The Tank

It's true, she really is like a Tank.  That's how she got her name.  She is short and stalky like a tank and moves like one too.  When Tank's little legs go up in the air it's like 2x4's flailing around.  Protect your face because if one hits you, you may just lose an eye.

This stiff little Jack Russell came into my life as a Hopes Haven foster.  When I got Tank(named Haley at the time), she was depressed, grumpy and disconnected.  Tank hated my dogs and any other dog she came into contact with and even nipped at my kids a couple of times. 

I didn't think that this was a kind of dog that I could handle, especially if she wasn't going to be nice to my kids(obviously, they come first).  But then, something happened.  When Tank was shown boundaries, love, consistency, patience and LOYALTY, she became a completely different dog.

Tank changed.  So did I.  Tank taught me that we all have a past.  That past can damage us and make us act like we don't want to...in a way we know isn't right, but in a way we feel like we have to in order to protect our hearts from more hurt.  Once Tank knew she was safe, loved and not given up on she opened up and became an amazing dog. 

 

Fostering is not easy.  Adoption is not always easy either.  As a matter of fact, most of the time it is NOT!  Rescues are called RESCUES because they are helping dogs that aren't PERFECT.  Many of the dogs comes with baggage, issues and trust that needs to be earned.  They need TIME.  Time to readjust, to feel safe, to learn boundaries, rules and limitations in their new home. 

There were so many times with Tank that I wanted to give up.  I told myself that I couldn't do this and that she was never going to change.  I found my strength and then she followed suit.  Tank is one of the best dogs I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.  But ya know what?  Tank has taught me more than I have ever taught her. 

Anyone who has ever played a part in rehabilitating a damaged dog, can tell you that the reward is inconceivable unless you've been there.  If you are considering fostering or adopting, be prepared to commit yourselves.  These dogs deserve nothing less than all you have to give.  Many of the VERY BEST dogs are those that us humans have to have faith, patience, training and HEART to truly unveil their potential.  We understand that there will be failures, we've been there ourselves!  No person or dog is perfect and sometimes the match just isn't made.  When considering a rescue dog, please give it all of your self and consider it a journey...one well worth made. 

If you ask me...the best dogs are those that you have to fight for!  And most of the time...we find out more about ourselves in the process.


Until next time,

katie

A little about Will, Nina and a herd of Chihuahuas...

Just to be consistent with the title, let's talk a little about Will. 

 

Here he is....

 

Ok, so he's not the most photogenic little guy.  He's modest, what can I say?

 

Will came to HH over a year ago.  He was emaciated, sick and severely neglected and abused.  Will could barely stand he was in such bad shape.  This soul found his will to live and found his name...Will.  Will is currently being taken care of in an amazing foster home who has diligently worked with him and been patient through a series of hardships and a few, well...dog bites.

 

Will is very scared and a "fear biter".  Will is still looking for his home.  He doesn't know who is going to take on a project like him, but we have faith that Will's person is out there.  Will knows that whoever adopts him is doing it not to adopt a perfect dog, but to save a precious soul like his.

 

And next.

 

Nina!  Here she is.  Now Nina is also a little camera shy, but boy this gal is beautiful!

 

 

When Nina came in to Hopes Haven, she was so fearful she literally shook with fear, cowering and hiding at the sight of a human.  With a dog like this, most people would think that there is little to no chance of them getting adopted. 

 

I am happy to report that Nina was just adopted this last Saturday!!!!  These are the adoptions that make it all worth it.  Marsha was definitely doing a happy dance with this adoption.  A dear woman(aka an angel!!!) saw something special in Nina.  She saw past her brokenness and gave Nina the chance of a lifetime!  Nina now lives on beautiful acreage and has another doggie friend that she loves to play with!  With patience and love, Nina is going to blossom! 

 

Thank you to the foster family for caring for her until her angel came to the rescue, you know who you are!

 

And lastly.

