About For the Love of Dogs
OurStory
At For the Love of Dogs, we believe every wagging tail deserves a chance to heal, grow, and love again. We’re working to build a premier no‑kill dog shelter in Northern Colorado, designed to give dogs of every breed, size, and story a brighter future. On our 10‑acre property, we’re creating a space where rescue meets renewal. A place filled with joy, play, training, and the comfort of human connection.
Our goal is simple but profound: to ensure that every dog who enters our care leaves happier, healthier, and ready to be part of a loving forever home. With the support of our community, we’re raising the standard for compassionate, ethical, and comprehensive canine care. Through dedicated volunteers, donors, and our Second Chance Fund, we’re building a movement of hope: one dog, one family, and one act of kindness at a time.
OurMission
Mission Statement #1
At For the Love of Dogs, our mission is to nurture each dog, physically, socially, and emotionally, so they can thrive and find their way to a loving forever home. We provide essential care, safe housing, training, and enrichment that meets each dog where they are, transforming uncertainty into trust and fear into friendship.
Mission Statement #2
We also aim to strengthen the bond between people and dogs through education, engagement, and advocacy, creating a culture where every life is valued, and every dog has a chance to live a life full of love.
OurValues
Value #1
Value #1
Compassion in Action
We see every dog as an individual, with their own story, needs, and spirit. Compassion drives every walk, every meal, and every moment of care we provide to each dog in our facility.
Value #2
Value #2
Community Partnership
We believe lasting change happens together. From volunteers and sponsors to local businesses and adopters, community collaboration powers everything we do.
Value #3
Value #3
Education & Empowerment
Knowledge builds empathy. We share best practices in pet care, training, and animal welfare to inspire responsible ownership and a deeper understanding of dogs’ needs.
Value #4
Value #4
Integrity & Accountability
As a PACFA‑regulated 501(c)(3), we operate with transparency and honesty. Donors and supporters can see their contributions at work in every happy tail and healthy dog.
Value #5
Value #5
Hope & Healing
We focus on progress over perfection. Many of our dogs come from difficult circumstances, and we meet each one with patience, love, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.
Value #6
Value #3
Forever Commitment
Our promise to every dog doesn’t end with adoption. We’re dedicated to lifelong placement success and always stand ready to support our families and alumni.
Meet OurFounder& Board Members
Leslie (Les) Carrico
CEO, Founder
Debra Burger
Chief Financial Officer
Debora Fazio
Chief of Records
Scott Mullins
Chief Marketing Officer
LookingAhead
Our journey with For the Love of Dogs is just beginning, and the horizon ahead is filled with possibility. What started as a dream to give every dog a second chance has become an ambitious mission: building a no‑kill shelter on our 10‑acre property that stands as a beacon of compassion and care in Northern Colorado. We envision a place where dogs can heal and thrive, surrounded by nature, trained by loving hands, and supported by a team that believes every wagging tail has a story worth saving.
To bring this vision to life, we’re relying on the generosity, dedication, and shared belief of our community. Establishing a world‑class facility takes resources: funding to complete construction, provide medical care, expand training programs, and sustain round‑the‑clock operations. Through donations to our Second Chance Fund, sponsorships, and grants, we’re working to ensure that every dollar raised goes directly toward changing lives.
But financial support is only part of what will make this dream a reality. It also takes people: volunteers who show up with open hearts, ready hands, and a love that knows no bounds. Whether it’s walking a dog on a crisp Colorado morning, lending skilled labor for our build‑out, or helping raise awareness in the community, every contribution moves us closer to opening our doors. With collective effort, we’re not just building a shelter—we’re building a movement grounded in love, purpose, and second chances that reach as high as the mountains themselves.
