Seasons Greetings from
Enchilada
Enchilada Enchilada was one of 103 dogs that arrived at the HUA shelter in July of 2009 from a group of breeders in central Nebraska. He was about eight years old at the time and typical of many puppy mill rescued dogs. His long-hair Chihuahua coat, now beautiful, was sparse and missing hair in many spots. His eyes and ears were infected, and his mouth had the brown-coated teeth and red swollen gums always found in commercial breeders’ dogs. Enchilada was among the worst for being terrified of humans. When other little dogs were out running and playing, he was hiding behind a playpen in a corner shaking in fear. John, the head caregiver, always picked him up and held him— something that does not always work with puppy mill dogs, but it did with Enchie. He fell head over heels in love with John, watching for him, listening for his voice, doing the most charming Chihuahua dance when he saw him. When adoption applications did not materialize for Enchilada, he happily moved to the shelter house where he now lives with John and Eartha, the award-winning agility star Labrador mix, and other self-important little Chihuahuas who adore John. The highlight of Enchie’s life is getting to go to agility practice, and to everyone’s amazement, he has demonstrated how well he can do the obstacles. At age eleven, weighing five pounds, with only two teeth in his mouth, Enchilada has attended meets and brought back ribbons. What is most important for this tiny puppy mill survivor is that he is so happy. He is loved beyond belief, and he has everything that he loves. We send you our most heartfelt thanks for the support that has given Enchilada his life.
Cookie and Ping An outbreak of distemper at Miami Dade Animal Services forced an order for over 500 animals to be euthanized. They had to close to disinfect the facility. The media caught the story, and rescuers from around the country stepped up to save nearly all of the healthy animals. When HUA Director Riki asked whom the Animal Services employees wanted to save the most, they said Cookie and Ping. The dogs were not the most adoptable. They were older, larger and mixed breed. However, the Animal Services employees were right. These two were gentle, loving, sweet and the most in need. Soon Cookie and Ping traveled with Riki via plane to Nebraska. They enjoyed their wide-open spaces and play towers at HUA. They were occasionally looked at by adopters, but the younger purebred dogs always won out. Then one day Chad from Omaha came to visit. He had read Ping’s story online and thought it was fate. While in the military, Chad had lived in Miami, and his favorite childhood dog had looked just like Ping. After a brief conversation with Ping to make sure that he was a Florida Gators fan and had no hidden allegiance to the Seminoles, Chad decided that Ping would go home with him the following week. During the week Chad could not stop thinking about Cookie and how she kept offering him her paw in friendship. He also began to worry that she and Ping would miss each other. He called to let us know that he had decided to take both! As we expected, Cookie and Ping behaved as if they had lived with Chad forever. They were the easiest, most affectionate dogs from the day they arrived. They did not have one accident, had no issues over food or toys and enjoyed every moment of Chad’s company. Cookie and Ping are so grateful to Riki and Chad for saving them and giving them the opportunity to live in pure contentment and comfort. Chad invited Riki over to visit on one of her trips to Nebraska. Cookie and Ping showered her with kisses of thanks and showed her around their lovely new home and yard as if to say thank you for all she had done for them and let her know that they could not be happier. It was quite a journey for two unlikely dogs from Miami who ultimately found their dream home in Nebraska.
