Seasons Greetings

from

Enchilada

Enchilada was one of 103 dogs that arrived at the HUA shelter in Julyof 2009 from a group of breeders in central Nebraska. He was abouteight years old at the time and typical of many puppy mill rescueddogs. His long-hair Chihuahua coat, now beautiful, was sparse andmissing hair in many spots. His eyes and ears were infected, and hismouth had the brown-coated teeth and red swollen gums always foundin commercial breeders’ dogs. Enchilada was among the worst forbeing terrified of humans. When other little dogs were out runningand playing, he was hiding behind a playpen in a corner shaking in fear.

John, the head caregiver, alwayspicked him up and held him—something that does not alwayswork with puppy mill dogs, but itdid with Enchie. He fell head overheels in love with John, watching forhim, listening for his voice, doingthe most charming Chihuahuadance when he saw him.

When adoption applications did notmaterialize for Enchilada, he happily moved to the shelter house wherehe now lives with John and Eartha, the award-winning agility starLabrador mix, and other self-important little Chihuahuas who adoreJohn. The highlight of Enchie’s life is getting to go to agility practice,and to everyone’s amazement, he has demonstrated how well he cando the obstacles. At ageeleven, weighing fivepounds, with only twoteeth in his mouth,Enchilada has attendedmeets and brought back ribbons.

What is most importantfor this tiny puppy mill survivor is that he is so happy. He is loved beyond belief, and he haseverything that he loves. We send you our most heartfelt thanks forthe support that has given Enchilada his life.

Enchilada

An outbreak of distemper at Miami Dade Animal Services forced anorder for over 500 animals to be euthanized. They had to close to disinfect the facility. The media caught the story, and rescuers fromaround the country stepped up to save nearly all of the healthy

animals. When HUA Director Riki askedwhom the Animal Services employeeswanted to save the most, they said Cookieand Ping. The dogs were not the mostadoptable. They were older, larger andmixed breed. However, the Animal Servicesemployees were right. These two weregentle, loving, sweet and the most in need.

Soon Cookie and Ping traveled with Riki via plane to Nebraska. They enjoyed theirwide-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 cameto visit. He had read Ping’s story online and thought it was fate. Whilein the military, Chad had lived in Miami, and his favorite childhood doghad looked just like Ping. After a brief conversation with Ping to makesure that he was a Florida Gators fan and had no hidden allegiance tothe Seminoles, Chad decided that Ping would go home with him thefollowing week.

During the week Chad could not stop thinking about Cookie and howshe kept offering him her paw in friendship. He also began to worrythat she and Ping would miss each other. He called to let us know thathe had decided to take both!

As we expected, Cookie and Ping behaved as if they had lived withChad forever. They were the easiest, most affectionate dogs from theday they arrived. They did not have one accident, had no issues overfood or toys and enjoyed every moment of Chad’s company.

Cookie and Ping are so grateful to Riki and Chad for saving them andgiving them the opportunity to live in pure contentment and comfort.Chad invited Riki over to visit on one of her trips to Nebraska. Cookieand Ping showered her with kisses of thanks and showed her aroundtheir lovely new home and yard as if to say thank you for all she haddone for them and let her know that they could not be happier. It wasquite a journey for two unlikely dogs from Miami who ultimately foundtheir dream home in Nebraska.

Cookie and Ping

OscarThe good doctors at an animal hospital in Trenton, Missouri, savedOscar’s life. He was brought in after he had been hit by a car. Both hisfront legs were severely injured. Oscar was there to be euthanized, butinstead they amputated the leg that was beyond repair and applied anexternal fixation to the other leg which left it inflexible serving mostly asa prop. They asked if Oscar could come to the HUA shelter to continuehis 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 careroom of the Homeward Bound building volunteering their time withsmall dogs, Oscar, who really could run in spite of his handicap, cameracing out of a dog wing. As Evan said, he jumped onto their laps andinto their hearts.

Soon Oscar went home with Evan and Jess toToronto, Canada, and his personality blossomed. He is the sweetest little guy whois elated every time his people come home.He dances around on his back legs, sits prettywatching what is being cooked for dinner,and always has a smile on his face. He is thewatchdog if guests arrive, but he likes themimmediately. Oscar has a brother dog namedRocco, who is an English Bulldog/Pug fortypounds heavier and five years younger thanOscar. At first Oscar tried to act as thoughRocco was notthere, but soon

they were cuddling together for naptime onthe couch. Oscar has assumed the role ofthe older, wiser dog who takes care of Rocco,cleaning his face and sticking up for him atthe dog park.

