The Story of Hope

The Story of Hope is about a black Cocker Spaniel that was discovered wandering the streets of Potsdam during a bitterly cold period in February. She was rescued by Kristy Thompson and her daughters and brought to the Potsdam Humane Society's animal shelter. Hope tells her story through letters she "wrote" to those who cared about her.

Dear Kristy Thompson and others who care,

Thank you for taking the time to rescue me and then to write to the newspaper about me. I didn't know where I was headed that, Friday the 13th night when you and your daughters picked me up. You saw that my fur was frozen and the pads on my feet were cut and sore. That is why I looked and walked like a porcupine!

I want you to know that Dave LaShomb took me to the Potsdam Humane Society's animal shelter and put me in a kennel with a nice blanket on a heated floor. When the staff came in the next morning, I was evaluated and taken to the Canton Animal Clinic for evaluation. The doctor diagnosed a urinary tract infection, a severe ear problem, eyes that will need medicating for the rest of my life, and inability to climb stairs. But since my condition could be treated, I was taken back to the animal shelter. There, I am receiving my meds, good food, and love. Everyday, I am feeling better and better.

My previous owner did not come looking for me, and I can't say that I am disappointed. Elderly dogs like me with chronic health problems are not likely to find a new home. But I just know that the future for me is going to be bright because these people really care and will help me get back to the best health I can be at my advanced age. I am even going to go to the dog groomer to get my beautiful black fur coat shampooed. I will feel great without these dog-gone gobs of matted hair that pull at my skin.

So take heart, my good-Samaritan friend. I am going to be fine. I will be forever grateful to you, and feel much better knowing that there are animal lovers like you in this wonderful North Country who will take time out of a busy schedule to rescue stray pets like me, and that there is a nice animal shelter in which I can recover. Eventually, they will find me a new loving forever-home.

Love and slobbery kisses,



Hope, the Cocker Spaniel

Hello again, everyone!

Good news! I did not have to wait long for a home. Thanks to the publicity your newspaper gave to my story, lots of people have followed my story with concern. Having heard about me, a really nice lady named Jane came in and visited me in my kennel at the shelter. With tears in her eyes, she told me that she loved me, and would never let anyone mistreat me again. She planned to take me home with her, and that was that.

I was so excited! Kathy, from the PHS, took me to Bows and Bandanas grooming salon where Chris Russell and Chris Taylor worked their loving magic on me. It felt so good to get my fur coat clipped and bathed. (By the way, "Bows and Bandanas" often groom shelter animals in need--free of charge.)

That same day I also got a visit from Kristy, the nice lady that trudged through the snow to rescue me. She and her young daughters cried when they saw how good I look now. They even left a donation to help with my pending adoption.

Just two weeks after my rescue, Jane (Webster) Francher adopted me under the "Seniors for Seniors" program, which pairs up senior animals with older adults. I am now watching TV with her, while resting on the couch. I love it here where it is safe and warm. This is where I belong, basking in all the love Jane and her extended family gives me. Not all animals that are mistreated are as lucky as I am, but as for me....I am home.

Thank you all for caring!



Hope