A Tribute to Dakota

We so often feel the need to resort to faith when we're confronted with misfortune, heartbreak, calamity, or catastrophe, that cannot be justified or explained away in any logical plane. Losing a loved one far too soon comes to mind. One such occurrence hit the Hunsicker clan this week with horrific impact. A most unfortunate mishap – I would even go so far as to label it a disaster – that left us all with such sorrow. You cry, then you remember, then you cry some more until you try to make sense of it all. We are all left wondering how such a loving, giving little soul could be forced to endure the pain of a debilitating illness. And, despite the best medical care available, a little dog that brought so much joy to so many would eventually succumb to the disease. Not for lack of fighting either. From all first hand accounts, the little Yorkie – our Dakota - was a real trooper, a true fighter. She had much to live for. After all, too many relied on her for her to leave. In the short period that our Dakota was under hospital supervision, she quickly won the hearts of the doctors and staff.

We were all praying and pulling for her recovery. But it wasn't meant to be. And we all are left to deal with the pain and bewilderment in our own way. Personally, I pulled the faith card. All things happen for a reason. And, I know enough from experience to stop there. If you take it to the next level – attempting to figure out the "why" - you'll simply end up in a very bad state – anger, the feeling of betrayal, and eventually loss of faith. Best not to go there. Because as sure as the day is long, there's another heartbreak not too far down the road. And its faith that will get us all through that one. And the next one, and so on.

This post is a tribute to the too short, but incredibly full life that Dakota lived. I only hope my mother and sister can "pull the faith card", as I have, to get through this. Because through faith we know this happened for a reason, and some day – when all are united again, we will have the answer to all the "whys". We love you Dakota, we will miss you Dakota, and we will see you again. We know this because we have faith.

An email from Dakota's Doctor at the Florida Veterinary Referral Center to my sister Susan, who - along with Dakota's sister Phoebe - was under the constant care and supervision of Dakota from sun up to sun down.

From: Courtney North [mailto:courtnorthvmd@gmail.com]

Sent: Tuesday, November 10, 2009 11:06 AM

To: susan@susangallo.com

Subject: Dakota

Hi Ms. Gallo - yesterday I took a look at Dakota's blog and I just wanted to drop you a note because the site is so sweet and the pictures of Dakota are wonderful. She and Phoebe were adorable together and I also love the photo of Dakota looking perky. I know what a tremendous loss this is for all of you - Dakota was such a sweet girl and was quickly beloved by everyone at FVRC. She is in everyone's thoughts.

Sincerely,
Courtney North

My sister's reply to Dr. North:

From: Susan Gallo [mailto:Susan@SusanGallo.com]

Sent: Tuesday, November 10, 2009 6:14 PM

To: 'Courtney North'

Subject: RE: Dakota

Thank you, Dr. North. I am still reeling and can't quite come to grips with our loss. I so believed she would be coming back home, I was devastated Sunday when I saw her. I still can't understand and wish so much I had spent the last 2-1/2 hours with her instead of sitting in the reception area. When I finally got to see her and those loving eyes saw me, she just gave up. She had waited for me to say goodbye. I have so much guilt and regrets over the last two weeks....I cannot see straight.

My issues aside, my brother is going to do a tribute on his blog. I will send you the link when it is finished. I want to thank you and your staff for caring so much and trying so hard to save her—believe me, she was worth the trouble. I just wish we could have kept her here—pain free—for many more years. I need her love. She loved so hard and cared so much it was unbelievable. She actually cared if you were upset, hurt or if she did something naughty—which she so seldom did....and she would pout if you had to scold her....

Again, thank you. I just wish I was thanking you for saving her....God Bless You.

Warmly,
Susan

How Cammi rescued ME!

Heartbroken, after putting Gus, my first dog, a Blue Heeler to sleep in July, 2007, a friend reached out to me by sending daily emails with Petfinder listings of dogs up for adoption. "I'll never get another dog," I swore...Until I saw Cammi's beautiful scrappy photo on my computer. She was a petite Red Heeler- at CA Underdog Rescue all the way down in Fresno, over 250 miles away! "Too far," I thought, but as the days wore on, I could not stop thinking about her.

