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I am loved

A note from Hope's former mom

Today, I sent my heart dog to her new furever home just outside of Seattle, Washington where she will have a wonderful home, a big fenced in yard, a four-legged playmate and the loving family she so deserves.

I cannot say that I am not sad because I am. Hope's been so much a part of me for 2 years that I feel like I've given away one of my children. I am selfishly heartbroken, but I know it was the right thing to do.

Thank you all so much for making the journey with us. It's been one helluva ride, pups. You've been there every step of the way, and I could not have done this without you. I hope that the lesson we all take from this is that persistence pays off. There is still good in a world that is often cruel and always scary. And most importantly, we can make a difference saving one dog at a time.

Much love and many hugs,
Sandi, Hope and the hairballs

One more time...

Hello old friends. I have some good news for you.

Hope has been re-captured, and is living in a foster home with new foster parents and other pets. The dartman from the local university once again rescued our favorite feral girl. It was a very scary, arduous and exhausting capture, but Hope has recovered nicely once again. Dartman told me that he will not dart Hope again. He is a busy man who works mainly with wild animals such as tigers, and I must respect that decision. He worked many hours with me, taking time away from his work and his family and he even worked on holidays. It took several weeks and attempts to successfully dart and capture Hope once again.

After much discussion and many tears, my husband and I agree that it is not in Hope’s best interest to bring her to our home ever again. She attracted the ire of many people who wished to do great harm to her. Threats of shooting and poisoning were common from several people in the neighborhood where she was finally captured. Additionally, someone felt the need to terrorize her causing her escape on Halloween. It would simply be cruel and unfair to Hope to bring her to my home again where she would once again draw negative attention. There are many behind the scenes events that I will not disclose here for legal reasons. Suffice it to say that Hope would not be safe in my yard. Those legal reasons are why I have not posted this information before now.

When Hope was captured the second time after such a hard fight and a long difficult chase, I didn't have the guts to put her down. I had actually considered it because of the threats and unkind actions by many, but it seems a shame to snuff out such a bright light considering how hard Hope fights to survive. This was not a casual passing thought on my part. For several months I anguished over Hope’s ultimate fate, and what I would do when the time came. While she lay there limp on my vet’s floor just after capture, I cried like a baby and made the decision to place her in foster care. I have fought long and hard for this dog. I don't want to fail her on the grandest scale now, but she must have a permanent home as soon as possible.

Hope is currently in a temporary foster home with two other large dogs in another county 80 miles from my neighborhood. She plays with the dogs at the home, but spends most of her day in an 8 x 14 kennel. I wish to find a permanent home for Hope, to give her a chance at life. I do love her enough to let her go although it tears at my heart. Her foster family works with her as much as possible, but they work alot and time is an issue. Hope interacts well with the other dogs. She still tolerates petting although I'm not sure she understands it. The foster parents have on a couple of occasions looped a leash around her neck and let her walk around with it in an attempt to allow her to become used to a tether for walks. So Hope is making progress and could blossom with the right owners.

After calling many sanctuaries across the country including Best Friends, The Elephant Sanctuary in TN, dozens of rescue groups and Cesar Millan, I haven’t been able to make any headway on my own. I just don’t have the right connections. All these places are big on promises and advice, but short on action. They all say things like they would take her, but they can’t afford to “simply warehouse” a feral animal and that she should be “socialized.” When I say I will pay for her care everyone quickly back peddles and refuses to accept her. She is a feral dog that humanity has failed on many levels. I know about socialization. I have more knowledge of feral dogs than most people would acknowledge, given that I do not have DVM following my name. I realize that many people lie about their attempts at socializing a dog, I am not lying. I’ve been working with rescue dogs for more than 30 years. Usually I can help, but this time I’m asking for help.

That being said, I don’t fault these sanctuaries for their stand. I cannot criticize them for their decision that allows for the greater good. I realize they have a hard job to do and an expensive one at that. Still, Hope’s fate hangs in the balance. I love this dog. If I cannot find a place where she can be allowed to be her lovable feral self or to be socialized as a companion pet, then I must make the horribly sad decision to euthanize her. She doesn’t deserve what society has leveled upon her. I don't want to fail her again, yet a permanent life in a small kennel with visits from other dogs is not a quality life.

Hope is available for adoption by the right family or person. She requires much time, knowledge and patience. The ideal home would be one where someone has much time to work with her, perhaps someone who does not work outside the home. She is not a pet for an inexperienced person. She needs the companionship of other dogs, and a very secure fenced area in which to play. References would be required, and I personally would transport Hope to a new permanent home. If you are interested you may send me a pmail, and we can discuss the possibilities.

Thanks for your loving support. I hope you understand I am in a hard place and must do something soon to place my Hopie in a permanent home.

Slide Show Tribute

Thanks to my friends, The Taboo Crew Max Bindi & Jes I have posted a beautiful slide show on Hopie's page. It was very hard for me to watch, but it is a fitting tribute and we hope you enjoy it. It works best if you turn the music off on Hope's page before you launch the slide show.

Get your Kleenex ready.

We love you Max, Bindi and Jes.