Hi Gang,
This is Hojo (Howie), the guy you sent to Philadelphia. I saw the newsletter that you put on the website. I thought you might like to know what happened to me after Philadelphia.
We did go camping in the Adirondack Mountains of New York State. The whole family (aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, cousins, etc.) were there. I had a great time with them. There were also two dogs, (Woody and Cosby), who I followed all over the woods. I think they tried to lose me. We would get out in the woods and they would leave me when I was not looking.
I found their biscuits one day and they tasted good. I didn't let anyone see me but I was hiding these goodies all over the campsite. I just wanted to have a backup supply in case they did not feed me.
The last day as they were packing up the tents and boats they found my treasures. I had hidden them in the woodpile and down by the lakeshore. I was sure they would be mad but they all had a good laugh.
The only bad part was the lake. The other dogs would run down into the water, but not me. I stopped at the water's edge. I wasn't about to get my feet wet.
Well after that we went camping every summer. This apparently was a yearly reunion as they came from all over, (New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Arkansas, Massachusetts, Arizona, etc..), a great gang.
We also went to Cape Cod each summer with the daughter (Nancy) of "The Boss" and her family. I get all excited and jump up and down when I see Nancy. She decided that I should learn to dance. She has taught me lots of tricks. Her daughter (Becca) just can't leave me alone. She thinks I am the greatest thing and I love her.
At home (Williamsport, PA) things were great. The guy they call "The Old Goat", (The Boss), always made sure I got a taste of what was on the table. He always sticks up for me when I am in trouble.
He saw me run down back toward the neighbor's wife. He must have thought I was going to attack her as he came running after me. He apologized to her and she laughed. She said I came down every morning and enjoyed eating breakfast with her and her husband.
Sometimes we go out in the car and I ride in the lap of the driver. Tim (the driver) is the #1 man in my life and the son of "The Old Goat". He takes me to a place where he is building a log cabin. This is a great place where I romp through the woods chasing deer and rabbits. This is great fun.
The other son (David) feeds me biscuits at lunch time. At the other meals he has some real treats for me. He also keeps kissing me. I don't always understand what he is saying but I know he loves me. He keeps calling me "His Buddy".
There is an uncle in Texas who sent me some biscuits that are great. He also sends me sleeping mats and a doggy sleeping bag for camping.
By the way, I finally found a trick to get my guys going. When we go to bed and all is quiet I jump up and drop on them. This is fun. I also get between David and "The Old Goat" and push them out when they are asleep.
This is a great home you sent me to. They attempt to keep me healthy-taking me to a special Angel Memorial Hospital in Boston. The only trouble is I developed an infection in my anal glands and was then diagnosed with diabetes.
I am sorry to say I went to be with my Maker this past summer much to the sorrow of my family. I was only three years old. Please find a replacement for my gang. This broke their hearts.
I write this note for Hojo to let you know how much we loved him. I'm attaching a picture of Tim, David, and Hojo. If you could find another dog with the tan and white markings, I would be most appreciative. He touched the hearts of many people, especially us.
Thank you from us all (Tim, David, Art)
Howie goes to Philadelphia
I received an e-mail from a vet student in Philadelphia who had adopted a local Grenada pothound while studying here at SGU. Some friends had fallen head over heals in love with their little pothound. Apparently the pothound was quite taken by a young family member of who was disabled. They wanted to know if we had any more for adoption! Ya, like a million!!
I referred them to our website to look at the adoption page. Almost within minutes of doing this, a nice couple from Ft. Jeudy came into the GSPCA with a tiny brown and tan puppy they had found in their garden. Their big dogs had been barking all night at a bush and when they investigated they found this little puppy. The little guy was terrified, trembling and skinny but otherwise seemed okay.
I don't know why but we all decided to name him Howie and for some reason it just fit! I e-mailed a picture of Howie and it was love at first sight!! "We want Howie", they replied, "He is exactly what we had hoped for!"
Okay now to get Howie to Philadelphia! It just so happened that Mary Ann Mulvey's (GSPCA Vice-President) sister Jean, daughter and granddaughter were returning on US Air to California but had a stop in Philadelphia. I asked them if they would carry little Howie along on the plane and they said they would be delighted!
So a carry on bag with ventilation was found. US Air was called and a ticket bought for Howie. A health certificate was produced, inoculations, deworming, baths, deoderant and Howie was ready to go!
The family in Philadelphia was informed when to meet the flight. They said they would be passing the airport just at that time on the way to a Fourth of July camping weekend with their friends and family. Okay now this is just too easy I am beginning to think...something has to go wrong!!
But nothing did! Howie was the star of the flight, with hugs, kisses and treats from flight attendants. He was brave and well behaved on the plane, kisses from stewardess's probably helped. His new family greeted him when he came off the flight and off he went!!
Howie went from being lost, hungry and terrified to a camping vacation in the US for the 4th of July holiday weekend in just a few days! But most important Howie found a home where he was wanted and someone to love him and care for him. I am quite sure Howie will reciprocate. Lucky Howie!!!
Wish all adoptions were that easy!!!