Oscar has a big reputation at the dog park.He is known as a mighty little force to bereckoned with. If there is a commotion, heruns into the middle of it barking to maintainlaw and order. It was at the dog park thatOscar 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 inMissouri for saving a little jewel who gives so much happiness to hisworld.

A call from a neighboringlandowner alerted us.Apparently, a family hadmoved from their ruralhome about ten miles fromthe shelter leaving behind alarge black dog on a chain.

A week passed as we madecalls to the sheriff’s officeand took food and water tothe property. The poor bigguy was so lonely that hepressed against us while we

were attending to his needs. Every time we had to leave, we told himwe would be back. On the last day we found that the chain on thedog’s neck had snagged, and he could barely breathe. That was morethan enough to make us disregard the possibility of being accused oftrespass and theft. With great relief for both the dog and us, we puthim 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 inLincoln, people who are the summer managers for a YMCA youthcamp. During his first summer at camp, Banderas was a most popularparticipant in the activities. Every week when new young peoplearrived at the camp, he greeted them as though he were the host. Thestaff at the camp thought up a little joke that they circulated, sayingthat the camp managers had a pet bear. This was great entertainmentamong 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 inthe house or knockedanything off a table. Hehad many gifts of toysfrom relatives and friendsto welcome him, but hedoes not yet understandtoys. He wants only tolove and be loved, and hehas lots of opportunityfor that.

Banderas

Treasure was brought to theshelter in a black garbage bag.The person driving her here toldus that she had brought us a cat.The cat was sick, and she didnot want it making a mess in hercar. Also, it had been sprayedfor fleas. When we went to thecar to get the cat, we found abeautiful, tiny calico kitten mewing pitifully.

We were worried about the fleatreatment for such a young

kitten and washed the poor little thing with warm washcloths beforegiving 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 gaveher her name because “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”Treasure was so adorable that she soon had a great application foradoption, 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 nextdoor to the office so that she could be watched closely. She soon let usknow that her health was not a concern. Life in a dog shelter did notagree with Treasure, and she objected loudly. She wanted to tour theentire place and play big cat games. When she was out for closely

supervised playtime, we loved watchingher prance around and pounce on someimaginary prey. Treasure grew by leapsand bounds, and we had to double herorder of baby formula, which she insistedon having although she was well past theage.

When the day came for Treasure to gohome 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, shefalls asleep on a couch. Treasure is trulytreasured, something that she alwaysshould have been.

Treasure

Presto and Dory were twoterribly fearful Poodles whenthey arrived at the HUAshelter. Presto came from apuppy mill in Missouri. Dorywas rescued by a humanesociety from a hoarderhouse in Nebraska. Prestohad the cutest act—hewould dance and flirt justout of reach, but then hebecame stiff and poised forflight when picked up. Dorywould sit quietly and

sweetly near a person; however, holding out a hand to her meant shewould be gone. It is very sad when dogs have learned so much fear ofhuman hands. A soft, kind voice, slow movements, gentle touches,hours spent on a lap—it all must happen day after day for some dogsto overcome fear of people if they ever do.

This story, however, took some amazing twists. When Presto and Dorywere moved from intake areas to the Homeward Bound building, theymet each other, and it was love at first sight. They became inseparablecompanions, and even more surprising, they began to snuggle up tovolunteers sitting on the big dog cushions in the central care room.Typically, two fearful dogs will become more alienated together, butsomehow when these two found each other, love extended to the restof us. We were overjoyed.

Presto and Dory now live withSandra and Michael in Omaha,Nebraska. Their love story continues, and it includes all themembers of their human family,too. They are so devoted thatthey want to be right where thepeople are at all times. They lovetheir big yard, but if the peoplego inside, they are at the doorasking to come in. Their favoriteplace is on a couch where theygroom each other and cuddle fornaptime. Presto and Dory knowhow wonderful it is to live andlove in a home.

Presto and Dory

Cindy Lou’s person took her to a city pound in Oklahoma stating thather boyfriend had been beating Cindy Lou and she was afraid shewould soon be dead if she stayed in the home. The poor dog was wild

with fear of humans, unable to be touchedor handled. A rescue group tried to saveher, but no foster home could manage herneeds, so they made the six-hour trip toHUA, hoping that with time and care shemight come around.

