Feb 15, 2009 2:45 pm US/Mountain
Indigo Mountain Nature Center Welcomes All
LAKE GEORGE, Colo. (CBS4) ―
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Sue Cranston with Ouray
CBS
Ouray, the wolf dog and Sue Cranston, a woman of the woods, have been friends for a decade.
"We've developed quite a bond with her over the years," says Cranston.
She and Ouray live together in a remote forest with dozens of furry critters, all with one thing in common. They all need a home.
"We're committed to give them the quality of care that they need," Cranston says. "And all the dog biscuits that they can handle."
The Indigo Mountain Nature Center is home to some 35 wolf dogs.
"Every animal here has a different story," says Cranston. "Some came for horrible situations and some just need a place to be."
The animals here are four generations removed from a wolf. They're smart, docile and friendly.
"They are considered a domesticated dog," Cranton said. "But they have some intense behaviors that might not make them the most ideal pet."
Indigo Mountain started out rescuing dogs, but now it's home to several cats. They're called Bengal cats and they're a cross between the wild Asian Leopard cat and a domestic shorthair.
"They're more like a dog than they are a cat," says Cranston. "They'll play fetch with you, they want attention, they love water and they're very athletic."
Even though the need for a sanctuary for wayward creatures can be overwhelming, Sue Cranston assures us she knows how to say no.
"We try to maintain a specific number of animals so that we can ensure that we're giving them the quality care and attention they need," says Cranston.
The sanctuary is also home to four bears. They're hibernating right now. One of them was born with a deformed ear.
"Evidently the zoo didn't want her because of the defect so we took her in," said Cranston.
The sanctuary is located at the edge of the Pike National Forest. It may not be wild, but it's all the animals who call it home need.
"We pride ourselves on being their last chance, their last hope of getting love, dignity and respect."
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