Helping Hand 4 Animals Inc.

When I was a puppy I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh. You called me your child and despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend. Whenever I was "bad," you'd shake your finger at me and ask "How could you?" - but then you'd relent and roll me over for a bellyrub.

My housetraining took a little longer than expected, because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together. I remember those nights of nuzzling you in bed, listening to your confidences and secret dreams, and I believed that life could not be any more perfect. We went for long walks and runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice cream (I only got the cone because "ice cream is bad for dogs," you said), and I took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the day.

Gradually, you began spending more time at work and on your career, and more time searching for a human mate. I waited for you patiently, comforted you through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chided you about bad decisions, and romped with glee at your homecomings, and when you fell in love.

She, now your wife, is not a "dog person" - still I welcomed her into our home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her. I was happy because you were happy. Then the human babies came along and I shared your excitement. I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother them, too. Only she and you worried that I might hurt them, and I spent most of my time banished to another room, or to a dog crate. Oh, how I wanted to love them, but I became a "prisoner of love."

As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to my fur and pulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everything about them, especially their touch - because your touch was now so infrequent - and I would have defended them with my life if need be.

I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams. Together we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway. There had been a time, when others asked you if you had a dog, that you produced a photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about me. These past few years, you just answered "yes" and changed the subject. I had gone from being your dog to "just a dog," and you resented every expenditure on my behalf.

Now you have a new career opportunity in another city and you and they will be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets. You've made the right decision for your "family," but there was a time when I was your only family.

I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter. It smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness. You filled out the paperwork and said "I know you will find a good home for her." They shrugged and gave you a pained look. They understand the realities facing a middle-aged dog or cat, even one with "papers."

You had to pry your son's fingers loose from my collar as he screamed "No, Daddy! Please don't let them take my dog!" And I worried for him and what lessons you had just taught him about friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibility, and about respect for all life. You gave me a goodbye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and politely refused to take my collar and leash with you. You had a deadline to meet and now I have one, too.

After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew about your upcoming move months ago and made no attempt to find me another good home. They shook their heads and asked "How could you?"

They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy schedules allow. They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite days ago. At first, whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front, hoping it was you - that you had changed your mind - that this was all a bad dream...or I hoped it would at least be someone who cared, anyone who might save me. When I realized I could not compete with the frolicking for attention of happy puppies, oblivious to their own fate, I retreated to a far corner and waited.

I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day and I padded along the aisle after her to a separate room. A blissfully quiet room. She placed me on the table, rubbed my ears and told me not to worry. My heart pounded in anticipation of what was to come, but there was also a sense of relief. The prisoner of love had run out of days. As is my nature, I was more concerned about her. The burden which she bears weighs heavily on her and I know that, the same way I knew your every mood.

She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her cheek. I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so many years ago. She expertly slid the hypodermic needle into my vein. As I felt the sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay down sleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured "How could you?"

Perhaps because she understood my dogspeak, she said "I'm so sorry." She hugged me and hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure I went to a better place, where I wouldn't be ignored or abused or abandoned, or have to fend for myself - a place of love and light so very different from this earthly place. With my last bit of energy, I tried to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my "How could you?" was not meant for her. It was you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of. I will think of you and wait for you forever.

Food for thought: STATISTICS PROVE, ONLY 1 IN EVERY 600 PIT BULLDOGS WILL FIND A HOME. You have the ability to change these stats by Spaying and Neutering and keeping your pet for the duration of its life.

*FAMOUS QUOTE*

"My kids are around pit bulls every day. In the '70s they blamed Dobermans, in the '80s they blamed German shepherds, in the '90s they blamed the Rottweiler. Now they blame the pit bull." Cesar Millan (The Dog Whisperer)

IF YOU THINK ONLY CRIMINALS AND "LOW LIFES" OWN PITBULLS....THINK AGAIN!

Famous Pitbull Owners

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"IN LOVING MEMORY ....."

Our Beloveds, Waiting at Rainbow Bridge with Four former Earthly Caretakers, now, by their side: Carla Rassmussen (Founder and President of No Pets Left Behind), Patty Taylor (NE Animal Rescue and GRRIN), sweet little Molly (Omaha NE), Diana Taylor (Imogene IA) and Becki Caldwell (Orlando FLA). Although we miss Carla, Molly, Patty, Diana and Becki dearly, we know that our beloved pets are living in the lite of thier love while they wait to reunite with us in God's time:

