Pay It Fur-Ward

09/20/2026

Every dog deserves a safe, loving home.​

I’m proud that Colorado banned pet stores from selling dogs and cats sourced from puppy mills, helping put an end to this cruel cycle.​

If you’re looking to add a dog to your family, please consider adopting. My family did, and we couldn’t be happier with First pup Gia.

09/03/2026

🇺🇸 GUARDIANS OF THE HOMEFRONT 🇺🇸

With September 11 approaching, Pay It Fur-Ward is working toward a deeply meaningful deadline: officially launching our Guardians of the Homefront Program by 9/11.

This date carries tremendous weight for our family. PIF co-founder Josh is a former New York City paramedic and retired first responder. Service, sacrifice and standing beside those who protect our communities and our country are woven into the heart of this program.

Guardians of the Homefront will provide temporary foster care for the pets of active-duty military members while they are deployed. Their animals will remain in loving foster homes until their service members return and can be reunited with the pets they love.

Right now, we urgently need foster families throughout the Colorado Springs area to sign up and help us build the foundation of this program. Whether you can welcome a dog, cat or another companion animal, your home could give a deployed service member the peace of mind of knowing their beloved pet is safe, loved and waiting for them.

We also need:

🐾 Veterinarians and community partners
🐾 Sponsors and donors to help cover food, supplies and veterinary care
🐾 Volunteers ready to support our military families

Our deadline is September 11. Help us bring Guardians of the Homefront to life so our service members can deploy without having to surrender their best friends.

Because while they stand watch for us, we can stand watch over the family members they leave behind.

Love Without Judgment. Compassion Without Limits.

Sign up to foster, learn more or donate:
www.payitfur-ward.org/guardiansofthehomefront

09/01/2026

4 million gallons of raw sewage just hit a Colorado reservoir. Don't touch the water.

Here's what happened. A Pueblo wastewater treatment plant started spilling 4.25 million gallons of untreated sewage into the Arkansas River on Wednesday, August 26. Nobody caught it until Thursday. By then, the damage was done.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife says that sewage, which state health officials say carries harmful bacteria that pose real risks to human health, is now making its way downstream toward John Martin Reservoir in Bent County.

A "water contact advisory" is now in effect today at John Martin Reservoir State Park. That means no swimming, no wading, no fishing, and keep your pets out of the water too. The park itself is staying open, but warning signs are going up around the reservoir and along the Arkansas River.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife says they are working with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to test water samples and keep monitoring the situation as it moves downstream.

If you have plans to visit John Martin Reservoir this week, hold off on any water activities until that advisory is lifted.

08/27/2026

The public is reporting a tornado 36 miles west of Pueblo moving SE at 10mph over northeastern Custer County.

08/25/2026

Deactivation -
The vehicle and suspect have been located. The suspect is in custody. Thank you for you assistance.

Activation -
Two CSP Troopers were shot on August 25, 2026, at 7:15am in the area of Highway 24 and Piney Point Lane. The suspect is described as a white, male, with facial hair, and brown or blonde shoulder length hair. The suspect was driving a blue Subaru Imprezza with no front plate/obscured license plates. Use caution and do not approach if seen. Suspect is armed and dangerous. If seen, please call 9-1-1 or the Colorado State Patrol at 719-544-2424.

08/16/2026

SEEK SHELTER NOW!

Severe Thunderstorm Warning has been issued until 3:00 PM for El Paso County including the town of Fountain. This storm has up to 1.25" hail and 60 mph winds. Seek shelter if you are in the line of this storm!

08/14/2026

Rest easy K9 Mako

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office is saddened to announce the passing of K9 Mako, a 5-year-old dual-purpose German Shepherd, on August 12, 2026.

K9 Mako was recently diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Following his diagnosis, he was medically retired from service, allowing him to spend his remaining time at home with his handler, Deputy D. Richardson, and his family. His final days were filled with treats, belly rubs, and time with those who loved him.

The Sheriff’s Office welcomed K9 Mako to the team in July 2025 after his successful career with the Fountain Police Department, where he served from April 2023 through May 2025.

During his time with the Sheriff’s Office, K9 Mako assisted with 19 drug searches, contributing to the seizure of more than one pound of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and co***ne. He also helped secure two peaceful surrenders, participated in a large-scale field search, and performed duties assigned to the Specialized Patrol Unit.

Before joining the Sheriff’s Office, K9 Mako was deployed 85 times for narcotics detection with the Fountain Police Department. His work resulted in 71 seizures and 42 arrests, including the recovery of approximately 187 grams of methamphetamine, 25 fentanyl pills, 7 grams of co***ne, and 1 gram of he**in. He also completed four patrol deployments, assisted with three arrests, located two fi****ms, and helped locate four individuals, all of whom surrendered peacefully.

Throughout his career, K9 Mako demonstrated unwavering commitment to his work and to the communities he served.

“Mako was an exceptional K9 and a valued member of our Sheriff’s Office family,” said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal. “Although his time with our agency was far too short, he made an impact through his service, his dedication, and his partnership with Deputy Richardson.

“Behind every successful K9 is a handler who builds an extraordinary bond with their partner. K9 Mako dedicated his life to serving the citizens of the Pikes Peak region. He helped locate drugs, fi****ms, and people, and his work undoubtedly made our community safer. We are grateful for his service and will remember him as a loyal partner, a hard worker, and a beloved member of our Sheriff’s Office family.”

Born on June 24, 2021, K9 Mako was imported from the Czech Republic by Shallow Creek Kennels in Pennsylvania. He achieved national certification in patrol and narcotics through the National Police Canine Association (NPCA).

When off duty, K9 Mako could often be found napping in his kennel or chasing his favorite ball.

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest condolences to Deputy Richardson and his family, as well as to the members of the Fountain Police Department who had the privilege of working with K9 Mako.

K9 Mako’s service touched both agencies and the communities he served. His dedication, loyalty, and partnership will not be forgotten.

Rest easy, K9 Mako. End of Watch: August 12, 2026. Thank you for your service.