Cindy Lou spent months sitting in the corner of the sunroom, watching peopledistrustfully and fleeing in terror if anyoneapproached. Finally there was some smallprogress. She would allow herself to begently petted on the head without takingflight and would even approach cautiouslyto take food from the hands of those she

came to trust the most. Everyone became hopeful that Cindy Loumight have a chance at adoption to a quiet, understanding home.

Our hopes were soon dashed when Cindy Lou was diagnosed withglaucoma. She would need to have one eye removed and need dropsin 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 moretrusting of humans through all of the contact required by vet visits anddaily medicine routines.

When Susan from Bennington, Nebraska,came to look at Cindy Lou for possibleadoption, she had been at the shelter fornearly four years. It was finally her day inthe sun. She was chosen! Susan acceptedthat Cindy Lou might not ever be completely carefree and content aroundpeople and was willing to accommodate herneeds.

Love works wonders, though, and Cindy Louhas exceeded everyone’s expectations. Shehas managed to leave her awful past behindher. Every morning she dances, leaps andplays with sheer excitement. She has no trouble returning the love thather gentle, kind new humans have bestowed upon her. Cindy Lou isgrateful to have been given the time that it took for her heart to healso that she could trust again.

Cindy Lou

Rocky fit in the palm of our hands when he arrived at HUA after havingbeen 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 severelydehydrated to produce them. His eyes were so badly damaged that itsent our most dauntless rescue person into pure panic the moment shesaw him. The Animal Emergency Clinic said it was the worst case ofstarvation and dehydration they had seen and the damage to his eyeswas beyond comprehension. He was only five weeks old and half thesize he should have been for his age. It was very questionable if hewould survive.

After weeks of round-the-clock care, Rocky turned a corner, showingprogress 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 homewould be right for him. They had adopted Kaycee Dachshund, a oncesad little girl who required two neck disc surgeries. She started to

blossom after her operations andwent on to thrive at Jen and Iris’shouse. We knew Rocky wouldthrive there too.

When Jen flew to Nebraska to pickRocky up, he was still being syringefed. Within days of their arrivinghome to Atlanta, Kaycee decided totake over mother dog duties andshe soon had him diving into thedog bowls to eat enthusiastically on

his own. Although he could not see, he would follow Kaycee on the bigadventure to get the mail at the end of the lane each day. Rocky grewlike 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 beremoved. Worries faded away as Rockyreturned from his operation ready to playwith all of his favorite toys and romp aroundas if nothing at all unusual had happened.

Rocky is a survivor. Thanks to your care andsupport, Rocky fought, rallied and found aperfect home. Rocky lost his eyes, but hisheart grew even bigger with the love andcare of Jen, Iris, Kaycee and all of his friendsat HUA.

Rocky

The Weed Patch DogsThe most memorable rescue ofthe year occurred late in June. Ina rural area in South Dakota, weedinspectors were called to go to anacreage property where noxiousweeds were taller than most people. To their amazement, theyfound little dogs living in theweeds without water or food.They called the sheriff’s office.

Our volunteer and director who isalso the founder and chief executive of Almost Home CanineRescue in Madison, South Dakota,

went with law officers to the property. Rather than face charges, thebreeder signed over the dogs, and thearduous task of catching the poor littleanimals began. With a heat index of over ahundred, the rescuers became ill chasingdogs through the jungle of weeds. Theywere unbearably thirsty and could notstand to think how thirsty the dogs mustbe. No one knew how the dogs could havesurvived. Actually, there were very fewolder animals; most of them did not livelong in that place. There were newbornpuppies found under a board and a catwho lay dying over a doghouse. Tim Catwas taken to an emergency clinic, but hedid 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 ofJuly. They were all named for historic people of the AmericanRevolution.

All the dogs had extensive medicalneeds. Filth, clumps, tangles, patchesof vermin, abscesses, infections, stickery burs—all were cleaned awayand treated before their veterinarycare began. One sweet little female

named Martha Washington had aback leg so caught up in a tangledclump that she could not walk on it,and a tiny frog was living in her hair.The Sheltie named Abigail Adamswas terrified, but she now comes upto people to be cuddled and petted.Abigail has a genetic disease thatoccurs in Shelties. She is beingtreated in the hope that she will havemany more happy years.