A 3-hour drive and a few days later, I loaded up Cammi into my car with her new collar and leash, full of anticipation.

Cammi had been found at the side of the road in a ditch, pregnant, sick with a respiratory infection and covered in ticks. She was taken in by the resuce, treated and prepared to deliver her puppies. Unfortunately, her pups were born with the same respiratory infection she had and they did not make it. Consequently, I learned that she too had a broken heart when we met. Our bond was immediate and it was like she already knew me.

The 2 of us drove down Interstate 5 together; both knowing the healing process had begun; my heart full of joy.

Two years later, Cammi convinced me to adopt again; fastforward to Sammi, another Red Heeler rescue, and the rewards have been never ending!

Kelly Sullivan
Windsor, CA

"Trying to find my soldier momma!"

I rescued a dog I named Maggie from a shelter at Ft Stewart GA in Feb 2007. She had been beaten, abused, and starved before I got her. I have rescued 2 black lab retreiver mixes before her, and I love them. I got her home and we bonded immediatly. She got along great with my other dog (a rescue from a shelter in TX) and my cat.

I got married in Sept 2007 and deployed to Iraq in Oct 2007. Once I deployed to Iraq in support of OIF V Maggie took it VERY hard. She is a momma's girl and went everywhere I went. She wouldnt eat, play, or be herself without me. At the beginning on Dec 2007 she ran away, appearently trying to find me. She was gone for 4 months. I came home on leave in Feb 2008 and spent my 2 weeks home looking for her. I went house to house and back to the shelter numerous times.

I finally had to go back to Iraq, and in April my husband received a call from the shelter saying that they thought they had Maggie. I happened to be talking to him online when he got the call. He went down there and sure enough she was there. He brought her home, and told me online that she was home safe and sound. I called him immediatly and talked to her on the phone. He told me that she was wagging her tail and I could hear her whining when she heard my voice. Since I have been home from Iraq she will barely leave my side.

Brandie Sims

Nacogdoches, TX

Prayers for Dakota

A brave little pup is in need of your prayers for recovery from a number of ailments that really shouldn't have to borne by such a kind little loving soul such as Dakota. She is in a great deal of pain due to complications from diabetes which she was diagnosed with about three months ago. She has since had recurring bouts of pancreatis. And, in the last ten days she has developed a severe (acute) case of pancreatitis.

But I am told by her family (my mom and sister) that she is such an incredible fighter. And the veterinarians and staff of the Florida Veterinary Referral Center that Dakota has been calling home for much too long agree. They have all fallen for the little Yorkie. She is also missed at home greatly by her sister Phoebe (top photo). Any and all prayers for Dakota's complete recovery will be greatly appreciated.Florida

Dakota is under the care of Dr. Courtney North, DVMInternal Medicine in Estero, Florida.

Stella the Minature Pinscher

As a MinPin lover for more than 20 years, I was so tempted when my friend, Sarah, was fostering an adorable one. I talked to my husband and the kids and we agreed that we had room in our hearts and our home for a second dog.

Sarah's dog wasn't right for us, but we started looking on the IMPS website and fell in love with Stella the moment we saw her picture and read her story. After talking to her foster mom, we couldn't wait to meet her. We brought her home that day and our home has been happier ever since. We had never had two dogs at once and didn't know what to expect. What we got was twice the four-legged love and twice the joy. Even the aloof Zeus became attached to her quickly. Not a day goes by when she doesn't make me laugh out loud with her silliness. It is amazing that a dog who was mistreated for so many years can be so loving and trusting.

Thank you to all who foster dogs while they await their forever home. We are so thankful to have Stella in ours.

Stella is on the right in the picture.

Terry Hanly

Anaheim Hills, CA

Meet Archie - the ASCPA Dog of the Year

ASPCA Dog of the Year

A true four-legged hero, Archie is an eight-year-old black Labrador retriever, who serves as an assistance dog and social lifeline for Sergeant Clay Rankin. Sgt. Rankin suffered spinal injuries while serving in Iraq, and Archie is his primary caregiver and social safety net. Archie's loyalty and perseverance in helping Sgt. Rankin accomplish his daily tasks has allowed the veteran to regain his confidence and independence, move forward with his life and continue serving the country he loves.

