Nikeno’s Second ChancesJanuary is typically the month to evaluate one's direction. Now that it’s come and passed, we look to February to give our update on Nikeno’s Second Chances: Our Progress, Our Accomplishments and Our Vision.

As this is our very first newsletter – we’d like to take a moment to honor Keno, the driving force behind this venture. The gentleness that made Keno so special helped inspire those behind Nikeno’s Second Chances into making a long time dream a reality. Although Keno is no longer here to offer his support, he is surely watching over our efforts from heaven. In his memory we have a special “Keno’s Angels” page dedicated to those animals that have similarly inspired their caretakers.

We continue to look for volunteers and donations. Currently, we have two dogs in various stages of rehabilitation for adoption. What makes NSC different is that the dogs in our program receive training before, during, and after the home placement process. This makes the adoption more likely to “stick” – as well as provide a dog that seamlessly integrates into the family lifestyle. Clearwater Dog Training focuses on creating healthy and respectful relationships between the dog and owner. It is this partnership of training and care that makes NSC so special.

We are happy to report that our first two adoptions – Louie and Blitz – have been quite a success. Louie joined a single dog household and has made great progress in bonding with his sister Kayla. His mother Inge fell in love immediately, and after a few visits it became official.

Blitz (originally Samson) is now the “proud owner” of the four Seidel children. He loves being a buddy and protector, and we could not have found a more appropriate home for this beautiful German Shepherd.

Upcoming EventsAs part of a way to introduce ourselves to the community – we will be holding a microchipping clinic in the next couple of months. Getting your dog microchiped is the most effective way to get them back if they are ever lost or stolen. The cost of the clinic will be about $35. If you have any interest in attending, please email Ginger (ginger@nikenossecondchances.com).

With any non-profit, the need for donations is never ending. If you would like to become a member, volunteer your time or make a simple contribution – please see the enclosed donation form.

Thanks for your continued support!!!

From all of us at Nikeno’s Second Chances

Blitz

Louie

Thank You So MuchThanks to everyone that made a difference by donating money and time to making this dream a reality. We would like to include a special thank you to:

Dr. Valori: Without your support during Keno’s transition from angel on earth to angel in heaven, Gina would not have pulled through. It was also your encouragement that made Nikeno’s Second Chances more than just an idea. Throughout the years, your vet expertise given to our foster dogs has been immeasurable. We couldn’t do it without you.

Geraldine and Jennifer (Sagrillo Hammond Dineen & Poskus, LLC): Endless thanks to our legal team that put their time and effort into getting our 501(3)(c) filed. Without your perfection and patience, Nikeno’s wouldn’t be what it is today.

Ginger: A driving member of the NSC team, thanks to Ginger for all her hard work and flexibility. You’ve put in a lot of hours, and we wouldn’t be this far if it wasn’t for your tenacity.

Artisan Cabinetry, Inc.Brigitte Crawley

357 Santa Fe DriveDenver, CO 80223

303-573-5568

Table Mountain Veterinary ClinicDr. D. Valori

15555 West 44th AvenueGolden, CO 80403

303-279-1701

Janet Anderson

Cynthia Donnelley

*Corinne Dubois

Janice Jensen

Brian & Dena Johann

Steve, Michelle & Gretchen LeFauve

Greg & Rebecca Mateyko

*Cera Miller

*Craig & Sharyn Monroe

Keith & Andrea Raschke

Stacie Rochford

Dave & Marebeth Scott

Cynthia Secor

Linda Tobias

Manfred & Kristen Uebelhoer

Dorothy Williams

Thank you to our members,

Please consider our Business Members when you are in need of services:

*Denotes Gold Member

Canine Trivia

The German Shepherd (also known also as the Alsatian or Schäferhund) is an intelligent breed of dog. The proper English name for the breed is German Shepherd Dog but they are often informally referred to as GSDs or simply German Shepherds. In the UK the name Alsatian is commonly used. The alternative name has historical reasons: during World War I and II, Germany was out of favor in the UK and many names were de-Germanized.

Adoptable DogsThese are some of the dogs currently in Nikeno’s training process for adoption. If you are interested in meeting any of these fine pups – please call 303-985-7775 or stop by Clearwater Dog Training. You may

also email Gina (gina@nikenossecondchances.com). All adoptions through Nikeno’s Second Chances come with four weeks of training to facilitate the transition into a new home. Please consider these dogs if you

are thinking about getting a new family member.

Nike was abandoned when his owners moved and a nice neighbor brought him in when it was apparent no one was coming back for this poor guy. This Lab-Shepherd mix will be around 70lbs when he gains some needed weight. Nike is neutered and current on vaccinations and will be microchipped before being placed. This dog has the potential to be a great companion to a caring person. Nike has some separation issues after his rough start and at this time will need to stay in foster care to help him learn how to socialize and gain some basic manners. If you have an interest in adopting Nike – please check with Clearwater Dog Training about his progress in the foster program.

Tye Found as a stray, Tye is a five-month-old Border Collie mix. He is shorter than a Border Collie, but will most likely be of a more solid build when fully grown. As with most Border Collies – Tye is extremely intelligent. He is very perceptive, and would make an excellent therapy dog. As he is still a puppy, he is not yet 100% housebroken, but is well on his way with both crate training and general obedience. Tye would be best for a family that is up to the challenge of a smart dog, which includes providing activities to keep him from getting bored. He is great with kids and would do well at a variety of competitive activities. Tye is neutered, microchipped, current on vaccinations and his adoption comes with four weeks of integration training from Clearwater Dog Training.