The weed patch dogs have made historyat HUA. They are the most joyful animals.Thomas Paine is the life of the party, andPhyllis Wheatley is not far behind. WhenThomas first saw a toy box full of toys, hejumped in and tossed out every toy beforedeciding 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 forthe support that means we can help so many dogs that need a place togo where they will be safe and cared for. Over 400 animals call theHUA shelter home. On any given day, one or one hundred may arrive--the disheveled, frightened, and ill from the breeding places orthe brokenhearted from loss of their homes. Many will be adopted andgo to the finest homes in the nation. Others will stay to be given thebest possible lives we can give them. We thank you for caring aboutthese most precious animals and giving them the gift of life.

All are happy to be safe and loved at the HUA shelter

Early one afternoon, we received a call from an Omaha veterinary hospital telling us that a youngChesapeake Bay Retriever had beenbrought in to be euthanized becauseshe had parvo. The staff of the hospital could not bear even thethought and asked us if we would takeover guardianship of Beth who was fivemonths old at the time and strongerthan a really young puppy but still terribly ill.

Upon admittance, Beth could not evenraise her head. The awful disease haddrained her strength, but after only aday of treatment, this gorgeous, sweetpup was sitting up, tail wagging, readyto show her love and gratitude to thehospital staff. A week later she was dismissed to spend additionalrecovery time at the HUA shelter. Here she became known for huggingher caregivers who all thought she was the most delightful creature onearth.

When Beth’s story was told on the HUA Facebook page, there was anoutpouring of love and support for her, and soon she flew to theBoston 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 funand games, but Beth is very sensitive,and it takes only a gentle reminder tocalm down the roughhousing. Mackenzisays that Beth is amazingly sweet andgood. She has blended in well with theirfamily, and they all adore her.

This holiday season we are very gratefulfor the support that turns sorrow intojoy. We send you our heartfelt thanksfor the gifts that give life to the mostprecious animals and happiness toeveryone who knows them.

Beth

When the flood of the Missouri River forced thousands of people fromtheir homes in 2011, Kendra, a small Bichon, was one of the dogs

brought to the shelter by herfamily who could not take herwith them. Kendra was notalone. She had with her threeyoung puppies—all of themblack, one with sleek hair, onewire-haired, and one curly.

Kendra settled into the shelterwith her family as though shehad always been there. Shewas a good mother for her puppies even when they werebigger than she was by the timethey were twelve weeks old.Nothing ever bothered Kendra.She is bouncy and happy, tunedinto people, loving to be thecenter of attention. When shehad finished her motherhoodduties, 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 knewabout it. She would be in the sunroom behind a closed door, and shewould 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 someparting kisses.

Kendra is a busy little being who wantsto be part of the action, involved ineverything that is happening. If peoplethink she is entertaining, that is all thebetter. She was adopted by Ken, ourfaithful volunteer from Council Bluffs,Iowa, who spends untold hours givingdogs socialization and fun times.Kendra now has the perfect audience,her dad who adores her and enjoysevery cute and funny thing she does.It is a match of a great dog and a greathuman.

Kendra

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 anorthopedic surgeon. While it was one of the worst genetic defect caseshe had ever seen, he felt that he could help her.

When Pecan was hobbling around, learning to use her back legs afterher operation, Marcy from Colorado Springs, Colorado, heard aboutPecan and wished to adopt her and help with her recovery. Soon wereceived reports that Pecan’s improvement was better than expected.She was running up and downstairs all by herself! Pecan wasdoing so well that she got to goalong to a rabbit sanctuarywhere the rabbits were twice asbig as Pecan and not entirely toher liking until she got to knowthem better.

Just a few months later, MarthaWashington arrived at HUA.She had been living with 40other animals in a noxious weedpatch in South Dakota. It was 100 degrees and they had no food orwater. Martha was the happiest to be rescued, smiling and showeringvolunteers with kisses as they carried her tosafety.

When Martha arrived at HUA rescuers workedto free one of her back legs. She had torn herknee very badly trying to disentangle her legfrom the mats that ensnared it. She could notuse that leg at all, and the other leg wasweak. Martha became the next knee patient,needing patella operations on both legs.

