Posted November 15, 1999

There she is. Little Miss Hannah. She came to me in deplorable condition -- matted, filthy, full of infection and serious attitude. It was evident that she had been used as someone's breeding bitch, and by the looks of her, she had furnished her abuser multiple times. I shudder to think of the fates that befell her poor puppies. I wondered at first if she was pregnant, but I learned that her hanging full teats were evidence of a litter recently whelped. Naturally, I had her spayed. Then came the process of healing -- a slow process, indeed.

Hannah had an ear infection that went down to the bone. She had rib, back and leg injuries that caused her pain and fear. I would prefer not to think about what the monster(s) who had Hannah did to her, but evidence of abuse was all over her body and in her behavior. It's just sickening that people treat helpless animals like this.

Anyone who tried to touch Hannah from behind, unbeknownst to her, or pick her up, even to assist her getting into the car, took her life in her hands. Hannah would whirl around to snap. And she meant business. For awhile, I worried she would not be adoptable. Any other time, she was the picture of a sweet dog. If you took her into a vet's office and tried to touch and examine her, she became a snarling maniac. We became very adept at tackling and restraining when Hannah needed treatment. It was not fun.

I wish I had a dime for all the hours and days I worried about her. Luckily, a very special foster, with experience in training, agreed to take her into her care. She worked with Hannah, and she also helped her to heal, medicating her ears, massaging her broken body. In time, all the good gestures and positive reinforcement paid off. Hannah began to respond, slowly, but steadily. A kind family, former adopters of our Bainbridge, met her and really liked her. They brought Hannah to their home and continued to work with her, hoping and praying that she would fit into their lives. She did. They fell in love.

Today, Hannah hardly resembles the jumpy, suffering little lady I took into rescue. She is a happy, well-adjusted, beloved family companion. I could not be happier for everyone involved. Thanks to all who helped me give Hannah every chance at happiness -- from her devoted transporter to her wonderful foster mother to her now doting family. And cudos to Hannah for never giving up.