Category Archives: Adoption

2022, adopter feedback, Adoption, Foster, fostering, FOTAS

Love to the Rescue

Posted on by Bob Gordon
21
Mar

Love to the Rescue

by Betty Ryberg, FOTAS Foster

Change of scenery? We certainly experienced the need for that in the last 2 1/2 years.

A day trip on a pretty day? A walk in a just discovered park, or a hike through the woods as the weather turns sunny?

Maybe an overnight? To a cabin, a lake house, a campground? Our walls close in, our life lacks color, our days seem drab.

Take me away! A week away has restorative powers but often it’s those few hours or day trips or quick overnights that adds zest to our lives and brings a calm.

That is the highlight of doggie field trips or fostering.

Aiken County Animal Shelter dogs can come to your house, your yard, your park and it is their Disneyworld. Under your tree, playing with your pets or chewing on your toys is a wish-come-true mini vacation.

Aaah and catching a nap, sleeping late, and snuggling on a new rug – luxurious and QUIET. All the animals at the shelter are safe and well cared for-but it is not quiet. For a dog that is abandoned, oftentimes the barking of other dogs causes distress. Even one day or night away may feel like a much-needed spa.

Why don’t folks take dogs away for Doggie Day Out or foster? Is it because you may feel guilty returning them? Please don’t. A day or night away, a romp in your yard or a nap on your rug may be all that dog needs to restore his spirit and make him more adoptable when he returns to the shelter.

We have had sad, frightened dogs become their happy selves in two days. One dog slept for eight hours the first day he came to our home and then rolled and rolled in the grass for hours. 

If you can’t foster for more than two days, then an overnight or day out is a respite likened to a snow day experience we felt as kids. Yippee!!

We have kept dogs for two nights and puppies for two months. All have been adopted. We didn’t change our schedules We made a safe place to sleep and play. Our busy days continued and we marveled that an animal could show such immediate relief.

Any new parent, caregiver, student or overworked professional knows the phew moment of a babysitter, respite care, a snow day or a day off.

The animals return restored and much more adoptable. It is a picnic for them. How wonderful to know your home is a five-star resort to some!

Their lives are in our hands.

2022, Adoption, Dogs, FOTAS, surrendered pets

Old FOTAS friend adopts, brings happiness to senior dog

Posted on by Bob Gordon
27
Feb

When 14-year-old, 70-pound, Buster was brought in earlier this month, it was sad for all. Buster’s owner had health issues and could no longer care for him. No one was at fault here; just bad circumstances.

Buster was examined by the County Shelter’s vet staff and put into a kennel. I went to check on him and found his kennel soaking wet. He was so nervous, he was lapping up water as fast as he could and shaking in fear. It was so sad; we immediately took his picture and were going to reach out to the public to find help. I wasn’t super hopeful as most people don’t want senior dogs, especially large senior dogs.

Just as I was about to post his picture, I had a visit from an old friend.

I looked over my shoulder and there was John Berk.

John Berk at home with Buster, his newly adopted, 14-year-old canine companion.

John was a daily volunteer with FOTAS and a friend to us all. Just over three years ago, we were all shocked and surprised when John fell for Hobbes (then Milton). Hobbes was a senior dog with fur loss and little “cage appeal.” John started to take him out for overnight visits and doggie days out and realized that the poor old soul never had much happiness. John adopted Hobbes and gave him the absolute best life any dog could have. He was his constant companion. We saw John and Hobbes all over town, best buddies.

When John arrived for a visit, it didn’t take long to see the tears in his eyes. His friend had passed away at home the day before. John wore the pain on his sleeve and yet asked me if we had a senior dog that needed help. How unselfish is that?!

Ok…so these things don’t just happen! I am a big believer that God had his hand in this.

I told John that I had only just met this older lab named Buster less than an hour ago, but he needed help. John took the leash and walked him to his car. He said he wanted to give it a try. It was a little tough for Buster to get in the car, so John pulled out the steps that he had used to help Hobbes get up into the passenger seat.

John and his amazing wife, Sally, have cats and another small dog that they rescued recently, so I wasn’t completely sure this would work. But it just seemed to me there was a plan in play.
Two days later I received a text from John: “Sweet dog and starting to settle in.” Then I started getting pictures of Buster on the bed, at the dog park, in John’s car. It wasn’t a week that passed before John came to the shelter to make it official.

