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STORY AND PHOTOS BY KAREN BOSSICK Super Scout flipped doggie biscuits from his nose and played dead, scarcely even breathing. Pearl jumped through a ring her human companion made with his arms. And Doran Key happily sailed around a skijoring track, continuing a tradition she’s done since 1986—this time with 10-year-old bulldog named Fiona who seeming had never had so much fun in her life.
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Wonder Woman Lorie Hutchison and Wonder Dog Pearl dazzled the audience with a few of the tricks Pearl knows.
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Paw ‘N Pole, one of the most beloved traditions in the Wood River Valley for 26 years, returned on Saturday to Mountain Humane with people-dog ski races, silly pet tricks, snowshoe strolls and more. “I am so happy because it’s such a great tradition,” said Key, who recycled a celestial jacket for herself and an aluminum foil space jacket for Fiona from a previous Paw ‘N Pole. “I’ve been doing it every year they’ve had it. The dogs love being out here and running and seeing other dogs. And what better way to have dogs in the shelter be seen!?” Paw ‘N Pole was started in 1986 by Wood River Valley resident Bobby Noyes as a way to bring attention to the animal shelter. Different themes were assigned each year, ranging from the Wild West to Hollywood, from a Canine Circus to the Olympics and a Ski the ‘70s theme that beckoned participants to dress in disco dress and Nehru jackets. Poodles have shown up dressed as figure skaters and bulldogs as secret service agents. A dachshund emerged as a hot dog underneath a covered wagon toting a sign that made it out to be the Purina Dog Chow Wagon. There was even a dog disguised as an unidentified flying object pulling Rosie, the Jetson’s maid.
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Super Scout makes a figure eight through Joy Yelda’s legs during the tricks contest. Yelda said she’s been training her golden retriever since it was as tiny as a shoebox as it was a horribly misbehaved puppy. Now, of course, it’s perfect.
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Those early Paw ‘N Poles were held on the long-gone Croy Nordic trails, at the Sun Valley Gun Club, the Valley Club and even near Galena Lodge one year when there was scant snow in the valley. This year’s Paw ‘N Pole revival offered skiers and dogs a chance to ski a 1-kilometer track groomed on private property next to Mountain Humane. Cara Liberatore told her daughters Abbi and Kalina about Paw “N Pole since they were as yet unborn the last time it was held in 2012. And they quickly became excited about skiing with Pepper and Barlow, who they had adopted from Mountain Humane. “We foster puppies for Mountain Humane, and the girls thought it sounded like fun,” said Cara Liberatore. “It’s a great sense of community and excitement—an event where you get to bring your four-legged family members along.” Sara Gerrits and Maggie toed the starting line, Maggie sniffing out the competition as they awaited the countdown. And, suddenly, they were off, three dogs pulling their human companions.
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Turper and Remington Grubb were among the spectators.
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It was a fast one with Gerrits edging out Key and Abbi Liberatore. “I’ve been skiing with Maggie this year but this is our first race and it was so fun,” said Gerrits. Winners of the ski races and silly pet tricks were well compensated for their efforts with prizes that included a $100 Amazon gift card, $50 gift cards to Natural Grocers, McDonalds and Domino’s, a Cellars Wine Package and a $30 gift card for Hank & Sylvie’s. Even spectators were winners, thanks to a free lunch buffet of vegetarian chili, carrot coconut soup, corn muffins and cookies provided by Big Wood Bread and others. There were snacks and play toys for dogs and even a chance to eyeball three adorable 3-month-old puppies that are up for adoption.
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Jess and Rhett Reeves show off a 3-month-old puppy up for adoption at Mountain Humane.
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“It’s a great event as people become aware that Mountain Humane is more than an animal shelter,” said Mountain Humane board member Sally Onetto. “For instance, we have a foster program that gets dogs out of the shelter and being socialized in homes and the community.” Two schnauzers--Turper and Remington Grubb--didn’t take part in the ski contests or the pet tricks contest, but they seemed to enjoy watching and cheering on the other dogs. “They just love to get out and mingle with the crowd,” said Maria Grubb, who brought the 8-year-old white schnauzers to the event with her husband Doug. “So, they’ve loved this.” MOUNTAIN HUMANE AT A GLANCE:
Mountain Humane has plenty of volunteer opportunities for dog walking, socializing cats, helping out at The Barkin thrift store, fostering animals and assisting with events. The Cat Cozy Club meets monthly to knit cozies for in-house cats. And Hikin’ Buddies pairs hikers with shelter dogs every Wednesday during June, July and August at Adams Gulch. Mountain Humane offers affordable spay and neuter services, a full-service public veterinary clinic open Mondays through Thursdays by appointment and for emergencies. In 2024 Mountain Humane: +Served 7,916 animals in a variety of ways ranging from group classes for puppies to advanced dog behavior training
+ Adopted out 695 cats and dogs + Accepted 395 animals from overcrowded shelters and rescues + Performed 7,422 medical procedures + Administered 6,817 vaccinations and exams
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