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.

A Story of Hope, Written by Zeus

Hi, I'm Zeus.  Yeah, I'm that cute guy in the picture.  Several people have told me I'm good looking.

One day I was cruising down the road(yeah, I was being naughty) and I was hit by a car.  It wasn't pretty.  The vet said that I tore ligaments in my leg that were not repairable and that my leg needed to be amputated.  That was a big blow!

My parents took me to the vet several times trying to help me, but they soon realized that they were unable to pay for all the vet care that would be needed to fix me up.  That's when a Hopes Haven volunteer heard my story.  She quickly contact the founder of Hopes Haven(Marsha) and told her my story.  Marsha is a total sucker for everything DOG and she agreed to take me on.  I totally love that lady.

A whole bunch of awesome volunteers and dog lovers raised the money to pay for the amputation of my leg.  Even though I miss that leg, I am so thankful to be alive.  After my surgery, an amazing dude took me in and fostered me.  He taught me all kinds of things....called manners.  He showed me that I need to behave and got me all ready for a forever home. 

I sat waiting for awhile, wondering where I belonged.  Then...my family came for me.  Here we are!  Aren't we great!?

My family saw past my missing leg and straight in to my heart.  The took me home and I have been so happy ever since!  Here I am snoozing in my bed!

Yep, this is the life!

What's the moral of the story?  One person heard my story.  That one person is the reason that I am here with my loving family today.  So if you ever think that one person can't change one dogs life forever, you are SO WRONG!  If you ever find yourself wondering "what's the point?", remember me.  Yes, there are so many dogs out there that need rescuing, but helping one makes a HUGE difference!

I am a testament to what Hopes Haven does!  It's all about helping one dog at a time. 

OK, I gotta go now.  Time for me to take a nap....



Until next time,

Katie

There is always hope. A lesson from Atlas.

Meet Atlas!  Atlas is a male, hound mix on the younger adult side(exact age unknown).

Atlas came to Hopes Haven last December after a terrible hoarding situation in Washington led to authorities finding dogs locked in garden sheds, terribly emaciated, scared and sad.  Atlas was one of those dogs.  Atlas has spent the last several months slowly trying to come out of his shell and trust again.

Atlas went to stay with a loving family who has worked with him and he has begun to show signs of trust, slowly but surely.  He began to come out of the corner where he would hide to receive affection, want to play and well...just act like a dog.  Atlas lives with two other dogs and gets along with them well.  Atlas can go from seemingly fine to scared and nervous very easily. 

Atlas still has many trust issues.  Who can blame him?  He is very nervous with new people and will go and hide if anyone new comes around.  Atlas will "pace" back and forth when he is feeling nervous. 

With that said, Atlas is very loving.  Atlas has NEVER shown any signs of aggression due to his nervousness and fear and is wonderful with his foster families very young children.  Atlas doesn't want to hurt anyone, he is just scared.

This dog would more than likely be put down in your average shelter, deemed as unadoptable.  We say NO WAY!  Although Atlas' story is sad and the chances of him being adopted may seem slim to some, we know better than to lose hope.  Atlas' person is out there!  We have seen so many seemingly "hopeless" dogs be scooped up and loved by the most amazing, patient ANGELS!

Will you help us, HELP ATLAS!?  Please share this with someone, it only needs to reach that ONE right person.  We have seen it happen many times before and we have hope that Atlas' person will come for him!

You can find Atlas' listing HERE!


Until next time,

katie

That little one they call Sweetums.

MEET, Sweetums!

When this dear little girl came to Hopes Haven, she was delivered by S.T.A.R.T.  If you haven't heard of them, you are missing out!  They do AMAZING things.  Check it out HERE.

When Sweetums arrived in her foster home, she was scared, insecure and depressed.  This picture kinda sums it up....

 

 

Slowly, but surely Sweetums started to open up.  The name came about when the foster family decided that she was the most precious, sweetest Chihuahua there ever was...thus the name SWEETUMS. 

 

Before the foster family knew it, this little gal started accepting pets, love, hugs and kisses gladly.  Soon, Sweetums couldn't get enough and would nudge their hands over and over just waiting for that kind human touch she had obviously never received much of.  Sweetums' tail started wagging now and again and she even started showing a desire to interact some with the other dogs she is living with. 

 

Now Sweetums is a complete love.  She CRAVES human touch, affection and just wants to be held and babied all the time!

 

 

 

Sweetums has even ventured out onto the deck to sun herself and has been spotted barking at the cow!

 

 

 

Sweetums' estimated age is between 5-7 years.  Sweetums is good with kids and other dogs.  She is an amazing little girl that would love nothing more than to be someone's little baby.  She loves a lap and warm arms more than anything and still needs assurance from her human.  Sweetums may always be a little unsure of herself, but one thing she is sure of is that she never wants to be unloved AGAIN!