“We’ve made one dog very happy, thank you for picking him for me,” John said.

Some may think that a 14-year-old dog won’t adapt to a new owner or a new home. Some worry about adopting a senior and not having a long time with them. But think of what John does. He takes these older dogs that are scared and homeless, and he gives them friendship. He doesn’t think about how long he has; he thinks about how great the time will be.

This story just touches me more than most. To see Buster’s adoption unfold was inspirational.

In Memory of Hobbes.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

2022, Adoption, SOCIAL MEDIA

Desperate dogs beat the odds to live happy life with loving Aiken family

Posted on by Bob Gordon
15
Feb

Choco is a 2-month-old, black & tan puppy who arrived at the Aiken County Animal Shelter on Sept. 3 with a life-threatening birth defect. His only chance for survival was expensive, experimental surgery that might not even work. This poor baby needed an adopter willing and able to get him the needed surgery and provide him with a loving home.

FOTAS immediately put the word out, shared Choco’s photo and story via social media, and got him into the arms of foster volunteer Vivian Kram. She took loving care of the pup and gave him the nurturing he needed while FOTAS and the shelter staff worked to find him a permanent home.

Enter Jenna Lubeck and her boyfriend Sam, who had just moved to Aiken from Chicago with four children and 21 horses. They were planning to buy a purebred dog but read a Facebook post about Choco written and shared by Martha Anne Tudor. The family was so moved by the pup’s dilemma, Jenna and her youngest child drove to the shelter to meet the pup.

“When we met Choco, my eight-year-old son looked up at me and said, ‘We have to adopt this puppy! I’ll pitch in my allowance for his surgery.’”

The family adopted the pup, renamed him Dante, and provided his expensive surgery. Before the operation, Jenna and Sam had to prepare the kids for the possibility their new dog might not survive. But Jenna said the children understood and vowed to make Dante’s two weeks before the surgery “the best two weeks possible.” They spent all their free time playing and cuddling with their new family member.

Thankfully, the surgery was a success and Dante made a full recovery.

Just five months later, Jenna saw another post on Facebook. This one featured a chocolate and white, 6-year-old stray dog who was found eating garbage at a trash dump. This skeletal 6-year-old Doberman mix with broken teeth and a sweet face reminded her so much of Dante, she drove to the County Shelter with him to meet her.

The meet and greet between Dante and the new dog, Maggie, did not go well. Maggie was stressed, scared, and mouthy. But since neither dog was being aggressive, the staff and Jenna thought Maggie would do better away from the shelter. Turns out, they were right. On the way home from the shelter, the two dogs cuddled together and slept in the back seat of Jenna’s car.

“Maggie just had to get out of that high stress environment,” Jenna said. “She and Dante became best friends. We can hardly separate these two now.”

Against all odds, Maggie and Dante have beautiful lives in a home where they are loved. “I’m so glad we adopted instead of buying,” Jenna said. “I think I’m going to only adopt from now on.”

Dante and his new family

“I don’t look at these dogs as having issues,” she added. “I think most of the time they’re just misunderstood. They were in the wrong place at the wrong time and didn’t get the love or care they needed because their owners didn’t know better or didn’t care enough. It kind of breaks your heart, you know?”

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2022, Adoption, Dogs, FOTAS, kennel stress, News, Pibbles, Shelter staff, SOCIAL MEDIA, Volunteers

Longest shelter resident Christopher finds his dream home

Posted on by Bob Gordon
18
Jan

Christopher had us worried. The two-year-old, 66-pound, mixed breed known for his soulful eyes, mahogany brindle coat and sweet personality was showing signs of kennel stress. He was sleeping too much during the day, refusing to greet visitors and seemed to be sinking into depression.

Christopher: loved by everyone including volunteers.


You couldn’t blame him for losing hope. As a huge favorite of the staff and volunteers, we had promoted him endlessly on our Facebook and Instagram pages, illustrating his calm and loving disposition with videos and photos. There were videos of him chasing tennis balls, getting his chest and tummy rubbed as well as photos of him hugging volunteers and cuddling staff members.

