Hannah needs our help. We’ve said it before and, unfortunately, we’re saying it again. But we love her, and we’ll ask again and again, if we have to. Let’s hope we don’t have to after this time.
How We Got Here
This girl has had quite the experience over the past two and a half years. You can read her full story here, but in short? She ended up at a rescue several years ago with dozens of other dogs … all of whom were abandoned by the rescue owner and left for dead. Many of the dogs did not survive. She did and, whether it be from this experience or whatever situation brought her to that rescue, she was profoundly affected by her past.
It took us months to earn her trust and find her a fabulous foster home with Pam and Bonnie, who are Kennedy’s forever foster parents now. There, she started to come out of her shell and become a dog … and then got a little too protective of her humans with their female Belle, who has a world of personality unto her own. 😉
We put out a shout and found her another wonderful foster home with Belinda, where she has been staying, growing and flourishing the past year. They did 5Ks together, went to the beach, you name it! Mom made her feel like the center of the universe. Unfortunately, once again, she has gained some confidence and is now having some issues with one of the other dogs.
So, once again, we are seeking another foster home or–best of all–a forever home.
Where we Are Now
The Good Stuff
Hannah is still a little skittish, but, thanks to all of her foster moms, is very much a dog now, which, sadly enough, she wasn’t for so long after she first arrived at our rescue. She loves to go for walks, run in the yard, chase balls and chew squeaky toys and will now come up, greet people and take a treat. She’s even participated in 5Ks, went for boat rides, you name it! She loves being a dog and is now fine around all types of people — not just women, but men and children. She even seems OK with cats, but … you know … we’ll just leave it at that since she’s a Jack. 😉
She is housetrained, but is scared of doggie doors and will not use them, so she will need someone who can let her outside when she needs to go. She is also crate trained. Her crate has always been and still is her safe spot. She will bark to protect, if she feels threatened.
The Challenging Stuff
She has lived with several dogs in her foster homes and, for the most part, ignores them. As long as she has her space, she’s typically OK … but not always. She tends to zero in and become aggressive towards a single dog, who is typically the closest to mom at the time.
Belinda and Meredith Minkin of Canine PhD have not been able to ascertain excatly what triggers her. It does often appear to be possession/protection over her human, but it can also be totally unprovoked and can move between dogs.
What Needs to Happen Next
Hannah’s foster family will be out of town in September. We would like to find her a temporary foster home during this time, but idealistically, a permanent situation. Our volunteer/foster team would love to help, but most of us already have our hands full.
We are looking for someone very special who understands how very special Hannah is. We feel pretty good that, if she could possibly find a home with someone where she could be an only dog, she would do beautifully. She would make a great dog for this person as well. She may be a little shy at first, but she will warm up to people and, inevitably, gain trust and put all of hers in you. She will never be a snuggly lap dog, but she will be loyal, is smart and easygoing, and is up for anything — from hanging out at home to going out for adventures. Dog parks and visits from other dogs would be OK, as long as she knew she didn’t have to compete for your love. She has never shown any aggression towards dogs outside of her home.
Think You’re the One?
We know it’s a lot to ask, but we’ve asked before and we were pleasantably blessed to find amazing people to help us make it happen. We, of course, would love to see her get adopted and are happy to work with you, but we recommend fostering first and seeing how things work out.
And, of course, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you are interested but have questions.
