Dear HART,
It's hard to believe that nearly a year has gone by since Samantha first graced us with her presence. What a year! She had some big adjustments to make: to a city, to a harness and leash, to regular travel.... to us! She's taken on each challenge with gusto and let us know what she likes (cars - all cars, all the time) and what she doesn't (motorcycles and bicycles!). She stole our hearts early on: the first morning she rolled over on the bed for belly rubs. Yes that's right, she's slept happily on the bed from Day 1, sometimes getting up for a perimeter check (she is a schnauzer), but somehow I always wake up to her nose only a few inches from mine. She loves affection, loves to be in the centre of our little pack, and especially likes to keep us apprised of all the world's movements.
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| On the hunt for a squirrel |
Even though a lot of vet trips weren't exactly what we'd planned on, Samantha had an injury this year: a hip strain from squirrel chasing (she has a fabulous park to hunt in: she's caught 2 already! But don't worry - they always get away). We found out that an amazing rehab vet works in our region - Dr. Jan Huntingford - and Samantha got the gold star treatment: acupuncture, chiropractic, laser therapy and even one session of underwater treadmill. She was decidedly not impressed with the treadmill. We had to keep her on a short leash for the winter, but she's healed up and ready for summer. This girl LOVES to run. I don't think there's anything better than seeing her at full speed careening up and over hills. When she runs toward us, you can see her smile from 100 yards away!
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| Samantha loves her bones! |
She is getting pretty good at meeting people who come to our home, though she doesn't always like to be touched by strangers (who does?). We've gotten used to having training treats in all our pockets now - they're a godsend on walks when she's overstimulated. She's learned how to 'sit' and go 'down' and come when called (not bad for a 6 year old!), but her schnauzer willfulness is undeniable: loose leash walking is now and will forever be beyond our reach. Still, this little girl has had to adjust to a whole new world, two cities for us commuters, and sounds and smells I'm sure she'd never dreamed of. I've learned a few things about resilience and patience from her; she's quite an extraordinary critter.
Thanks so much for all the work you do at HART. Sometimes I can't imagine how you deal with all the heartbreak, but seeing happy pups in forever homes must help.
Karen