Volunteers Jen Jotblad and Kathy Samaha each shot their own special videos, expressing why they thought he would make a wonderful pet. Samaha took Christopher home for a weekend to give him a break from the noisy shelter. So did Olga and Nicole Simons. Just about every FOTAS volunteer spent extra time walking him or giving him cuddles. Jotblad put extra time into teaching him commands and enrolled him in her dog training class for volunteers. We even had a “Christopher Day” on Nov. 13 to try to attract prospective adopters. No one on our team was going to give up on this special dog.

Still, more weeks passed and no one was calling about Christopher. By far the longest resident of the shelter, he was growing tired of waiting and hardly any prospects were coming to visit him.

Then, on Dec. 3, George Straub and his family walked into the shelter lobby and asked to see Christopher.

“We saw Christopher on the FOTAS page and fell in love,” said Elizabeth Farthing, George’s significant other. “When we met him, he walked directly to my 9-year-old daughter, Rae-Ann, and then George. We spent months trying to find the perfect addition to our family. We contacted so many people and other shelters about dogs and for one reason or another, none worked out. But with Christopher, we felt like it was just meant to be. He knew we couldn’t leave there without him.”

Christopher gets selected!

Now Christopher has a real home and loving family as well as a new name, Glock. He follows Elizabeth everywhere and she considers him a “Velcro dog who loves to cuddle.” Glock spends most of the day with Rae-Ann during her home schooling and sleeps on 17-year-old Chase’s bed most nights. When the family is at the dinner table talking or playing board games, Glock puts his head in George’s lap.

“I’m glad other people passed on him because I love him to death,” George said.

The shelter is full now and there are many hidden gems, like Christopher. So, please visit the Aiken County Animal Shelter, 333 Wire Road, and visit our homeless dogs and cats in need. To see all the pets available, go to FOTASAiken.org. Dogs are $35 and cats and kittens are only $10.

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

Christopher is loved in his new home.
2021, Adoption, Bully Dogs, Dogs, Pibbles, SELECTING A PET

Consider adopting the dog who’s been at the shelter the longest

Posted on by Bob Gordon
03
Jan

A funny thing happened with two of the dogs we adopted from the Aiken County Animal Shelter that made us think that we are on to something. We like to have three dogs in our household and when one of them dies, we honor their memory by adopting a new dog as their replacement.

Brownie when he lived in the shelter.

We lost Yoda about two years ago and Buster just a few months ago. We decided to replace each of them with the dog that had been at the shelter the longest, a dog that apparently no one wanted.
So, we took a chance with Meadow a couple of years ago and adopted Blaze, who we renamed Brownie, about a month ago. These two dogs that, for whatever reason, nobody wanted are the sweetest, most loyal, most lovable, most obedient, and simply the nicest dogs we have ever owned. It’s as if they knew that we saved them when no one else would.

We had concerns when these two were adopted. How would they get along with the other two? There were male/female issues. Why weren’t they adopted?

We were confident we could make it work despite those issues.

We knew that our home, and any adopter’s home, is not the shelter filled with lots of animals stressing out in kennels, making lots of noise. A dog’s behavior at a shelter does not necessarily represent who that dog really is. Our home, your home, is the dog’s castle. The dog feels more secure and comfortable in its own real home.

Our dogs run free on our enclosed property, no leashes; but when we first bring a new dog home, we train it on a leash. We introduce them to the other dogs whose first reactions are to protect their territory. But they eventually accept them when they realize the new dog is staying for good. They share and enjoy the company of a new playmate as long as they still get lots of attention.

At first, we familiarized Brownie, as we did Meadow, with every part of our home and walked him continuously outside so he learned his boundaries. We let him off leash in a fenced-in area. We continuously taught him recall, that is training him to come when we call his name. We constantly praised his good behavior. Finally, we let him off leash out in the open and watched his behavior. He would pass that test when he comes when called and basically just runs around with the other two dogs. It took about a week of constant attention and training but now he is part of the family.

Brownie finds his spot on the Miller bed.

It did not happen by magic. We took charge, invested some time and effort to get these new dogs acclimated to us and our surroundings. But we are convinced that they immediately went out of their way to be good because they were so grateful for us finally rescuing them from the shelter and giving them a forever home. All they want to do is please their owner.

Adopt any dog from the shelter but consider adopting the one that has been there the longest. You’ll be amazed at the results.

Their lives are in your hands.

