You probably know our not-so-secret secret: We adore dogs. Adooooore them. And our guests do, too! Just check out our recent Facebook thread where we asked our followers to share pictures of their pooches. What’s more, we have Directors of Pet Relations at our hotels.
Shelter dogs happen to have an extra-special place in our hearts. Read on for tales from Kimpton employees about the shelter dogs that have won their hearts and brought people together in wild, wonderful ways.
Harrison
HARRISON – Mike Hill, Hotel Manager, Hotel Monaco Seattle
Seven years ago, my wife and I adopted our pup from the Minneapolis Humane Society. His name is Harrison, after George from The Beatles (although I admit Han Solo is pretty rad, too) and he was just six months at time. Everyone always asks us what kind of dog he is and they try guessing. We actually don’t know so we always respond that he is a handsome one! He now has a little buddy, our one year old son, to keep him busy as well.
Chewy
CHEWY – Pamela Andrews, Assistant Director of Finance
We rescued our second dog Chewy two years ago. I can assure you that no one has taught me more about patience, kindness, and genuine love than Chewy. Even after being abused and roaming the mean streets of South Bend, Indiana, this little guy refuses to give up on people and loves everyone he meets. Unless you’re riding a scooter. Chewy hates scooters.
Isla
ISLA – Erica Peterson, Assistant General Manager, Sir Francis Drake Hotel
My husband convinced (begged) me to bring a street dog home from a little island way out in the Mexican Carribean. We took this poor dog on a ferry, two cab rides, and two plane rides back to Arizona. When we took her to the vet, it turns out she was pregnant with 10 puppies. We raised all the puppies and 13 weeks later, all were adopted out to friends and family. Our free Mexican street dog turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences in our lives together. The mom is named Isla after the island we brought her home from – Isla Mujeres.
Shelby
SHELBY – Kate McCone, Staff Accountant
Shelby adopted me 8 years ago, and she is the most loving and loyal dog. When most dog owners are expecting a new baby, they are concerned about the dog’s reaction to the new addition. I held these concerns myself. But from day one (and still 6 years later) Shelby has been the protector, second mother, and best friend to my daughter Madalyn.
Daisy
DAISY – Elena Hudson, City Sales Manager
Since I adopted her in October 2011, Daisy has come with me to visit 13 Kimpton hotels in 7 Kimpton locations. We’ve lived in 3 different apartments and 2 different cities. We’ve been through new jobs (granted, that was me) and breakups (ok – me, too)… and every step of the way, Daisy has been right by my side (or right under my pillow – her favorite place to sleep. Here’s Daisy at the Nine Zero in Boston.
Roxy
ROXY – Melissa Deacon, Director of Guest Services, Hotel Monaco Denver
Meet Roxy, my terrier mix. She was actually staying at Hotel Monaco Denver when her owner explained to me that she was a Christmas gift for her kids just days ago. She started tearing up as she explained that her son was terribly allergic to her and she was needing a new home. I adopted on the spot. What’s great is that the family still comes by and stays with us so they can see their former pet enjoying her new hotel life.
Now YOUR turn — in the Comments below, tell us about your furry friend and how he or she entered your life!
Updated November 3, 2015
Riley is a Maltee-Poo-Keeshound-Mutt. He was found roaming the streets of Summerton AZ, picked up by the police and taken to the animal control shelter in Yuma. Haven rescues animals from that shelter as they have a very high ‘kill’ rate, and brings them to Phoenix for adoption. Riley was brought to an adoption event by Haven, and when I saw them bring him in the door to be put in a kennel for the event I knew he was the ‘one’. I have allergies to dogs who shed, but I could tell by his matted coat that he had some poodle or longer haired dog in him. I was right – we had the vet run a DNA test out of curiosity and found out. We asked to see him and spend time with him and took him home. He helps motivate me to be and stay active – we walk twice a day and play ball as much as there is time for in between.
Awww, we love this story, Jana! Riley sounds like such a cutie, and a very interesting mix, too! It’s pretty remarkable how dogs can change our lifestyles, isn’t it? Our dogs totally help us to stay active, too. In fact, we feel sometimes feel overwhelming guilt when we aren’t able to let them play outdoors for long! 😉 Nothing like a little dog parent guilt to motivate you to get outdoors and have some fun! Thanks so much for sharing your story, and please give Riley a belly rub for us! ~ Whitney Smith, Director of Social Media
In 2007 we had a business transfer to Hong Kong.