 

Let's talk about all of these Chihuahua's.  Sometimes when you go out to Hopes Haven you feel like you may get lost in the sea of all of those yellow Chihuahua's.  Just kidding, but I had to add some emphasis in there somewhere!  Seriously, we have a TON of Chihuahua's at HH.  There are a ton of Chi's in many of the shelters. 

 

Here is the most recent pictures of the Chi's out at HH.

 

 

And that is not all of them! 

 

Won't you consider a Chihuahua?  They can be the most enjoyable little dogs and they don't take up much room.  I remember when I adopted my Chihuahua, Papi.  He has become the funniest, sweetest, sleep under the covers little guy!  We just love him.  They may not be the most popular breed, but that is all the more reason to adopt them.  They deserve a home just like all the rest that they get passed up for EVERY DAY.  Perhaps you know someone who is looking for a companion?  Chi's are one of the best lap dogs around!

 

Well, that covers it.  Will, Nina and a herd of Chihuahuas....

 

Please share and thank you for reading!

 

 

 

 

 

Until next time,

 

katie

 

 

 



Samira The Great

Meet Samira! 

Samira is this absolutely gorgeous, 7 year old gal that was unfairly given up by the man she loved her whole life.  You see, he moved away and decided he couldn't take her with.  Samira was devastated, but got a lucky break when an AMAZING foster family decided to take her in.  Samira has been loved by this family through thick and thin.  I asked this foster family several questions about Samira and this is what they had to say:

1.  What were your first impressions of Samira the first time you met her?

When we first met Samira, we immediately thought, "What a beauty!" She has stunning icy, blue eyes and is such a friendly gal.

2.  How did Samira behave when you first got her home?

She was curious and we let her check out the house and yard. She didn't like the cats, seldom do huskies get along with kitties though. She took to running and playing with our other dog right away.

3.  What are Samira's best attributes?

Samira is so smart, loyal and devoted. Her first days here she would noticeably perk up when a car would go by, when we were sitting outside. When the car didn't stop, she would slump against my daughters side, like she had hoped it was her daddy coming to get her. She deserves a family or individual that will love her always. She has such a big heart and so much love to give.

4.  What are Samira's worst attributes?

Samira does not do well left unattended. She came to us not knowing any manners, not even "sit." She has learned a lot here, but will be destructive if crated, or left for any long period of time, say 2+ hours. She wants to be with her people so badly that anxiety overwhelms her.

5.  How does Samira react to other dogs?

It truly depends on the dog. She and our husky get along well, but they did have a couple of quarrels over dominance. Samira also gets along with my parents male husky, but not my grandmother's female Shih Tzu.

6.  How does Samira do with strangers?

We have taken Samira to several events, parks, races, car show, etc. She has behaved very well, and is friendly. Many people have asked to pet her, most of the time she loves that. There have been a few instances where she shied away and would go behind me, as if to say she didn't want that specific person to touch her.

7.  Describe this dogs need for exercise and how a person needs to contain her when they leave.

Samira is a lot of fun to walk. She doesn't have to be ran daily, but does enjoy it! We try to do at least a walk around the block daily- but she also enjoys running when we go bicycle riding. If she is exercised well daily, it really decreases her anxiety.

When Samira has to be left alone, I crate her. She doesn't like it at all, and will be destructive even to the crate. We have tried putting blankets, toys, bones, etc in the crate and she will go in willingly, but she just cries and cries. We try to take her with us, or not be gone very long.

8.  What do you love most about Samira and what would you miss when she is gone?

I love Samira's heart, she is truly a very, very sweet girl. When she puts her chin on the arm of the couch and just looks at me, it melts my heart! I will miss her very much, she is a pleasure to be around and a wonderful companion.

Samira is looking for her person.  Diligently waiting for them to come and adopt her.  A person that sees her worth and is committed to her with the same unconditional love she will give.

Please consider Samira.  Or share her with one other person that just might tell the ONE right person that has been looking for a dog just like Samira.  Samira is a dog that does not come without challenge, but who's loyalty and devotion is unmatched.