Oscar The good doctors at an animal hospital in Trenton, Missouri, saved Oscar’s life. He was brought in after he had been hit by a car. Both his front legs were severely injured. Oscar was there to be euthanized, but instead they amputated the leg that was beyond repair and applied an external fixation to the other leg which left it inflexible serving mostly as a prop. They asked if Oscar could come to the HUA shelter to continue his life after he had suffered through so much. Oscar was a good little fellow while at HUA, never causing any problems. One day when Evan and Jess were sitting in the central care room of the Homeward Bound building volunteering their time with small dogs, Oscar, who really could run in spite of his handicap, came racing out of a dog wing. As Evan said, he jumped onto their laps and into their hearts. Soon Oscar went home with Evan and Jess to Toronto, Canada, and his personality blossomed. He is the sweetest little guy who is elated every time his people come home. He dances around on his back legs, sits pretty watching what is being cooked for dinner, and always has a smile on his face. He is the watchdog if guests arrive, but he likes them immediately. Oscar has a brother dog named Rocco, who is an English Bulldog/Pug forty pounds heavier and five years younger than Oscar. At first Oscar tried to act as though Rocco was not there, but soon they were cuddling together for naptime on the couch. Oscar has assumed the role of the older, wiser dog who takes care of Rocco, cleaning his face and sticking up for him at the dog park. Oscar has a big reputation at the dog park. He is known as a mighty little force to be reckoned with. If there is a commotion, he runs into the middle of it barking to maintain law and order. It was at the dog park that Oscar met the love of his life—Mila, a hundred-pound German Shepherd. They are frequent companions and like to sit together and watch the sunset. This holiday season we join Evan and Jess in thanking the doctors in Missouri for saving a little jewel who gives so much happiness to his world.
Banderas A call from a neighboring landowner alerted us. Apparently, a family had moved from their rural home about ten miles from the shelter leaving behind a large black dog on a chain. A week passed as we made calls to the sheriff’s office and took food and water to the property. The poor big guy was so lonely that he pressed against us while we were attending to his needs. Every time we had to leave, we told him we would be back. On the last day we found that the chain on the dog’s neck had snagged, and he could barely breathe. That was more than enough to make us disregard the possibility of being accused of trespass and theft. With great relief for both the dog and us, we put him in the van for the ride to the shelter. Banderas looks a bit formidable, but he truly has a most gentle spirit. His great personality soon won him a home with Jason and Teresa in Lincoln, people who are the summer managers for a YMCA youth camp. During his first summer at camp, Banderas was a most popular participant in the activities. Every week when new young people arrived at the camp, he greeted them as though he were the host. The staff at the camp thought up a little joke that they circulated, saying that the camp managers had a pet bear. This was great entertainment among the young people who all wanted to meet the bear. Banderas is so well-behaved in his home. He has never touched anyone’s possessions in the house or knocked anything off a table. He had many gifts of toys from relatives and friends to welcome him, but he does not yet understand toys. He wants only to love and be loved, and he has lots of opportunity for that.
Treasure Treasure was brought to the shelter in a black garbage bag. The person driving her here told us that she had brought us a cat. The cat was sick, and she did not want it making a mess in her car. Also, it had been sprayed for fleas. When we went to the car to get the cat, we found a beautiful, tiny calico kitten mewing pitifully. We were worried about the flea treatment for such a young kitten and washed the poor little thing with warm washcloths before giving her a bowl of kitten formula, which she lapped up voraciously. She was soon asleep in a little snuggle bed. When Treasure’s story was told on our Facebook page, a kind fan gave her her name because “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Treasure was so adorable that she soon had a great application for adoption, too, and we knew that when her good health was certain and her veterinary care completed, she would be going home. During her stay with us, she was kept in a large recovery bank cage next door to the office so that she could be watched closely. She soon let us know that her health was not a concern. Life in a dog shelter did not agree with Treasure, and she objected loudly. She wanted to tour the entire place and play big cat games. When she was out for closely supervised playtime, we loved watching her prance around and pounce on some imaginary prey. Treasure grew by leaps and bounds, and we had to double her order of baby formula, which she insisted on having although she was well past the age. When the day came for Treasure to go home with Sue to live in Lincoln, Nebraska, she was one happy kitten. She has a whole human house to explore. When she is tired from her wild playfulness and cute kitten antics, she falls asleep on a couch. Treasure is truly treasured, something that she always should have been.