Of course, without question, our 13 year old mini schnauzer accompanied us on this lonf overseas journey.
Sadly, dear Ozzie passed away 6 months after our arrival in Hong Kong.
I was a volunteer at Hong Kong Dog rescue, and adopted 8 year old Pollywog, a mixed breed terrier who had been abandoned in the streets of Hong Kong, for no known reason.
She lived with us in Hong Kong for the next 4 years, and accompanied us when we moved back to Denver Co.
Where she was introduced to squirrels, bunnies and snow for the first time in her life.
She is one happy rescue dog.
We are even happier to have rescued her.
A few months after our dog, Hector, died unexpectedly, I saw a Facebook post about a puppy named Charlie Brown. He and his 7 siblings and their mama were rescued in Tennessee and brought to Massachusetts. Everyone was adopted, except Charlie Brown. My (now late) husband saw the post when I shared it, and he said he liked Charlie Brown. Another family had beat us to it, and we weren’t able to adopt Charlie. But then, a few weeks later, I got an email from the shelter saying that the original adoption had fallen through, and we were next on the list. We adopted Charlie Brown in January of 2012. Seven months later, we adopted his brother (litter mate) Cooper, who was returned to the shelter with a broken leg that needed to be amputated. Raising TWO male puppies, one of them handicapped, while also taking care of a partner with cancer, and an elderly disabled dog, has been incredibly challenging. In 2015, I lost my husband AND my senior dog within one month of each other. Charlie and Cooper gave me a reason to get out of bed every day, and carry on, despite my world being shattered. They have become my very own “comfort dogs” and I am so lucky to have their companionship.
No dog stories; we adopt cats – 13 of them in 23 years. What I really want to say is we LOVE Kimpton!
Hello
My story is about my cats. Ironicly I found both of them and they are the same color. Though their ages are far apart they always got along. We have been on trips and love to stay at Kimpton hotels. Sadly the older one which I found a while back on the verge of death in a parking lot died two months ago which it was age related. My grandma was 18 years old! Isabella-ka is still my baby in my heart along with her sister who name is Bella tomo-Yu. It’s just Bella and me traveling and doing work together. I think I learned so much growing up with izzy. She was so demanding but just give her the little things and she was happy. After losing her I am learning to take life a day at a time. I hope I have a long time with Bella who is two. I found her at a gas station garage. I guess I have a thing for black and white fluffy cats.
I have three rescue Golden Retrievers, Briggs, Lulu and Courage. Courage was taken to the shelter to be euthanized after he had been injured, hit by a car. One of his front legs was useless due to nerve damage. He was rescued by a local rescue. Everything possible was dog to try to rejuvenate the nerve path to no avail. The decision was made to amputate the leg. I was his foster and had him from the time he was taken from the shelter. I brought him home after the surgery and kept him through all the rehab. When he was well enough to be put up for adoption, I knew I couldn’t let him go. I changed his name from Lucky to Courage. When I take him out people always stop to pet him. He gets along great with my other two rescue Golden Retrievers.
We have done Doberman rescues for over 15 years. Our girl, Morgan is an albino and needs sunscreen since she has had cancer on her nose. Her eyes are sensitive to light but she established her place as the alfa dog in our pact. Chester was rescued by animal control as he was chained outside for the first 15 months of his life. He was literally skin and bones when we got him. He is now the self appointed “guardian” of our family! They are total delights and we can’t imagine life without them!
Bentley was listed on Petfinder as “a social guy” and we soon found out after adopting him he is just that! He was at the Contra Costa Animal Shelter with only a few days till his time was up. He had been surrendered by a family because they were expecting a baby. We are so grateful to that family because we would have never found him. We already had one dog and they ended up becoming great friends. Bentley is a blessin. He definitely appreciates the little things life brings, is the perfect gentleman in social situations and enjoys our family vacations. He has been to The Goodland in Goleta, Ca twice and both times were very difficult to get him to leave since his favorite thing to do is relax! We have since adopted another puppy from sf spca, but Bentley will always have a special place in our heart for being our first rescue!
I disagree that:
http://bookboxdaily.scholastic.com/2011/09/26/that-doggone-sparky/
Best regards, Linda