I first saw Hope on the street close the school where I work. I stopped and left her some food. She was very wary and wouldn't let me near her. The next day I saw another person feeding her. I thought she was the owner; but Isabel turned out to be another dog lover who feeds strays. It was the beginning of a wonderful friendship.
Hope had been hit by a car and was only using three legs. She was still very mobile, though, and wandered farther and farther each day. Isabel and I began to work as a team to find her and feed her. After about four weeks, I decided it was time to bring her home so she would be safe -- and I wouldn't have to spend so much time before and after work looking for her! She stayed in the same spot all day long -- the only day that ever happened - and calmly jumped in my car. I think she was ready to come home. A visit to the vet confirmed a shattered thigh bone, heartworms and the need for shots and spaying. With a $1200 vet bill looming, I turned to my wonderful, patient husband (this is dog #4 for us) who simply said "peanut better and jelly for us is fine! Let's get Hope well!".
Oneyear later, she is heartworm negative, runs faster than any other of our dogs without any trace of a limp and is the sweetest, happiest dog I have ever owned. We named her "Hope" because I would say "I hope I can find that dog today" or "I hope that dog found somewhere safe to sleep tonight". Now we just call her Hopeless!
Harlingen, TX
