Beastie Besties

Story

Apr 10, 2023

April 11 is National Pet Day, and in honor of beloved critters everywhere, we’re featuring some of History Colorado staff’s special pets, with a generous helping of cuteness.

Some of us are lucky enough to have a best friend who knows about the naughty and the nice, the embarrassing and the humiliating, and still chooses to be our friend. But do they really gaze at us with adoring doe-eyes after we have stumbled through that most ridiculous thing? Maybe not so much. And very likely not as much as our pals who also happen to be our pets—our animal friends, our beastie besties.

The unconditional acceptance often goes the other way around, as well. Maybe you, too, have had a pup that got so excited it completely chewed up the legs of the antique library table that once belonged to your great-grandmother…along with the foot of one of the armchairs…and a piano leg (ahem). Or perhaps you returned from vacation to find your feline friend sitting atop the bookcase, simply staring back and giving you the stink-eye for an entire evening: “You know what you did.”

Our animal pals may get up to some shenanigans now and again, but who else gets that excited when we simply walk through the door? They know how to melt our hearts and help us stay grounded. And even if their listening skills may be lacking when we are actually trying to give them directions, their listening ears always seem to be tuned in when we desperately need it.

They truly are best friends like no others. Here are some of ours.

The Chairman of the Board (feat. mewsical guests Charlie & Cocoa on keyboard)

Photo of Fitzgibbons, a big black and brown dog, sitting on a blue upholstered sofa. He is leaning against the cushions, with his legs curled up close, and he's looking at the camera.

I got Fitzgibbons in May of 2020 and since then he has been my constant companion for walks, hikes, trips to the bathroom, and generally anything else he can follow me around to do.

—Luke Perkins, Manager of Communications and Public Relations

Photo of Charlie, and black cat with white feet. He is laying leisurely across the keyboard of a laptop that sits on his owner's work-from-home desk.

Charlie likes to supervise all work from home efforts.

—Emily Turner, Point of Sales and Reservations Manager

Photo of Cocoa the tabby cat, laying stretched across the desk directly in front of her owner's open laptop. Her front paws rest on some paperwork, and her back legs are stretched out flat behind her. She is looking at the camera proudly.

My furry "coworker" Cocoa loves playing with the ring pull tabs that come off plant-milk containers more than purchased toys, especially when you toss the ring up in the air for her to catch or bat away. This can be particularly challenging when on Zoom calls, but it's a good thing Cocoa is so cute. A "Covid-kitty," Cocoa brings lots of personality and enjoyment to the home office.

—Kimberly Kronwall, Exhibits and Loan Registrar

Couch Pawtatoes

Photo of gray cat named Lulu. She has a fluffy tail and is laying on a gray sofa, curled up and sleeping under a light blue fleecy blanket.

This is Lulu in her favorite spot on the couch!

—Sam Bock, Managing Editor

Photo of two cats, Mabel (gray) and Dipper (black), curled together and sleeping on a sofa with floral upholstry.

These are my two goofballs, Mabel (gray) and Dipper (black), in a rare moment of calm.

—Lee Bishop, Koch Fellow at History Colorado

Photo of a fluffy white cat, with a few large black color patches. His name is Meemoo, and he is posing on a bed or sofa that has a flowered pattern on it. He is looking at the camera.

Hello, my name is Meemoo. I'm a very grumpy boy who loves sleeping all day, playing with water in the bathtub, and cuddling with my mom (but I don't like to admit it). Don't let my fluff fool you, I do not want to be petted!

—Kendall Goduto, Retail and Guest Services Associate

The Winstons

Photo of a fuzzy small dog named Winston. He is standing on a gray sofa, and his wispy tan, gray, and white hair creates little curls around his ears and legs. He has long expressive eyebrows and is tilting his head in curiosity as he looks at the camera.

This scruffy man is Winston! He loves to play tug-o-war and meet new furry friends. He is very opinionated and likes to file all his complaints with his mom. He is goofy and a great cuddler but is all business when it comes to verbal battles with his sworn enemies: squirrels.

