Hannah's 8th Adoption Birthday

I don't know Hannah's actual birthday, all I know is that the shelter recorded her as 3 years old and owner surrendered.  That was in August of 2008.  I have no idea why they surrendered her, except that it was right in the middle of a bunch of home foreclosures and bad economic times.  Plenty of people had to surrender beloved pets because they had to move.  Sometimes it's a family related issue...who knows.  I'd like to think she was well loved before, but I also can't imagine that whoever had her couldn't have found a rescue organization so she wouldn't be placed in a kill shelter.  Her time was about to come to an end when they shelter contacted a woman who they knew loved animals and said that she was too sweet a dog to have to put down.

At this point, I will be ever indebted to this lady for adopting fostering her.  Still, when I consider Hannah's journey, it was rough.  She was in six different locations between August 2008 and January 2009.  I don't know if Hannah was as averse to change as she is now, but for this dog that gets anxious if we simply move furniture or take down holiday decorations, you know this had to have been a very difficult and stressful time for Hannah.

January 8th is the day we celebrate Hannah's adoption.  Hannah (the real Hannah, not the fictional character based on her) does love people, but she also loves her space.  She is a little wary of people she doesn't know either, and very wary of dogs she doesn't know, so we don't have any big kind of celebration for her, but I do like to mark the day by taking some pictures of her.  Below are some of the best from her photo shoot on her adoptiversary.  She was so good about the headband.  She has never minded wearing clothing, but anything on her head was not appreciated.  I think she's finally gotten over that.  No problems for her this year!

And one little plug before I go...I love the Adopt, Don't Shop motto.  I understand that there are many considerations for each person/family and for sure rescuing a dog, especially a full-grown dog with the behaviors and experiences they bring with them, is not the best choice for everyone.  But, I think of all the dogs killed (1.2 million/yr!  according to ASPCA) and my heart breaks.  Both of our dogs have been rescues and we absolutely love them!