 

Until next time,

 

katie







Buckle up, it's going to be a bumpy ride...

Adopting or fostering a dog can many times be described as a roller coaster.  If you are one of the rare ones, you will describe your experience as perfect and blissful.  For the rest of us, we ride a roller coaster of love that we call RESCUE!

It's that moment when you bring your dog home and realize that your entire household, whether animal or human are in upheaval with the arrival of a new pack member.  What you knew before is no longer and the present is nothing less than a challenge to be met!  Your new dog is like a fish out of water, while you are trying to envision yourself as the pack leader...all the while floundering just as much!!!  Sometimes the dogs fight, or they poop on the floor mercilessly and you can't figure out why!  Or what about the dog that decides to act perfectly at the rescue, but wreaks havoc the instant they enter your property!?

Sometimes the transition goes smooth and at other times it is anything BUT!  Then you realize you're only human and they are only...well...dogs!  Once we realize our position, we begin to see that it's not meant to be easy.  With everyone and everything, there is a transition period.  Rescue dogs are a special kind.  They are especially special, but can at times be especially challenging.  It is during those times that we must realize that there is also a time for hard work, dedication, training, failure and success when it comes to dogs.  There will be fights, poops on the floor and a Barbie may lose their arm.

(and yes, this is an actual picture taken from my house!!!)

We don't always make the right decision and our dogs don't always behave the way we want.  But when we are trying our best, we can make amazing things happen when we have a good dog by our side.  It's not always going to be easy and honestly...most the time that is NOT the case.  However, we all see the value in the life of a dog and how WE or THEY can change a life in US or in THEM.  Every person and dog is a gift.  When helping one another to the best of our ability, we can never be considered a failure.

Sometimes it works and at other times it does not.  When we all do our best, that is when AMAZING things happen!  Let's all continue this RESCUE thing, because that folks is what changes our lives and theirs!

Thank you all for being part of this rescue, whether it be to support, donate, volunteer, adopt or foster.  No matter what part you play, it is all valuable in the eyes of a hopeful dog!

And you will most likely end up feeling like this...

 



Until next time,

katie

HOPES HAVEN ~ the know how

What exactly is Hopes Haven?  Well, it's located in rural W Salem on beautiful acreage, owned and operated by the one and only Marsha Chambers.  Can I just say this...Marsha is amazing.  I can say that because she has no idea I'm writing this, but I will probably be in trouble once I hit publish.  Marsha started Hopes Haven after a devastating case of dog abuse that sent her life into a tailspin of action to help dogs.  Marsha has a heart as big as Texas.  I don't know if it's comprehendible to the lay person how many dogs come in and out of the small operation called Hopes Haven.  With that said, let me say this...IT'S CRAZINESS!  Pure. Craziness.  How else would it be when you are running around frantically trying to save the lives of dogs that don't have a chance anywhere else?  Here is the woman that makes it all possible...MARSHA!



Hopes Haven is run by a handful of volunteers, all of which have families, lives and jobs.  Hopes Haven takes in dogs from owners, shelters, the street, you name it!  There are dogs coming and going all the time and half the time one volunteer doesn't know what the other is doing.  We try so hard for these dogs and so many times it's a success!  Marsha watches so many dogs being handed off to homes that are amazing beyond anything we could have dreamed up in our heads.  Every day is like a whirlwind, yet an amazing one where you wake up the next morning and think...what dog's life is going to be changed today?  But yet you know your own life will change when you see the heartache and abuse of a dog turn in to love and joy when that dog is adopted by someone that truly sees their value.

There is a point to all of this and here it is.  We try so hard EVERY day to do the best work we can to help as many dogs as possible.  Sometimes we fail.  Sometimes we don't call back or we don't answer an email because we forget.  We don't mean to.  We are trying as best we can and we want to help you find YOUR dog.  We receive a ton of applications for which we are so THANKFUL.  We can't get through them all and many times we can't contact everyone.  I wish we could, but we unfortunately don't have the manpower because...well...it's the best we can do.

Sigh.  This is how the volunteers feel during those moments when we realize we have failed someone.



Thank you for all of our adopters and foster families.  You makes Hopes Haven possible.  Without you, it would all be nothing.  There are no words to express the gratitude we feel when that perfect match comes along for a dog that you think would never be adopted.  Or when a foster steps forward, just when you need them!  As Marsha says "there is a lid for every pot".  Here are some examples of our lids and pots!



Thank you all for your understanding and patience with us!  Hopes Haven and the volunteers involved try so hard for the dogs and their potential owners and fosters.  We love you!  Now I will leave you with a few pictures of Hopes Haven!  Take care everyone!

Until next time,

Katie(one of those volunteers ;))