—Amanda Vestal, Associate Collections Manager

Photo of a tan and white Pembroke Welsh Corgi named Winston. He is pictured here in a selfie with his owner, their heads together and they are both smiling!

This is also Winston! Fun fact: Even though Winston is a Pembroke Welsh Corgi, he has a full fluffy tail!

—Keith Valdez, Guest Services Manager

Fur-eedom Fighters

Photo of Laika, a black and white dog with speckled front legs and paws. She is posing for the camera and wearing her Resistance X-Wing Pilot helmet.

Our dog, Laika, loves going on hikes with us and is the best X-Wing pilot in the galaxy. Our two cats, Droopy McCool (left) and Tobias Beckett (right) are really great assistants when I am working from home. Yes, the cats both have Star Wars names—if you can't tell, we're big fans over here.

—Cody Robinson, Collections Access Coordinator

Paws for Self-Care

Photo of an orange and black cat with bright green eyes, hiding behind the large green leaves of a houseplant that sits in a large container on the floor.

Our little fur babies help us share love, and heal. This is Mia—my pet name for her is Mia von Meow Meows. (I get a little chuckle every time I say it.)

—Yadira Solis, Director of Museum of Memory

Photo of three fluffy canines, sitting atop their own Susan Fries who is seated in a comfy upholstered white chair. Masie and Baker, the two Corgis, and their friend Lady, look to be keen for cuddles from their "dog mom."

Cuddling with Masie, Baker, (the two Corgis), and Lady is my typical after-work activity!

—Susan Fries, Director for the Center for Colorado Women's History & Deputy Community Museum Officer

Photo of a little Dachshund with dappled fur of tan, black, and white on his head. He is closing his eyes for the photo, probably because he has to wear a puffy, bright blue "cone of shame" collar around his neck.

Say hello to Joey the Dachshund. He had recently had surgery and kept chewing the bandage. Finally the vet left him a personal note written on the bandage and provided the collar of shame!

—Debbie Johnson, State Historical Fund Grant System Manager

Photo of a long-haired black dog with a white chest and white and black speckled front legs and paws. Laying happily on the deck, Shade's mouth is open, panting lightly, with smiling eyes.

Photo of a sleepy Chocolate Labrador, sleeping very peacefully on top of a gray and white Pendleton blanket.

Shade is a ten-year-old Australian Shepherd who endears himself to everyone he meets with his freckled front legs, one tipped ear, and sunny disposition.

Skylar is a three-year-old Charcoal Labrador who has big Lab energy, which means I can only get pics during naps and that she's claimed my favorite Pendleton blanket as her own without the slightest bit of remorse.

—Patrick Eidman, Chief Preservation Officer & Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer

The Work is Never Done

Photo of a dog with distinctive black and white husky-like markings. She is laying on a tan cushion in front of a bookcase full of history books, looking at the camera.

Naya Flewelling-Watts helps answer inquiries on local government historic preservation programs.

—Lindsey Flewelling, Preservation Planner & Certified Local Government (CLG) Coordinator

Photo of a black cat with white paws, sitting atop a clock cabinet and peering out of the window through the white window blinds.

This is Ozzy. When he’s not sleeping like he's laying in a casket, he spies on the neighbors like he's in an old noir movie.

—Devin Flores, Digital Content Coordinator

Photo of a very large, fluffy white dog who is sitting practically on the lap of a boy trying to look at his binder and do homework. His sister sits on the chair next to them, doing her homework as well.

We got Olaf Inkybottom last year and he has been such a great addition to our family. Here he is helping Eleanor and Henry with their homework.

—Emily Dobish, Director of Volunteer Engagement

Opposites Attract (Sort of)

Photo of Bowie, a black Labrador who is stretched out and relaxing in the green grass following a walk.

Photo of a fluffy Calico cat, lounging quite comfortably on gray and brown soft furnishings.

My calico cat is 11 years old and her name is Cat. She spends her days being annoyed by Bowie, my black lab who is seven this year.

—Karen Antonacci, Grants Manager

Photo of chickens, walking around in their fenced pen. Two of them are black and white speckled and are standing next to a white chicken, while the reddish brown chickens are walking around at the back of the pen.