Marcy read Martha’s story and decided thatshe would make a lovely sister for Pecan.With thousands of dollars worth of patched-up knees, these two girlswere worth their weight in gold, but not because of their staggeringvet bills. They are two of the most charming, loving and forgiving littledolls one could imagine. They are both so grateful to be free and to beloved in their home. They will never suffer again, never give birth to litters of puppies that are sold to unsuspecting families. They adoreeach other’s company and meet each day with enthusiasm, ready andable to jump and run with pure delight at their wonderful change infortune.

Pecan and Martha

While driving through rural Nebraska, HUA volunteer Amy found a mostpathetic, filthy and emaciated Labrador sitting on the highway. He gladly jumped into the car for a ride to the HUA shelter where hedevoured his meal and went right to sleep on a big soft bed. He quicklyturned into the class clown at the shelter, making everyone smile withhis fun personality.

An animal rescue event was to be held at AC Nelsen RV World inOmaha. Many small dogs were chosen to go, but we knew that theNelsen family favored Labs. The newly rescued Lab named Valiantreminded us of Shredder, one of the previous family dogs of the Nelsenfamily. 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 daughterPayton. Valiant poured on the charm. His crate was empty on thereturn trip to the shelter, as he was camped out permanently in theNelsen home.

Valiant is the perfect dog. He became bestfriends with little Payton, he is an expert atfrisbee and he is good with all little dogs,even the neighbor Yorkie who decidedValiant was a big beast that should bethreatened with bodily harm. Issues surfaced, but the Nelsens understood.

Valiant destroyed the curtains when thefamily was gone for a short errand. Thenext time he destroyed his bed, and thetime 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 lovedwith all his heart. From the moment they realized what Valiant wasgoing through, he was never left alone again.

Valiant goes to work with Adam or Kate every day. He rides along toget Payton from school, and the children line up to give their newkindergarten mascot pats on the head. He sits in the backseat withPayton on the way home so they can talk about their day. The Nelsenshave babysitters on speed dial in case they need to go where Valiant isnot welcome.

Even though Valiant fears being abandoned again, has bad allergies thatrequire medication and special food, and leaves occasional gifts of deadsquirrels in the living room, he is perfect in his family’s eyes. Valiantreturns their adoration with his complete devotion and gratitude.

Valiant

In August of this year, Tatsu, a thirteen-year-old Japanese Chin wenthome to live with Josh and Tera in Tonawanda, New York. Tatsu hadcome to HUA three years earlier from a puppy mill in central Kansasalong with sixteen other little dogs being discarded.

Tatsu lives with two Dachshunds and an elderly Shiba Inu who have allaccepted 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 burstinto spurts of crazy energy.One day he did some playbows for Timmy, a disabledDachshund, and began running wild circles aroundTimmy, which was great funfor both of them.

Tatsu has never lost the oldpuppy mill habit of circling,which is the only exercisepuppy mill dogs know, but

he circles much less now and can even walk around the house withoutcircling at all. If he begins to circle very fast in a small space, his familyknows it is time for a quick trip outdoors.

When Tera entered a picture of Tatsu in a photo contest conducted byhis vet clinic, some misguided person made fun of him because histongue hangs out. This ralliedsupport for Tatsu, and hereceived many votes and becameone of the grand prize winners. At times Tatsu only sits andstares at his people, wagging histail now and then. He loves to beheld and cuddled and leans backin pure bliss. He may appear tobe spending some time lookingout a window, but actually he hasfallen asleep sitting up!

Tatsu is such a funny, sweet little fellow that he has brought his ownbrand of happiness to a home. Tera says he is a testimonial to howincredibly well senior puppy mill dogs can do in a home.

Tatsu

Zeal was in the unfortunate situation ofso many dogs in rural Nebraska. Shehad been dumped in the country, abandoned to starve, freeze or perishfrom disease or predators.

Zeal’s luck turned, however, when shewas found by Jordan, a teenager with ahuge heart for animals. Jordan madesure Zeal was comfortable, giving her agood meal and a warm place to sleep.

The two connected right away. Jordan could not keep Zeal, but shecould not bear the thought of taking her to a small city pound that euthanizes all unclaimed animals. Beautiful Zeal could not be abandonedagain 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 themost tearful, heart-wrenching partings we have witnessed. Jordan promised Zeal that if she did not have a home bythe time she graduated from high school andmoved out on her own, she would return for her.

As time passed, Zeal became a favorite at theshelter, 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 visitZeal, who remembered her well and was soexcited for her visits. Jordan did not forget herpromise. When she enrolled in college, shefound 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 asthey 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 Zealdoes 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 faceof 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 holidaystogether.

