THE FABLE OF HOPE Part I

By: Lee Forlaw-Hoff

Before we begin I would like to give you the meaning of the word hope according to Webster’s Dictionary. It is…n. a desire combined with expectation; v.t. to desire, with belief in possibility of obtaining; v.i. to feel hope.

Asking for your continued indulgence I would also like to give you Webster’s definition of the word fable. It is...n. a short tale or prolonged personification, often with animal characters, intended to convey a moral truth; a myth; legendary.

Once upon a time in the month of May, 2006 in the not so distant land of Lanoka Harbor, NJ a kindly lady known to many as the “keeper of the hounds”, golden ones that is and SHGRR Director, Lana Winter, received a telephone call from North Dover Animal Hospital in a near by town. The call was in regard to a three week old “female golden puppy” that was brought in to be “put down” as she was born with a deformed right front leg. You see, to this “back yard breeder” she was not a saleable piece of merchandise. She had no use or value. That meant this precious baby did not deserve to live in the “breeder’s” mind and wallet.

The veterinarian at this animal hospital did not agree and with a very humane heart refused to euthanize the puppy. He called SHGRR in the hopes this little one could be saved. Lana sprang into action. She contacted “the breeder” and finally after much ado was able to convince this “person” that this truly was a life of valve. Although not monetary as the “breeder” would have it but of great value in the eyes of the “Creator” and was worthy of life as well as love. Lana also persuaded the “breeder” to keep the puppy with her birth mother until she was old enough to be weaned and given to a foster family.

At seven weeks old Lana meet the “breeder’s” significant other on a Sunday morning in a public parking lot where the transfer of the puppy was made. The puppy was taken to Dr. Laura Taylor to be examined and wormed. She also checked in with the rescue’s foster coordinator Carol Morano for a howdy-do visit and a photo session. After her long day the little one was delivered to her foster home.

Foster parents, Lee Forlaw-Hoff and Chuck Hoff had their home ready for her arrival. Her foster brothers (Calvin, Riley, Avery) and sisters (Natasha, Aubrey, April) were advised that they were going to have another member temporarily added to the family. All the puppy’s foster siblings are rescues. One of the reasons for this family to be selected to foster her was that Riley, who is now 5 years old, a black lab mix had his right front leg and shoulder amputated when he was about four to six weeks old in Missouri from frost bite. You see at this point it was fairly well known to all concerned that this little one would need to have her right front leg and shoulder amputated in order for her to maneuver around and be insured a quality of life. Riley would make a great teacher. She would receive a lot of love; understanding and patience in this home that would be needed to prepare her for and help rehabilitate her after her surgery.

On the Tuesday after her arrival into the SHGRR program and foster home the puppy was taken to see Dr. Scavelli at Garden State Veterinary Specialists who examined and x-rayed her little body. The diagnosis was confirmed. Surgery is scheduled for August 1, 2006. It also became very obvious to the doctor and hospital staff that this was a very special little girl. Everyone wanted to hold and play with her.

While she waits for her surgery this little one is thriving. She is happy, full of life, gaining weight and growing. She has selected one year old Avery, a Sept 2005 Shore Hearts Rescue, as her very special playmate. Every day she is learning how being loved can make all things possible. She has been given a name which, for her, defines all that is wished for her now and for her future. Her name is “HOPE”.

Part II

7 Weeks

9 Weeks

11 Weeks