Cooner is a 2-year-old purebred Red Bone

Coonhound. He is of average size for his breed and has lovely –

soulful eyes. He is crate trained, housebroken and is excellent with children. He

does well with cats and with other dogs. Cooner has quite the personality and is a beautiful, healthy dog.

He is neutered and current on vaccinations. He will be microchipped before being placed. As with all NSC dogs, his adoption comes included with 4 weeks of

training from Clearwater Dog Training.

Contact InformationNikeno’s Second Chances

c/o Clearwater Dog Training5555 W. Evans AveDenver, CO 80227

Gina Biernat @ 303-985-7775Gina@nikenossecondchances.com

Ginger Hall @ 303-548-3912Ginger@nikenossecondchances.com

Adopt

ed

Gretchen’s Goodies

Pea-Mutt Butter Dog Biscuits

Ingredients:2 tablespoons corn oil ½ cup peanut butter 1 cup water1 cup whole wheat flour2 cups all-purpose flour

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350˚.

• Combine oil, peanut butter and water. Add flour,

one cup at a time. Knead into firm dough.

• Roll dough to 1/4” thickness and cut with a

cookie cutter.

• Place on an ungreased cookie sheet.

• Bake for 20 minutes.

Yields: 2½ dozen

A Tribute to OurFour-Legged Friends

They say memories are goldenwell maybe that is true.

I never wanted memories;I only wanted each of you.

A million times I needed you,a million times I cried.

If love alone could have saved you,you never would have died.

In life I loved you dearly,in death I love you still.

In my heart you each hold a placeno one could ever fill.

If tears could build a stairwayand heartache make a lane,

I'd walk the path to heavenand bring you back again.

Our family chain is broken,and nothing seems the same.

But as God calls us one by one,the chain will link again.

-Anonymous

In Dedication to aVery Dear Woman

Lu was an 83 year old student of Clearwater Dog Training that attended class with her dog Brownie. She was a very active older adult, and came to group sessions with devotion for three years. Always dressed in her Sunday finest, she made her presence known. Lu's strongest desire was that she never become a burden to anyone - and be free to live her life in independence. She was a proud woman that put her trust in only a few, and before her passing she made a great step forward by letting Gina help her reconcile with her daughter. While Lu sadly died alone - she did so with the freedom she craved. Lu - you set a high standard to live by, and those that knew you are touched to have been a part of your life. You are missed already.

Keno’s AngelsThis special section memorializes all those pets that have crossed over and received their angel wings from Keno. As Keno was instrumental in the creation of NSC's, these special tributes give honor to other animals that have inspired giving. These dogs will be dearly missed.

Alley was a beloved pet to Kathy for nine years. She was a travel companion, a child and a friend. Her story started as a private rescue and was not without hardship. She worked long and hard to become the devoted pet we recognize here. It is with deepest sorrow that we announce her passing on Christmas Eve. After a battle with bladder stones, her heart gave out at 4am. As Kathy so eloquently put it:

“All I can think is there must be some little girl in heaven that needed her more than me…”

Thanks to Inge Holmes for her donation in honor of Alley’s memory.

SadieJanice Jensen’s membership donation was made in honor of her precious Sadie; we know she is still very missed.

AnnikaAlthough this beloved pet left her family over a year ago – the Scott family has not forgotten her devotion. The kids were like “cubs” to this special dog, and she is still missed.

ShelbyShelby was a shelter dog from Table Mountain that had a very special purpose while he was here. Because of Shelby and Clearwater Dog Training – Gina and Ginger were first introduced. Without his place in history, Nikeno’s Second Chances would not be what it is today.

Prince Mik’l, Little Elvis and Buster BrownThese guys were more than just pets – they acted as brothers to each other. Sadly, Mik’l died at age 14, leaving his brother Elvis alone and without support (Elvis was blind and relied upon Mik’l as his eyes). With the addition of Buster, Elvis not only found the friend he so desperately needed, but his family found a lovable loyal baby as well. Elvis lived an additional four more years because of Buster – reaching the age of 17. Sadly, Buster was taken this year, far before his time. His parents included this in their dedication:

“You guys haven’t been gone that long, yet to me it seems like an eternity. I still expect you to greet me at the door, but I know you are up in heaven looking after us. You are forever in our hearts.”

PatchPatch was one of the friendliest dogs you will ever meet. He was the kind of dog where his smile was really worse than his bite. Whenever or wherever you went with him all he wanted was to cuddle up next to you and lick you till you gave him a good scratch on his belly. We miss you Patch and our prayers will always be with you.

Artisan Cabinetry, Inc.Brigitte Crawley

357 Santa Fe DriveDenver, CO 80223

303-573-5568

Please consider our Business Members when you are in need of services:

Nikeno’s Second Chancesc/o Clearwater Dog Training5555 W. Evans AveDenver, CO 80227

Table Mountain Veterinary ClinicDr. D. Valori

15555 West 44th AvenueGolden, CO 80403

303-279-1701