. I was amazed at the number of people who went out of their way to meet and greet us. I had a number of individuals stop by my office for their puppy fix! Kona will generally greet visitors with a toy in her mouth OR will mouth the bottom edge of shirt/shorts, even suit coats. She is usually pretty good at basic commands like sit, etc. Tricks include shaking hands and rolling over. The latter usually requires a treat to be involved. People who meet Kona have guessed up to 17 different breeds, from Akita to Shar-Pei, when trying to identify her makeup. I took her to the vet recently for DNA testing, so I will soon have an answer when anyone asks, "What is she?"

TRISH & FINA
Fina was born on 1-6-2003. My husband and I raised guide dog puppies when we lived in California. Fina was raised to be a guide dog and completed 80% of her final training, but was "career changed", so she now gets to visit at the hospital and the school. She likes playing keep-away, retrieving a tennis ball, tummy rubs, toe massages, being around children, walks in the woods, racing around the house after a bath, and playing with other dogs. She definitely does not like having her toenails clipped or being left alone in the house. Fina loves all toys made of Nylabone. One of the many things that makes Fina special is her attentiveness to people's moods. One day during Paws to Read when a child was struggling with her story, Fina put her paw on the girl's arm; the girl smiled and seemed to relax. Fina recognizes a wide variety of words such as "Archie" (her “boyfriend” dog next door), “deer", "Yvonne" (our friend), and "get your bone". When I sit on the floor, she becomes a lap dog.