Presto and Dory Presto and Dory were two terribly fearful Poodles when they arrived at the HUA shelter. Presto came from a puppy mill in Missouri. Dory was rescued by a humane society from a hoarder house in Nebraska. Presto had the cutest act—he would dance and flirt just out of reach, but then he became stiff and poised for flight when picked up. Dory would sit quietly and sweetly near a person; however, holding out a hand to her meant she would be gone. It is very sad when dogs have learned so much fear of human hands. A soft, kind voice, slow movements, gentle touches, hours spent on a lap—it all must happen day after day for some dogs to overcome fear of people if they ever do. This story, however, took some amazing twists. When Presto and Dory were moved from intake areas to the Homeward Bound building, they met each other, and it was love at first sight. They became inseparable companions, and even more surprising, they began to snuggle up to volunteers sitting on the big dog cushions in the central care room. Typically, two fearful dogs will become more alienated together, but somehow when these two found each other, love extended to the rest of us. We were overjoyed. Presto and Dory now live with Sandra and Michael in Omaha, Nebraska. Their love story continues, and it includes all the members of their human family, too. They are so devoted that they want to be right where the people are at all times. They love their big yard, but if the people go inside, they are at the door asking to come in. Their favorite place is on a couch where they groom each other and cuddle for naptime. Presto and Dory know how wonderful it is to live and love in a home.
Cindy Lou Cindy Lou’s person took her to a city pound in Oklahoma stating that her boyfriend had been beating Cindy Lou and she was afraid she would soon be dead if she stayed in the home. The poor dog was wild with fear of humans, unable to be touched or handled. A rescue group tried to save her, but no foster home could manage her needs, so they made the six-hour trip to HUA, hoping that with time and care she might come around. Cindy Lou spent months sitting in the corner of the sunroom, watching people distrustfully and fleeing in terror if anyone approached. Finally there was some small progress. She would allow herself to be gently petted on the head without taking flight and would even approach cautiously to take food from the hands of those she came to trust the most. Everyone became hopeful that Cindy Lou might have a chance at adoption to a quiet, understanding home. Our hopes were soon dashed when Cindy Lou was diagnosed with glaucoma. She would need to have one eye removed and need drops in her other eye for life in the hope of saving it. To everyone’s amazement, though, Cindy Lou came through her operation just fine, adjusted very well to the loss of her eye, and became even a bit more trusting of humans through all of the contact required by vet visits and daily medicine routines. When Susan from Bennington, Nebraska, came to look at Cindy Lou for possible adoption, she had been at the shelter for nearly four years. It was finally her day in the sun. She was chosen! Susan accepted that Cindy Lou might not ever be completely carefree and content around people and was willing to accommodate her needs. Love works wonders, though, and Cindy Lou has exceeded everyone’s expectations. She has managed to leave her awful past behind her. Every morning she dances, leaps and plays with sheer excitement. She has no trouble returning the love that her gentle, kind new humans have bestowed upon her. Cindy Lou is grateful to have been given the time that it took for her heart to heal so that she could trust again.
Rocky Rocky fit in the palm of our hands when he arrived at HUA after having been rescued from a breeder who let him suffer for weeks. He was crying out loudly in pain, but no tears would fall, as he was too severely dehydrated to produce them. His eyes were so badly damaged that it sent our most dauntless rescue person into pure panic the moment she saw him. The Animal Emergency Clinic said it was the worst case of starvation and dehydration they had seen and the damage to his eyes was beyond comprehension. He was only five weeks old and half the size he should have been for his age. It was very questionable if he would survive. After weeks of round-the-clock care, Rocky turned a corner, showing progress at his foster home. Rocky had many fans rallying around him, rooting for him to get better and celebrating every small improvement. Jen and Iris from Georgia saw Rocky’s story and knew their home would be right for him. They had adopted Kaycee Dachshund, a once sad little girl who required two neck disc surgeries. She started to blossom after her operations and went on to thrive at Jen and Iris’s house. We knew Rocky would thrive there too. When Jen flew to Nebraska to pick Rocky up, he was still being syringe fed. Within days of their arriving home to Atlanta, Kaycee decided to take over mother dog duties and she soon had him diving into the dog bowls to eat enthusiastically on his own. Although he could not see, he would follow Kaycee on the big adventure to get the mail at the end of the lane each day. Rocky grew like a weed, shedding his image as a sickly little fellow. It was thought that he would be able to keep his eyes, but as he continued his checkups, it was determined that they would need to be removed. Worries faded away as Rocky returned from his operation ready to play with all of his favorite toys and romp around as if nothing at all unusual had happened. Rocky is a survivor. Thanks to your care and support, Rocky fought, rallied and found a perfect home. Rocky lost his eyes, but his heart grew even bigger with the love and care of Jen, Iris, Kaycee and all of his friends at HUA.
