It’s not every day you sip a glass of rosé while hugging a rescue dog, but Sunday in Grand Junction was one of those days. The Ordinary Fellow winery turned into an unlikely but perfect venue for Underdog Animal Rescue & Rehab’s latest adoption event.

There were wagging tails. There were happy tears. And maybe, just maybe, a few new beginnings for dogs that once had nothing.

From the Four Corners to Forever Homes

Underdog Rescue isn’t your typical pet shelter. They’re foster-based and laser-focused on a very specific mission: helping dogs from Native American reservations across the Four Corners region.

These are places where veterinary care is scarce, where litters go unclaimed, and where the odds for survival are painfully low.

“People don’t realize how many incredible dogs are out there on the reservations,” said Ashley Park, Underdog’s Events Coordinator. “They’re resilient, affectionate, and full of personality. They just need a shot.”

So that’s what Underdog gives them—a shot.

More Than Just a Wine Event

The partnership with The Ordinary Fellow might seem quirky at first glance, but it makes total sense. It’s local, it’s casual, and it brings together the two types of folks who care: animal lovers and small business supporters.

And according to Park, that combo is working.

“Starting to do more events here really helps us increase awareness on who we are, what we do, why we do it,” she explained. “And it helps more dogs get adopted, plain and simple.”

Volunteers say it’s way different from scrolling online listings. It’s about connection—real, physical connection.

“You can’t cuddle a profile photo,” said Kadence, one of Underdog’s foster volunteers. “But when someone sits down on the grass, and a dog just plops into their lap? That’s magic.”

Breaking Down Rescue Dog Myths

Some folks still think rescue dogs are broken. Aggressive. Untrainable. Sickly. Weird-looking. That stigma hangs over mutts like a storm cloud.

But Underdog wants to clear the air.

Here’s what volunteers say in response to those myths:

• Rescue dogs often bond deeper because they’ve known struggle.

• Many come already house-trained or crate-friendly thanks to foster hosts.

• Mutts can be healthier long-term because they aren’t as prone to breed-specific disorders.

• Every one of them has a story—and no two are alike.

“You’ll never find one like them because they’re so unique,” said Maicie, another volunteer. “They’ve got these little quirks and combinations you just don’t see in a breeder’s catalog.”

And they’re usually grateful in a way that’s hard to explain but easy to feel.

Adoption Events Like This One Matter

You could feel it in the crowd—this wasn’t just a casual hang. People came with intention. Kids giggled as dogs licked their fingers. Adults crouched on the ground to make eye contact with wide-eyed pups.

And it works.

Events like these boost adoptions significantly compared to online-only listings. Volunteers say in-person meetups can be a game-changer for shy or overlooked dogs.

Some of the benefits of in-person events include:

• Seeing real personality, not just a nervous shelter expression

• Watching how a dog interacts with children or other dogs

• Talking directly to foster parents who know the dog’s habits

• Making an emotional connection that can’t be forced

“It’s not just about the dog,” Kadence said. “It’s about the right match.”

Underdog’s Origin Story: Built From the Dust of Moab

Founded eight years ago in Moab, Utah, Underdog is the only organization in the entire state that serves Native American reservations exclusively. That mission defines everything they do.

It’s not about volume—it’s about impact.

They rescue strays, vaccinate litters, partner with reservation leadership, and push to change the way people see and treat animals in under-resourced communities.

But they can’t do it alone.

Foster volunteers are the backbone of the operation. And you don’t need a big yard or tons of experience to help.

Even donating food—especially high-quality kibble—makes a difference. Every bag counts.

Community and Kindness, One Sip at a Time

The event wrapped up with smiles, leashes, and even a few signed adoption papers. As the sun dipped over the vineyards behind The Ordinary Fellow, one of the volunteers knelt down to hug a small brown dog that hadn’t found its person—yet.

“There’s always next time,” she whispered. “We’ll find you someone.”

The point isn’t just to empty the crates. It’s to shift the mindset. To remind people that mutts matter, too. That rescue dogs aren’t damaged goods. They’re just waiting. Quietly. Hopefully. Maybe even a little nervously.

And sometimes, all it takes is one glass of wine—and one look.