Photo of two cats, lounging happily on a comfy blue blanket. The golden cat in the foreground is enjoying a nice wide yawn, while the gray cat lays with its eyes closed happily.

Ellie, Ralphie, Bernie, Helga, and Luna, taking their chicken duties pretty seriously.

On the other hand, Ollie and Molliver (a.k.a. Molly) look suitably comfortable.

—Dan Mooney, Major Gift Director

Photo of a Black Labrador/Blue Heeler mixed-breed dot, sitting nicely in front of a brightly colored wall whilst she has her photo taken.

Photo of a light-colored snake with large tan spots all over its body. She is wrapped around her human's wrist and hand, and is flicking her tongue whilst posing for the photo.

Nox, pictured here at the Fort Garland Museum, is a 12-year-old Black Lab/Blue Heeler mix. She enjoys smelling drainage pipes, tearing apart Chewy boxes, rolling in snow to cool off, and trying to eat owl pellets. Born in Shiprock, New Mexico, Nox came to us from a rescue in Dolores when we were still living down in Cortez.

Ophelia is a 14-year-old cornsnake. She enjoys climbing around her tank and digging tunnels into her aspen substrate, and posed for this portrait in my backyard.

—Josie Chang-Order, School Programs Manager

Cuddles for Days

Photo of two rabbits, standing next to each other to have their photo taken. The rabbit on the left is black, with his ears pert, and his friend on the right is brown and white, with distinctive markings on its face.

Griffin (left) and Pippa (right), who must have the softest fur ever!

—Rebecca Chickadel, School Programs Coordinator

Photo of a black and gray chinchilla, nibbling treats from someone's hand. She has black shiny eyes and lots of long black whiskers.

Midge is a chinchilla. She's very sweet and a bit sassy. She enjoys listening to music and watching Marvel movies. Her favorite treats include twigs, mint stems, or plain oats. She turns three in May!

—Shanea Ewing, Membership Manager

Photo of a very happy dog with perky ears, wide eyes, and a smiling mouth as he stands outdoors on his lead.

Charlie Brown is nine years old and he was born in the season of Taurus. He loves soft-gentle pets, and doesn't much like being rough-housed even though he's part Pitbull. He barks like a Pit, but cuddles up like a Chihuahua. He's the sweetest boy.

—Jenny Chu, Public Programs Manager

There’s Always Time for Fun

Photo of a fluffy long-haired dog, sitting in a few inches of snow, laser-focused on the frisbee on the ground a few feet in front. The snow on the top of their head is not distracting them from the wait for someone to toss the frisbee.

Here's my dog Koda taking advantage of Colorado's winter weather. This year was exceptionally snowy, but it did not get in his way of playing frisbee!

—Kelly Williams, Managing Director, History Colorado Center

Photo of a large yellow dog looking handsome in a reindeer headband with jingle bells. He's sitting nicely next to his human, who is festive in her red Santa hat and taking their selfie.

One day—I hope soon—I'd love to adopt a dog. In the meantime when possible, I'm a weekend foster for dogs who are training to be service dogs. This amazing fella, Oliver, was one of my favorites and showed exceptional patience with my silliness celebrating the holidays.

—Julia Mayben, Special Events Manager

Photo of a large dog with Husky-like fur and markings, lounging on a sofa in front of a coffee table that holds a jigsaw puzzle in progress.

Sasha is my adopted Step-dog-daughter (and only a few personal articles have been eaten in rebellion of her dad's then-girlfriend-now-fiancée). Her world's gotten much bigger since I moved in and started taking her on cabin trips like the one pictured! Sasha is a pack animal and always loves meeting new friends wherever she goes!

—Rachelle Hubbell, Membership and Events Coordinator

Photo of an Alsatian mix-breed dog who is looking eagerly at the camera. The camera person must be holding treats up to get her to look at the camera.

Meet Rosie, my 110-pound shadow! She’s an Alsatian-Belgian Malinois blend of intellect and chill, a keen leaner (she’d say that’s a hug), and my best source for big helicopter wags and zoomies upon my arrival home from work (friendly tip: don’t get in the way).

—Lori Bailey, Managing Editor of the Weekly Digest