The Weed Patch Dogs The most memorable rescue of the year occurred late in June. In a rural area in South Dakota, weed inspectors were called to go to an acreage property where noxious weeds were taller than most people. To their amazement, they found little dogs living in the weeds without water or food. They called the sheriff’s office. Our volunteer and director who is also the founder and chief executive of Almost Home Canine Rescue in Madison, South Dakota, went with law officers to the property. Rather than face charges, the breeder signed over the dogs, and the arduous task of catching the poor little animals began. With a heat index of over a hundred, the rescuers became ill chasing dogs through the jungle of weeds. They were unbearably thirsty and could not stand to think how thirsty the dogs must be. No one knew how the dogs could have survived. Actually, there were very few older animals; most of them did not live long in that place. There were newborn puppies found under a board and a cat who lay dying over a doghouse. Tim Cat was taken to an emergency clinic, but he did not survive. Thirty-seven dogs were taken, all Pomeranians except for one Sheltie. Other rescue groups came forth for some. Twenty were transported to the HUA shelter around the Fourth of July. They were all named for historic people of the American Revolution. All the dogs had extensive medical needs. Filth, clumps, tangles, patches of vermin, abscesses, infections, stickery burs—all were cleaned away and treated before their veterinary care began. One sweet little female
named Martha Washington had a back leg so caught up in a tangled clump that she could not walk on it, and a tiny frog was living in her hair. The Sheltie named Abigail Adams was terrified, but she now comes up to people to be cuddled and petted. Abigail has a genetic disease that occurs in Shelties. She is being treated in the hope that she will have many more happy years. The weed patch dogs have made history at HUA. They are the most joyful animals. Thomas Paine is the life of the party, and Phyllis Wheatley is not far behind. When Thomas first saw a toy box full of toys, he jumped in and tossed out every toy before deciding which ones he would play with. They are all the most charming little creatures who run and dance and love life. They are so grateful for love and care. As this year comes to an end, we send you our heartfelt gratitude for the support that means we can help so many dogs that need a place to go where they will be safe and cared for. Over 400 animals call the HUA shelter home. On any given day, one or one hundred may arrive--the disheveled, frightened, and ill from the breeding places or the brokenhearted from loss of their homes. Many will be adopted and go to the finest homes in the nation. Others will stay to be given the best possible lives we can give them. We thank you for caring about these most precious animals and giving them the gift of life.
All are happy to be safe and loved at the HUA shelter
Beth Early one afternoon, we received a call from an Omaha veterinary hospital telling us that a young Chesapeake Bay Retriever had been brought in to be euthanized because she had parvo. The staff of the hospital could not bear even the thought and asked us if we would take over guardianship of Beth who was five months old at the time and stronger than a really young puppy but still terribly ill. Upon admittance, Beth could not even raise her head. The awful disease had drained her strength, but after only a day of treatment, this gorgeous, sweet pup was sitting up, tail wagging, ready to show her love and gratitude to the hospital staff. A week later she was dismissed to spend additional recovery time at the HUA shelter. Here she became known for hugging her caregivers who all thought she was the most delightful creature on earth. When Beth’s story was told on the HUA Facebook page, there was an outpouring of love and support for her, and soon she flew to the Boston airport where she was met by her new family from Augusta, Maine. Beth is so full of life that she was thrilled to join Mackenzi and Gary and their young sons. All is fun and games, but Beth is very sensitive, and it takes only a gentle reminder to calm down the roughhousing. Mackenzi says that Beth is amazingly sweet and good. She has blended in well with their family, and they all adore her. This holiday season we are very grateful for the support that turns sorrow into joy. We send you our heartfelt thanks for the gifts that give life to the most precious animals and happiness to everyone who knows them.