Zeal

In October of last year, Gracie was running in a field of corn stubble inrural Sutton, Nebraska. The kind people of that area did everythingthey could think of to coax her to safety. Finally, when all efforts failed,they devised a large friendly trap baited with delicious food for thepoor starving dog. They were elated when they found her in the trapand drove her directly to the HUA shelter.

We knew that Gracie had been a victim of abuse. Her fear of peoplewould not soon be overcome. When we received an application foradoption from Susan in Grass Valley, California, we had to considerwhether 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 themcomfort for the rest of their days. Her present dog, Cody, is a Border

Collie who was found abandoned in theMohave Desert after being burned withhot wax and having his teeth knockedout with something wooden. He wasscared to death. Cody became a happydog who likes everyone and everything,and he was wanting a friend to rompwith. We decided that Gracie should flyto California.

Throughout this year, Susan has writtenus of Gracie’s progress. Gracie is stillskittish but no longer runs blindly in fear.

She bounces out the door, tail up, so excited and happy to go outsideto play with Cody or go for a car ride. Susan says there are somelearned behaviors that Gracie has to grow out of; they cannot betrained away. Gracie was afraid to bark. Forfour months she did not make a sound. Nowshe forgets herself and barks as a happySheltie would. She still will not eat if anyoneis watching.

Gracie is getting better and better everymonth, whether she is sitting quietly beside alake with Cody or going for a long walk withhim in the high country. Susan believes thatwhen Gracie has been there for a year, shewill be an almost normal dog, but if she neverprogresses any further, it is all right becauseshe is a joy and a treasure as she is.

Gracie

Jangles was just another dog on her last day of life in a city poundwhen she came to the HUA shelter. She is such a pretty girl and asweet, loving dog. We thought she would soon be adopted, but whenpeople came to meet her, it was always a disaster. Jangles’ energylevel was so high that when she was excited, she bounced off the wallsand 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 abest friend, she met many dogs that sheadmired, but her attention focused onJangles. She returned many times takingJangles out for long walks, and whenJangles’ energy had subsided, we wouldsee the two of them sitting in the grass forquiet times. It was a most perfect matchof person and dog, both in personality andenergy, because Kaci is a marathon runnerwho competes in many races.

On the day of Jangles’ adoption, Kaci’sgrandparents came with her for the event.

Her grandmother said that it was like bringing a new human babyhome from the hospital, and as the sweetest thing ever, the grandmother stayed on for a few days with Kaci and Jangles in theirapartment to help with the new addition.

Kaci says that Jangles is the perfectapartment dog. Jangles keeps houseall day, and when Kaci comes homefrom 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, Kaciwon the women’s division of both the32nd Annual Corporate Cup in Omaha,the Lincoln Marathon, and her first 50krace and competed in the 2012Olympic Marathon Trials. Every timeKaci wins a medal of honor, she sharesit with Jangles as the best runningpartner anyone could have.

Jangles

Together we are Hearts United for Animals.P.O. Box 286 • Auburn, NE 68305 • www.hua.org • hua@hua.org

In mid-summer of this year, Lambriars, Inc. of Mahaska, Kansas, said tobe one of the largest puppy distributors in the nation, announced theywere going out of business.

It was good news on the animal welfare front. The huge puppy brokershave facilitated the worst of commercial breeding by providing a distribution center for thousands of tiny, fragile puppies to be shippedto retail outlets. The cruelty inherent for the puppies who often died intransit, their parents serving as overworked breeding machines, and thedisaster 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 officeswere closing in July, Lambriars stated that business had become tootough because of the national economy, increasing regulations, andpressure from animal activists.

The downfall of the puppy industry in this country is a dream that ishopefully coming true. That such a monster of suffering developedand flourished in a nation that should be governed by informed, compassionate people is inconceivable. The credit is all to the people

of this country whohave said no to puppymills and no to thekilling of millions ofcompanion animalsbecause there are toomany of them.

As we begin a newyear, we thank youwith all our hearts forthe support that hasenabled us to savethousands of dogs forover twenty years.

We ask your help for all the homeless animals who come to us for careand comfort. We thank you for the love and mercy in your hearts, andwe wish you every blessing in the new year.

The Animal Welfare Reform Movement

www.facebook.com/heartsunitedforanimals