Our Most Beloved Fur Friends: Klaus- So dignified, and distinguished as a Doberman Ambassador for the breed, you are so very loved.....Big Blue- Pam's most loyal companion for many years will be missed by all. Dante, our silly rescue bully boy. We will only remember the years of happiness you brought to us.....Daisy, our sweet and loving kitty of 9 yrs. We didnt expect you to leave us so soon. We will Miss and Love You Forever, Debbie......JD ,who we rescued from the Harlan IA pound many years ago. You were always a good and happy boy and brought much joy to the hearts of all who knew you...... Cinnamon(Noah), another victim of the local vigilate against your breed. You are at peace now..... Jake, our beautiful Dutch Boy always gentle and full of grace, our hearts miss you, Carrie and Emma...... Puddy, you lived a long and happy life and we love and miss you, our kitty-Love Linda and Jeff..... Momma, my sweet old lady cat of many years. Your death was unexpected and tragic-but we will see you again, Rose and Dave. Smoker, We will miss you forever but know you are able to run free and with out pain for Eternity.....Angel, you sweet old chessie girl. Life wasnt easy the first 10 years but your last 2 with Maxine was Heaven on on Earth for You. We wished we could have had more time to watch you enjoy life and love as you deserved it so much . Now you are with the Greatest Love of All. We will Always Keep You in Our Hearts...Haylee- A TRUE ambassador to your Bully breed - An exceptional rescue of HHA from a few years back. You left this world too soon and you will be missed by so many - our sweet gentle girl...Bear - Old sweet dobie boy - who could never get a break in life- now you are forever in true doggie heaven with One Master who will always Love You.... CHAMP- my very first pitbull boy and the reason why I fell in love with the breed You are free from pain and discomfort now tho you never whined a moment in your life about anything. I'll love you forever-Rose ".... Dakota-our big bear of love - you went suddenly and your sweet gentle naure will be missed - Love,Carrie...Muffin- Altho most of your life was that of neglect - you never held it against any human - The short time we knew you ,we loved you and you loved us unconditionally. Our Sweet, Samson and Hooch, Please forgive us in failing you by placing you with irresponsible caregivers.- - It Wasn't Your Fault, ///Kiya-the love of our life, Phoebe- a Great Dane with a Big Heart, Coco - Our Rottie Rescue from Gretna, Sweet Little Puppy,Lucy; Mr Mully Kitty, Sweet Hope, Little Winston,Peanut, "Gramps",Whiskers, Sammie, Snickers, Baby Girl, Akira/Lil Gurl (Stolen by criminals),Kika-Kitty,Taz(beloved ferret)Frosty, Gizmo,Sadie-Cat,Peaches (beloved feline),Patches,Tuck,Casey,Belle,Rio, Reno, Maddie,Peaches(beloved canine), Autumn, Callie, Sam, Skye, Penny, Cookie, Holly, Missy, Cosmo, She-Ra, Kayla, TJ, Happie, Shelby, WIllie, Wesley,Angel-bird and so many others....

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SPECIAL THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING BUSINESSES AND ORGANIZATIONS. WITHOUT THE SUPPORT OF YOUR STAFF AND EMPLOYEES, WE WOULD NOT HAVE HELPED SO MANY:

Town and Country Humane Society / The Pedigree Foundation / Hearts United for Animals / Rayethon / Q98.5/ Tyson Foods / American Animal Hospital / Benson Animal Clinic / Kar Sims Kennels / Petco Foundation / Petsmart / Omaha World Herald / The Bellevue Leader / Younkers / Ralston-Purina of Crete NE/ Current Catalogs / Cafepress.com and to so many other caring individuals who are also there for us when the need arises!

"A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal." - Proverbs 12:10a *******************************************************************************

The young pup and the older dog lay on shaded sweet grass watching the reunions. Sometimes a man, sometimes a woman, sometimes a whole family would approach the Rainbow Bridge, be greeted by their loving pets and cross the bridge together. The young pup playfully nipped at the older one. "Look! Something wonderful is happening!" The older dog stood up and barked, "Quickly. Get over to the path." "But that's not my owner," whined the pup, but he did as he was told. Thousands of pets surged forward as a figure in white walked on the path toward the bridge. After the glowing figure passed each animal, that animal bowed it's head in love and respect. The figure finally approached the bridge, and was met by a menagerie of joyous animals. Together, they all walked over the bridge and disappeared. The young pup was still in awe. "Was that an angel?" he whispered. "No, son." The older dog replied. "That was more than an angel. That was a person who worked rescue." ~ Author Unknown ~

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ADOPTING YOUR FOREVER FRIEND!

Please understand that most of our animals are rescued from unstable, neglectful, or sometimes abusive environments. HHA has dedicated our blood,sweat, tears and finances to assure them their next home will be safe, loving and permanent. If you are serious about loving our rescues, we will give our 110% to make sure it WILL work for you and your new companion. As most rescue groups, we are not located at one address. We are a network of loving and caring volunteers. Standard (Non Urgent)
Adoption fees are as follows, please note that after April 1 adoption fees will need to be adjusted due to excessive costs of transports, vet care and supplies and the lack of donations and grants. Thank you:

HOW YOU CAN HELP!

Donations of pet items, food, cleaning supplies or funds are always needed and appreciated.** If you wish to sponsor a pet, please contact us by phone or email. We would be more than happy to help you help them!

CURRENT CATALOG FUN-Raisers!!

The More You Buy, the More You Save (Rescue Pets :)

http://currentfun.com/

Funds go to HHA (under "IA" for Location)

http://www.cafepress.com/HH4A

http://www.cafepress.com/HH4AMurphy

http://www.cafepress.com/HH4ABlackCat

http://www.cafepress.com/HH4A2BlackCats

http://www.cafepress.com/HH4ALogo

Visit Sheila's Place at the Link Below!

http://hometown.aol.com/sheilaschnauzies/Release.html ***************************************************************************** "......Every long lost dream led me to where you are... Others who broke my heart, they were like northern stars... Pointing me on my way into your loving arms.... This much I know is true..That God blessed the broken road that led me straight to you"

Lyrics by Rascal Flats

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Click here for a list of pets at this shelter

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