Kendra When the flood of the Missouri River forced thousands of people from their homes in 2011, Kendra, a small Bichon, was one of the dogs brought to the shelter by her family who could not take her with them. Kendra was not alone. She had with her three young puppies—all of them black, one with sleek hair, one wire-haired, and one curly. Kendra settled into the shelter with her family as though she had always been there. She was a good mother for her puppies even when they were bigger than she was by the time they were twelve weeks old. Nothing ever bothered Kendra. She is bouncy and happy, tuned into people, loving to be the center of attention. When she had finished her motherhood duties, she had to be treated for heartworms. Many of the dogs from flooded areas had heartworms. Kendra took that in stride, too. When one of Kendra’s puppies was being adopted, she somehow knew about it. She would be in the sunroom behind a closed door, and she would bark until we let her out to be in on the event. Little mom wanted to play with her very big baby one last time and give it some parting kisses. Kendra is a busy little being who wants to be part of the action, involved in everything that is happening. If people think she is entertaining, that is all the better. She was adopted by Ken, our faithful volunteer from Council Bluffs, Iowa, who spends untold hours giving dogs socialization and fun times. Kendra now has the perfect audience, her dad who adores her and enjoys every cute and funny thing she does. It is a match of a great dog and a great human.
Pecan and Martha For three years Pecan crawled using only her front legs to carry her. She was held captive in a puppy mill, forced to breed over and over, even though she could not walk. Upon arrival at HUA, she visited an orthopedic surgeon. While it was one of the worst genetic defect cases he had ever seen, he felt that he could help her. When Pecan was hobbling around, learning to use her back legs after her operation, Marcy from Colorado Springs, Colorado, heard about Pecan and wished to adopt her and help with her recovery. Soon we received reports that Pecan’s improvement was better than expected. She was running up and down stairs all by herself! Pecan was doing so well that she got to go along to a rabbit sanctuary where the rabbits were twice as big as Pecan and not entirely to her liking until she got to know them better. Just a few months later, Martha Washington arrived at HUA. She had been living with 40 other animals in a noxious weed patch in South Dakota. It was 100 degrees and they had no food or water. Martha was the happiest to be rescued, smiling and showering volunteers with kisses as they carried her to safety. When Martha arrived at HUA rescuers worked to free one of her back legs. She had torn her knee very badly trying to disentangle her leg from the mats that ensnared it. She could not use that leg at all, and the other leg was weak. Martha became the next knee patient, needing patella operations on both legs. Marcy read Martha’s story and decided that she would make a lovely sister for Pecan. With thousands of dollars worth of patched-up knees, these two girls were worth their weight in gold, but not because of their staggering vet bills. They are two of the most charming, loving and forgiving little dolls one could imagine. They are both so grateful to be free and to be loved in their home. They will never suffer again, never give birth to litters of puppies that are sold to unsuspecting families. They adore each other’s company and meet each day with enthusiasm, ready and able to jump and run with pure delight at their wonderful change in fortune.
Valiant While driving through rural Nebraska, HUA volunteer Amy found a most pathetic, filthy and emaciated Labrador sitting on the highway. He gladly jumped into the car for a ride to the HUA shelter where he devoured his meal and went right to sleep on a big soft bed. He quickly turned into the class clown at the shelter, making everyone smile with his fun personality. An animal rescue event was to be held at AC Nelsen RV World in Omaha. Many small dogs were chosen to go, but we knew that the Nelsen family favored Labs. The newly rescued Lab named Valiant reminded us of Shredder, one of the previous family dogs of the Nelsen family. So Valiant, all 85 pounds of him, was squeezed into the van. The moment he arrived, Valiant’s care was taken over by Adam Nelsen, and soon he was being introduced to Adam’s wife Kate and daughter Payton. Valiant poured on the charm. His crate was empty on the return trip to the shelter, as he was camped out permanently in the Nelsen home. Valiant is the perfect dog. He became best friends with little Payton, he is an expert at frisbee and he is good with all little dogs, even the neighbor Yorkie who decided Valiant was a big beast that should be threatened with bodily harm. Issues surfaced, but the Nelsens understood. Valiant destroyed the curtains when the family was gone for a short errand. The next time he destroyed his bed, and the time after that he destroyed his crate. Valiant was terrified of being left alone. After having been dumped by his previous family, he could not face losing another one, especially this most amazing family that he loved with all his heart. From the moment they realized what Valiant was going through, he was never left alone again. Valiant goes to work with Adam or Kate every day. He rides along to get Payton from school, and the children line up to give their new kindergarten mascot pats on the head. He sits in the backseat with Payton on the way home so they can talk about their day. The Nelsens have babysitters on speed dial in case they need to go where Valiant is not welcome. Even though Valiant fears being abandoned again, has bad allergies that require medication and special food, and leaves occasional gifts of dead squirrels in the living room, he is perfect in his family’s eyes. Valiant returns their adoration with his complete devotion and gratitude.