— By Peter Miller, FOTAS Volunteer

2021, Adoption, DOGGIE DATES, Doggie Day Out, SELECTING A PET

Why you should adopt your next dog or cat from the County Shelter

Posted on by Bob Gordon
29
Dec

The Aiken County Animal Shelter takes in more than 4,000 pets a year and these homeless dogs and cats need community members to adopt them and save their lives. But we understand there are other shelters and rescues out there. With so many options, it can be difficult to choose where to get your pet. Here is a short Q&A to help you make your decision.

Why should you consider adopting from the Aiken County Animal Shelter?
1) Because we care. We go the extra mile to make sure your future pet has been tested with people, other animals, and we do our best to learn about their behaviors, whether positive or negative.

This sweet dog is the perfect pet for his new home.


2) We do our best to match the best pet for your individual needs such as:
• What breed do you prefer?
• What pet fits your lifestyle?
• How much time do you have to spend with the pet?
• Do you have any other pets?
• Do you have children?
• Do you live in a home? apartment? farm?

What kinds of things do we do to learn the most we can about these pets?
1) Each Saturday, from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. we have a training class in which our volunteers work with shelter dogs on basic training, leash work and obedience. We love to have potential adopters come and witness how eager to please and successful these dogs are! Who doesn’t want a dog that is already good on leash, knows how to sit, stay and be respectful?

2) We have a monthly program in which young people come to the shelter and read to shelter pets. We know pretty quickly which dogs and cats enjoy children and have the desire to be with them.

3) Monday through Saturday we hold play groups so the staff will know how each dog behaves with other dogs. We can tell their play style, whether they prefer to be with playful dogs, calm dogs, female dogs, etc. These play groups also help our more timid dogs build confidence and come out of their shells.

4) Our Doggy Day Out program allows Aiken County residents to take shelter dogs to the park or even home for the night to give the dogs a break from shelter life. We learn so much about their home behavior this way. You might even find the perfect pet this way!

Gus (left) in his forever home.

What does it cost to adopt a pet from the Aiken County Animal Shelter?
1) We keep our adoption fees very low to make it affordable. Our dogs and cats come to you spayed/neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. Dogs are only $35 to adopt, cats only $10.


What are you waiting for?
Come and adopt a wonderful pet from the Aiken County Animal Shelter now! It is the best decision you will make.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

2021, Adoption, Dogs, News, Service Dogs, Therapy dog certification, Therapy Dogs

Adopted dog Snowflake is now a certified therapy dog

Posted on by Bob Gordon
22
Oct

I am a Great Pyrenees. On July 14, 2020, I was adopted by Biz and Eddie Mann from the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS). At that time, I was way too skinny at 84 pounds and thought to be 3 years old. My fur was matted and short, but they thought I was lovely. They named me Snowflake and brought me home to a house occupied by a 12-year-old Golden Retriever, Annie and a 10-year-old Foxhound mix, Hodges. It is a wonderful home and I adapted well. I liked Annie a lot and just wanted to protect her. I tried to play with Hodges, but he wanted no part of playing! From the beginning, Biz and Eddie wanted to love and cuddle me, which is just what I needed, and I loved them back.

Biz & her super dog Snowflake.

I like folks. In fact, I’m so friendly, I want to talk with everyone we meet on our daily walks. That’s what gave Biz the idea that I might be able to help comfort people who could use a friendly canine hug.

You see, Annie and Biz were a therapy dog team for 9-1/2 years. Biz missed this activity. But once she got to know me, she knew I could be a great therapy dog. Thus, the training and work began. First, I ate lots of good food to put on more pounds and added coconut oil to enhance my fur coat. I got up to a healthy 102 pounds and my fur coat is soft and luxurious. Next, I attended school for six weeks of basic obedience training. Thank goodness I passed! (I can be a little stubborn.)

After the winter holidays, Biz contacted the tester/observer in our area to see when we could schedule the therapy dog test. We had to be together for six months before testing could occur. Finally, on February 26, we had the therapy dog test and we passed with flying colors! Next, we had to have three observations with the tester/observer in various places. Our first was at Tractor Supply Co. store, the second at Hitchcock Place Assisted Living and the third at Lowe’s. Again, we passed with accolades!

Now I have my Alliance of Therapy Dogs certification papers along with a red heart to wear on my collar. I’ve already visited two rehab facilities and two assisted living places. I love this job! Everyone wants to pet and love on me. Plus, I get to see lots of smiles.

