HAYDEN — Denver, a 5-year-old Tibetan Mastiff, lives a good life.

He attended Saturday’s Dog Days of Summer-Fest with his mom, Cassie Beyer of Priest River, and their friends — including a fellow Tibetan Mastiff, 4-month-old Chewy.

Afterward, the group planned on heading to Iron Horse on Sherman Avenue, one of Denver’s favorite places to get lots of pets, Beyer said.

But life wasn’t always so easy for Denver.

He and many other young dogs were rescued from a neglectful situation in San Antonio, Texas, when he was 9 months old, and were transferred to a shelter in Los Angeles, Calif.

When Beyer heard Denver’s story, she flew down to adopt him and Denver’s new life began from there.

“He had never even been on grass before,” recalled Beyer’s friend, Dee Nunley of Coeur d’Alene. “He wouldn’t want to come inside at first because he loved the grass so much.”

Chewy, meanwhile, is a ranch hand in training alongside his dad, Mike Pippin of Coeur d’Alene.

"He's privileged," Pippin said with a laugh.

Despite their different starts in life, both dogs are just as loved by their adoptive parents.  

“It’s hard to describe,” Pippin said. “(Having a dog) is love, joy and companionship.”  

“They give you acceptance,” Nunley added. “They love you for who you are.”  

The group was among around 100 people and their canine companions who gathered in Stoddard Park on Saturday for the Dog Days of Summer-Fest put on by Companions Animal Shelter and ICCU.  

The dog-friendly event featured pet-centric local businesses, Kona Ice and Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee, and a K-9 demo from the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office.