Tatsu In August of this year, Tatsu, a thirteen-year-old Japanese Chin went home to live with Josh and Tera in Tonawanda, New York. Tatsu had come to HUA three years earlier from a puppy mill in central Kansas along with sixteen other little dogs being discarded. Tatsu lives with two Dachshunds and an elderly Shiba Inu who have all accepted this frail little fellow who walks around the house as though he owns it. His walk is irregular with his joint problems, but he can burst into spurts of crazy energy. One day he did some play bows for Timmy, a disabled Dachshund, and began running wild circles around Timmy, which was great fun for both of them. Tatsu has never lost the old puppy mill habit of circling, which is the only exercise puppy mill dogs know, but he circles much less now and can even walk around the house without circling at all. If he begins to circle very fast in a small space, his family knows it is time for a quick trip outdoors. When Tera entered a picture of Tatsu in a photo contest conducted by his vet clinic, some misguided person made fun of him because his tongue hangs out. This rallied support for Tatsu, and he received many votes and became one of the grand prize winners. At times Tatsu only sits and stares at his people, wagging his tail now and then. He loves to be held and cuddled and leans back in pure bliss. He may appear to be spending some time looking out a window, but actually he has fallen asleep sitting up! Tatsu is such a funny, sweet little fellow that he has brought his own brand of happiness to a home. Tera says he is a testimonial to how incredibly well senior puppy mill dogs can do in a home.
Zeal Zeal was in the unfortunate situation of so many dogs in rural Nebraska. She had been dumped in the country, abandoned to starve, freeze or perish from disease or predators. Zeal’s luck turned, however, when she was found by Jordan, a teenager with a huge heart for animals. Jordan made sure Zeal was comfortable, giving her a good meal and a warm place to sleep. The two connected right away. Jordan could not keep Zeal, but she could not bear the thought of taking her to a small city pound that euthanizes all unclaimed animals. Beautiful Zeal could not be abandoned again and dealt that fate. After much research, Jordan convinced her mother to make the four-hour drive to the HUA shelter where she and Zeal had one of the most tearful, heart-wrenching partings we have witnessed. Jordan promised Zeal that if she did not have a home by the time she graduated from high school and moved out on her own, she would return for her. As time passed, Zeal became a favorite at the shelter, known for her zest and charming personality, but her enthusiasm for life was intimidating to many adopters. Jordan made frequent contact for updates and came to visit Zeal, who remembered her well and was so excited for her visits. Jordan did not forget her promise. When she enrolled in college, she found a pet-friendly house where she and Zeal could finally be together. It was a glorious day when Jordan came to take Zeal home. The tears of sorrow at their previous parting turned into tears of joy as they were reunited forever. Jordan sends updates on milestones in Zeal’s life. She has posted lovely notes on Zeal’s destruction of her first squeaky toy, her first cross-country trip to visit family, and all of the other little things Zeal does that bring the two of them so much joy. It is heartwarming to see young people with the desire to help animals, with the passion and commitment to take responsibility even in the face of circumstances that would deter most people from fulfilling their promises. Because Jordan is an exceptional young lady, Zeal was saved, and the two are now celebrating their first of many happy holidays together.