Biz plans to take me to visit VA hospitals, children’s medical facilities, schools, nursing homes and anywhere else that allows therapy dogs. I can’t wait! I want to bring my doggie love to as many people as possible.


Snowflake, a dog adopted from the ACAS, is now a certified therapy dog.

The County Shelter is at full capacity and has many wonderful dogs who, like Snowflake, can bring much joy and happiness into people’s lives. They just need a second chance at a good life. Come to 333 Wire Road in Aiken and we’ll help you find the dog that brings lots of smiles to you and your family.

— By Biz Mann, FOTAS Volunteer

2021, Adoption, Bully Dogs, County Animal Control, Dogs, FOTAS, injured animals, News, surgeries

Shelter Dog Spirit Overcomes Adversity, Hopes for a Forever Home

Posted on by Bob Gordon
05
May

The 27-pound mixed breed female that hobbled out of the roadside woods to greet Patrick Miller, Animal Control Officer, was bringing a lesson to share.

Patrick suspected a hit and run with the number of cuts in her body and the skew of her bloodied jaw. Her ribs were defined under white and brown fur with the last good meal long forgotten. The left eye also seemed cloudy. It would take a vet to confirm and repair her broken hip, but Patrick knew she was in pain even without an aggressive reaction to his touch. She was one more of the many good dogs that tugged him back to work, day after day, patrolling Aiken County for the lost, abused, and injured. Each case saddened him but rewarded him as well with the chance to help and be part of a success story. And that’s what this is.

Spirit went through surgery to recover from her hit & run injuries.

Dr. Mike Wells, a veterinarian helping the Aiken County Animal Shelter and Dr. Lisa Levy, DVM for the shelter, surgically reset the broken hip and sutured the cuts. The empty sockets of teeth that had been knocked out would heal with the support of antibiotics. Dr. Levy says, “She is one of the most physically challenged dogs we have seen but her spirit has never wavered. The jaw muscles have atrophied and she can only open her mouth enough to eat canned food.”

Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Programs Coordinator, adds, “She is all love and never stopped fighting. We call her Spirit. Dogs like Spirit are the reason FOTAS is so committed to the shelter.”

When Kathy introduced me to Spirit, I knelt on one knee with my camera bag at my side. Spirit without hesitation sat on the bag of this stranger, and leaned into my leg, turning her head to look up at me, nuzzling into my hand. On the exhale of a deep breath, I murmured, “Good dog. What a sweetheart. An inspiration.”

Perhaps that is the lesson Spirit came to the shelter to share… to live for today with joy unburdened by pains and sorrows of yesterdays.

Dr. Levy estimates Spirit is 2 years old. Kathy says Spirit walks well on a leash, appears to be housetrained, but like most trauma dogs, needs personal care and time to adjust.

“Her tongue slips out occasionally through the missing teeth, but no harm, she’ll pull it back or give you kiss,” Kathy said. “Spirit will be as loyal as a pet can be to the lucky people who adopt her.”

If you want to take a short walk with Spirit or quiet get-acquainted time to consider her lesson, call now to schedule a visit: 803-979-2634. If you’re not ready to adopt, visit the County Shelter anyway to feel good, donate, and volunteer.

Their lives are in our hands.

Editor’s Note: Spirit was adopted by a wonderful Aiken family shortly after this column was published by the Aiken Standard.

— by Vince Verrecchio, FOTAS Volunteer

2021, adopter feedback, Adoption, Cats, Dogs, FOTAS, kittens, News

Four Furry ACAS Alumni Are Living the Good Life with One Family

Posted on by Bob Gordon
02
May

Over the last three years, Robin and Bobby Vaughn have adopted four homeless pets from the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS). This quartet of two kittens, Ripley and Charlee, and two dogs, Cody and Bella, are enjoying the good life on the Vaughn family farm with a stray cat, five horses and a rooster.

Cody is the first County shelter dog who joined the Vaughn family.

“While this probably sounds like a small zoo to most people, this is actually the smallest number of pets we have had in a long time,” Robin said. “The horses are all older, so they are pretty much just living the life, grazing and waiting for us to bring them breakfast and dinner. During the day, Bella and Cody share the front yard with two of the horses and Clyde, the rooster. Clyde free-ranges and Cody and Bella serve as his protection detail. Where they go, he goes.