On October 29, during the ASPCA annual Humane Awards Luncheon at the Pierre Hotel in New York City, we honored a heroic guide dog, a piano-playing Tabby and eight extraordinary people who’ve made a big impact on the lives of animals. In the hotel’s newly restored ballroom, winners and guests gathered to celebrate the contributions of those who devote their lives to animal welfare and, according to ASPCA President & CEO Ed Sayres, to honor “those who have demonstrated extraordinary compassion, bravery and commitment to furthering the human-animal bond.”

Indeed, the recipient of the 2009 Dog of the Year award could be the “poster pooch” for the human-animal bond. A true four-legged hero, Archie is an eight-year-old black Labrador Retriever who serves as an assistance dog and social lifeline for another kind of hero, Sergeant Clay Rankin. Sgt. Rankin suffered spinal injuries—as well as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder—from serving in Iraq, and Archie is his primary caregiver and social safety net. Archie's loyalty and perseverance in helping Sgt. Rankin accomplish his daily tasks has allowed the veteran to regain his confidence and independence, move forward with his life and continue serving the country he loves.

Before and after the awards ceremony, Archie comforted and guided Sgt. Rankin, who graciously accepted the award with Archie by his side. Archie deftly navigated the ballroom’s maze of tables, enjoying the excitement surrounding his human companion. This get-along pooch even posed for photographs with the other award winners. These included four brave men from Missouri who worked on the frontlines of the largest dog fighting raid in U.S. history; Alayne Marker, who along with her husband, Steve Smith, runs the Rolling Dog Ranch for disabled animals in Ovando, MT; the animal-friendly Hingham (MA) Fire Department; and a truly remarkable young girl, Monica Plumb of Powhatan County, VA, who raised funds to purchase pet oxygen masks for fire departments across the country.

Courtesy of ASPCA

Truly a heartwarming story with a happy ending!

Dog Builds ‘Nest’ From Injured Family’s Possessions

When Kathy, an animal shelter worker in Tennessee, spotted an emaciated Rottweiler along the side of a highway, she figured the dog was a stray or had been cruelly abandoned there.

But Kathy soon realized that there was something different about “Ella.” Ella was friendly and eager for attention -- behavior that is unusual for either a stray or an abused animal. She had clearly been loved by someone.

There were more clues in the wooded area just off the highway. Kathy discovered a “nest” where Ella had been sleeping (upper left). It was strewn with someone’s personal items, including a toothbrush, razor, comb and candle.

Then Kathy remembered something crucial. A few weeks earlier, a terrible car wreck had taken place on the highway…very close to where Ella had made her makeshift home.

Could Ella have been in the car? Was it possible that she had survived the crash and gathered the items thrown from her family’s car? Was she now loyally waiting for someone’s return?

Help Pets Separated From Suffering Families

Kathy’s hunch soon proved true. She contacted the state’s highway patrol authorities and learned that a single car had flipped over and landed on the side of the road near Ella’s “nest.” A family of five had been in the car. Some members had been hospitalized, but they all survived.

Rescuers had never seen Ella, who had likely been thrown from the car. The dog foraged on her own for a few weeks, drinking from a drainage ditch and patiently waiting for beloved family members who thought their special pet was dead!

American Humane stepped in when we learned that the family’s medical bills had caused tremendous financial strain. Unfortunately, the family had moved to a home that did not allow pets. We provided a critical grant to Kathy’s animal shelter to help fund Ella’s care.

Though unable to bring Ella back into their home at this time, the family was thrilled to see her and hopes to be reunited for good in the future. Meanwhile, Ella is living safely and comfortably in a loving foster home.

During this month of giving thanks, please consider a donation to help fund American Humane’s Foreclosure Pets Grants. A single act of generosity -- no matter how small -- will make a tremendous difference for pets like Ella, whose families are undergoing extreme financial hardship.

Donate today!

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Thanks to Susan Gallo for forwarding this to me.