Gracie In October of last year, Gracie was running in a field of corn stubble in rural Sutton, Nebraska. The kind people of that area did everything they could think of to coax her to safety. Finally, when all efforts failed, they devised a large friendly trap baited with delicious food for the poor starving dog. They were elated when they found her in the trap and drove her directly to the HUA shelter. We knew that Gracie had been a victim of abuse. Her fear of people would not soon be overcome. When we received an application for adoption from Susan in Grass Valley, California, we had to consider whether air travel was advisable for such a frightened dog. Susan is a professional dog trainer and former veterinary technician. Her prior dogs were two elderly Shelties that she took in to give them comfort for the rest of their days. Her present dog, Cody, is a Border Collie who was found abandoned in the Mohave Desert after being burned with hot wax and having his teeth knocked out with something wooden. He was scared to death. Cody became a happy dog who likes everyone and everything, and he was wanting a friend to romp with. We decided that Gracie should fly to California. Throughout this year, Susan has written us of Gracie’s progress. Gracie is still skittish but no longer runs blindly in fear. She bounces out the door, tail up, so excited and happy to go outside to play with Cody or go for a car ride. Susan says there are some learned behaviors that Gracie has to grow out of; they cannot be trained away. Gracie was afraid to bark. For four months she did not make a sound. Now she forgets herself and barks as a happy Sheltie would. She still will not eat if anyone is watching. Gracie is getting better and better every month, whether she is sitting quietly beside a lake with Cody or going for a long walk with him in the high country. Susan believes that when Gracie has been there for a year, she will be an almost normal dog, but if she never progresses any further, it is all right because she is a joy and a treasure as she is.
Jangles Jangles was just another dog on her last day of life in a city pound when she came to the HUA shelter. She is such a pretty girl and a sweet, loving dog. We thought she would soon be adopted, but when people came to meet her, it was always a disaster. Jangles’ energy level was so high that when she was excited, she bounced off the walls and raced around the room making it hazardous to be in her path. When Kaci, a young woman from Omaha, Nebraska, visited the shelter to choose a best friend, she met many dogs that she admired, but her attention focused on Jangles. She returned many times taking Jangles out for long walks, and when Jangles’ energy had subsided, we would see the two of them sitting in the grass for quiet times. It was a most perfect match of person and dog, both in personality and energy, because Kaci is a marathon runner who competes in many races. On the day of Jangles’ adoption, Kaci’s grandparents came with her for the event. Her grandmother said that it was like bringing a new human baby home from the hospital, and as the sweetest thing ever, the grandmother stayed on for a few days with Kaci and Jangles in their apartment to help with the new addition. Kaci says that Jangles is the perfect apartment dog. Jangles keeps house all day, and when Kaci comes home from work, everything is neat, clean, and all in one piece. Jangles has become a pro accompanying Kaci for running practice. She knows all the hand signals—when to turn right or left, when to stop. This year alone, Kaci won the women’s division of both the 32nd Annual Corporate Cup in Omaha, the Lincoln Marathon, and her first 50k race and competed in the 2012 Olympic Marathon Trials. Every time Kaci wins a medal of honor, she shares it with Jangles as the best running partner anyone could have.
The Animal Welfare Reform Movement In mid-summer of this year, Lambriars, Inc. of Mahaska, Kansas, said to be one of the largest puppy distributors in the nation, announced they were going out of business. It was good news on the animal welfare front. The huge puppy brokers have facilitated the worst of commercial breeding by providing a distribution center for thousands of tiny, fragile puppies to be shipped to retail outlets. The cruelty inherent for the puppies who often died in transit, their parents serving as overworked breeding machines, and the disaster of a nation overpopulated with dogs have never been a concern for the breeders, the brokers, or the pet store owners. When the last shipments of puppies had been distributed, and offices were closing in July, Lambriars stated that business had become too tough because of the national economy, increasing regulations, and pressure from animal activists. The downfall of the puppy industry in this country is a dream that is hopefully coming true. That such a monster of suffering developed and flourished in a nation that should be governed by informed, compassionate people is inconceivable. The credit is all to the people of this country who have said no to puppy mills and no to the killing of millions of companion animals because there are too many of them. As we begin a new year, we thank you with all our hearts for the support that has enabled us to save thousands of dogs for over twenty years. We ask your help for all the homeless animals who come to us for care and comfort. We thank you for the love and mercy in your hearts, and we wish you every blessing in the new year.
Together we are Hearts United for Animals. P.O. Box 286 • Auburn, NE 68305 • www.hua.org • hua@hua.org
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