“The kittens are indoors only,’ she added. “They have the run of the house and play all day. When they aren’t chasing one another, they are dragging toys from one room to another. For most of the day, it looks like a Toys ‘R’ Us exploded in our home and at the end of the day, we pick it all up just so they can have fun dragging it all back out again tomorrow. They get their exercise and so do we!”

Black and white shepherd mix Cody is the first ACAS pet the Vaughns adopted. They brought him home in early 2018 and he fit in well with their family. Two years later, they adopted kittens Charlee and Ripley; and three months ago, they made another trip to 333 Wire Road to take home Bella, a white and gray border collie mix.

All the animals get along well – but this harmony among dogs and cats from different backgrounds did not happen right away. As each animal was introduced to the group dynamic, the Vaughns used positive reinforcement, leash work and socialization techniques to help them adjust to their new surroundings.

“The best advice I can give is to be patient,” Robin said. “It takes time for these animals to acclimate to their new home and new family, so it is important to help them adjust. The ACAS adoption staff is there to help along with the shelter trainers. Use these resources, if needed, to ensure the best outcome for you and your new pet.”

Robin Vaughn with the furry family pets (l to r): Charlee, Ripley, Andy, Cody & Bella. The Vaughns just adopted their fifth ACAS pet, a black kitten named Pepper.

The Vaughns feel strongly about rescuing homeless pets and saving animal lives. They have always adopted their pets from local rescues and shelters—and will continue to do so in the future.

“I would encourage anyone who is looking to add a pet to their family to consider adoption from a shelter,” Robin said. “I think if they take the time to visit the ACAS facility, talk to the staff, and meet some of these amazing animals, they will find the pet they are looking for.”

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2021, adopter feedback, Adoption, Dogs, FOTAS, News

Never Say Never: An Adoption Success Story

Posted on by Bob Gordon
18
Mar

Never say never. That’s something I’ve learned over the years, and it’s something that came into full realization when Hitch entered my orbit.

“I saw the cutest little Chihuahua mix at the animal shelter today,” is how my fiancé’ Hallie started the conversation.
Chihuahua? Cute? Wait a second. That’s a little dog, isn’t it?

Years ago, my wacky aunt would often – and unexpectedly – show up at my family’s suburban home with a teacup dog emerging from her shoulder purse. While the dogs would change every few years, her effusive attention to the latest canine couture always remained front and center… as were the impromptu fashion shows she presented to my parents’ fixed smiles and internal eyerolls.

HITCH on the ACAS adoption floor.

So, as much as I wanted a dog, my parents felt that my aunt’s visits adequately satisfied their desire to have one. My opportunities to bond with a dog of my own would have to wait until years later.

When I met Hallie later in life, I knew she was nearly-exclusively connected to large animals, and my life with her was woven with horses and giant-breed Scottish Deerhounds. So, when she surprised me with this new addition to our family, the rush of ancient memories of my aunt returned.

I think Hallie knew that I needed a little guy. Then Hitch began to pour his own magic into our home.
Practically hairless from flea allergies, Hitch had wild tufts sprouting from his chin and eyebrows. But this little guy was also soulful and confident. A mix between a Chihuahua and Yoda with some Terrier in there, and a little bit of Mr. Miyagi from “The Karate Kid” as well. I could tell that life on the street had taken its toll. But it had also made him a very observant and patient little fellow. I doubted he had experienced many dress-up days with humans in the past.

As he checked out his new digs and weaved his way between the long-legged Deerhounds in the house, he often stopped in his tracks to try to make eye contact with me. I did not dare return his long gazes. Who does this little guy think he is, anyway? He may have won over Hallie with that stuff, but I was never going to be a little dog pushover.
Well, that didn’t last long. Before I knew it, he was finding his openings to jump in my lap and curl up with his eyes tightly closed before I could react. Clearly, he knew I was overdue for some little dog love. So, I surrendered the fight.

But I won the game.

HITCH at home with Hallie Glennie

Hitch has become the absolute heart of the family. His coat has grown full and shiny, and his disposition is one of enthusiasm and joie de vie. When the Deerhounds run in the Hitchcock Woods at breakneck speed, he sprints around them, like a referee at an NBA basketball game. He constantly checks on me, making sure that I know he’s there for that special little dog heart connection.

Remember when I said never say never? I have one exception to that rule. I never want Hitch to leave my side.

— by Rip Russell