The Inspiration in Writing Hogan's Hope

[God is the only one who can make] the valley of trouble a door of hope.

Hosea 2:15

Writing the story of Hogan's life was more than accounting for the events of my special pup who brought so much into our life as a family. The writing was a journey - a journey through the daily events, the learning, and the discoveries of living with a beautiful, God-created being who, because of human breeding, was born deaf. I am not a writer by trade but a person who loves all creations and wants the world to know how amazing our deaf dogs truly are.

When Hogan came into my life, he was adopted as a brother to our very energetic and playful, black Labrador named India. And, for all of us, it was truly "love at first sight." Bringing Hogan home was nothing less than a magnificent blessing, and he gifted us with a greater understanding of what deaf dogs encounter in the human world - misunderstanding, rejection, and often destruction.

I continue to find it impossible to believe that there is any good reason for deaf dogs, any dog, to be destroyed, mistreated, or abandoned because of predetermined prejudice and misconception. Hence, one of my reasons to write the book, Hogan's Hope.  It tells the story of a deaf puppy who was rescued from neglect, adopted into a forever home, and went on to learn, grow, and demonstrate how extremely successful a "handicapped" dog can be in living a perfectly "normal" life.

Hogan provided the message of hope for a life filled with love and acceptance for many deaf dogs worldwide.  By telling his tale of valor, I believe that his courage to overcome challenges and human prejudice can continue to offer inspiration to anyone, human or pet, that accomplishment, success, and genuine love are truly possible.   Hence, my main reason for needing to write Hogan's Hope. Through his lifetime of determination, Hogan offers all of us the promise that we are capable of achieving any goal that we set for ourselves, no matter what our particular "obstacle." By holding onto hope, we receive the gift of inspiration and the greater belief that we, each and every one of us, are worthy of being loved and accepted. 

Anything is possible if we continue to hope.  Hogan never gave up his hope, and his dreams came true.  More than anything, I want his book, Hogan's Hope, to offer the insight into the world of true faith, unconditional love, and endless hope.

"Once you choose HOPE, anything is possible."

Christopher Reeve

One Dog's Purpose

This is a remarkable story that I am compelled to share. The writer requested everyone to share with friends and so I do.  Source: Pawpulous

"Gumby is a dog of action that could not be contained. As a hound, he had the tendency to wander. And over the years he became quite the escape artist. According to BarkPost, Gumby was about 3 or 4-year-olds when he was found wandering the streets of South Carolina and taken in by the Charleston Animal Society.

He was handsome, healthy, and exceptionally friendly, so the staff at the Charleston Animal Society didn’t think twice about whether or not he’d be adopted.

And he was. They just miscalculated how long he would be adopted for. His first adoption lasted an entire three days. His second adoption only lasted six days.

Gumby spent the next two years being adopted and returned back to the shelter. He was taken back by to the shelter his adoptive parents eight times and was picked up off of the street three times.

His adoptive families just didn’t know what to do with him because he would constantly escape.

Finally one of the staff members at Charleston Animal Society figured out why Gumby would always return to the shelter.

“He knows he has work to do,” Behavior Team Leader Donya Satriale said.

It was discovered that Gumby had a special skill. The Charleston Animal Society’s staff discovered that Gumby is an empath and has the ability to comfort incoming dogs who are experiencing fear and anxiety.

So instead of continuing to try and place Gumby in a new home, he now works with Satriale on her team and lives in the shelter. He serves as the “Ambassa-Dog” and helps with behavioral demonstrations and helping new dogs adjust.

Thankfully, the Charleston Animal Society is a no-kill shelter. If they hadn’t been, Gumby may have faced a different fate.

Gumby also has a second job at the Charleston Animal Society. He helps to heal sick kittens with eye infections. Gumby donates blood every two weeks which is used to help the cats get over their infections.

“Gumby gives back! Remember Gumby the white hound who returned to the shelter 11 times and now is our playgroup King?” the Charleston Animal Society wrote on their Facebook page. “Well, he is now a blood donor for kittens with eye infections! We draw his blood every two weeks extract the white blood cells from his blood and administer to the kittens’ eyes! (Healing eye drops) The serum from his blood has healing properties! Opie will heal faster.”

You can help the Charleston Animal Society help dogs like Gumby by checking out their website and making a donation here."

"Please SHARE this with your friends and family."

Source: Pawpulous

We all have a wonderful purpose and Grumpy shows us that every one of God's creations is special, unique, worthy, and acceptable.