BIG NEWS!

Haley got adopted last night!!! WOOHOOO HALEY!!! This has been in the works for a couple of weeks now but we didn't want to say anything until it was official.

A wonderful couple from Arlington, Eva and Joseph, took Haley into their home last night. They fell in love with her cute face about a month ago at an adoption event. They have two other senior dogs so Haley will now have some canine friends too.

As my close friends know I was quite the basket case leading up to Tuesday night as I have grown so attached to Haley in the past two months. I was even running on the treadmill yesterday afternoon and tears started coming down my face. I knew it would be hard to let her go, but not this hard. I was prepared with tissues in my pocket last night when I went to drop her off. The surprising thing was, there were no tears!

Haley's new brother and sister welcomed her into the group so quickly and before I knew it Haley was strolling around their back yard, wagging her tail and looking so happy to be part of "the pack". She truly looked happy and for that, no tears were to be found running down my face.

I took some pictures of her new brother and sister getting treats from their Mom, one of her new back yard (this picture doesn't do it justice...it is gigantic!!!) and of Haley following her new master.

I'm so thrilled for Haley that she has found her forever home. She is in such great hands and I can't wait to see her progress!

Thanks for all of the thoughts and kind words you have all expressed to me and Haley over the past two months. We couldn't have done it without you!

Thanks,

Alexis

Little Ms. Haley

Hi everyone...just thought I would drop a line real quick about Ms. Haley. She is still doing great especially since some of the rain has passed. I think Haley was getting depressed about the rain just like the rest of us. She seemed a little sluggish during that week of straight rain which had me a little worried. I took her to the vet and they did a complete blood work up and everything was just fine. I think the rain was bringing her down! haha

But once the sun came out she was right back to normal - wagging that tail on our walks and staring up at me with that adorable face.

Her wound is still healing and three vets have now told me that her face will close up on its own, it just takes time. She is back on a heavier antibiodic to finish getting that infection out of her system. Lucky for me, Haley will eat anything wrapped in cream cheese so giving her pills is a piece of cake!

Last night she was especially adorable as she curled up with me on the floor while I was watching TV. She put her head on my shoulder while I rubbed her belly. Within minutes I could hear her snoring. It made me start to think how safe she must feel now which is great...hard to imagine the life she was living as a stray.

I have realized that although she is deaf she can still feel the thunderstorms. Last night a big one rolled through and Haley whimpered a little next to my bed. Lucky for her she had just had a bath that night so I scooped her up and put her in bed with me to help calm her down. Low and behold after a good 30 minute rub she was just fine and ready to go back to sleep.

That's it for now...life is good!

Updated Pictures of Haley

Haley posing for me.....

Wound still healing...

What a diva...basking in the sun!

Here are some pictures of Haley. One is of her curled up on my comforter after it fell off my bed. She is living the high life now sleeping on a down comforter! haha

There is also a picture of her sleeping in the sun in my room - she must be working on her tan!

I also included a picture of her wound on her face. It is just one little area that is taking a little longer to heal.

Last night Haley got a bath as it was time...she had gotten a little stinky. Now her fur is so clean and soft. She was so well behaved in the tub too...I actually think she enjoyed it - she just let us scrub her and wash her and she put her head up in the air, like "Ohhh that feels nice, keep scrubbing!". She's such a cutie!

Update on Haley

So I haven't written in a little bit about Haley so I thought I would give an update. The update is Haley is doing great! She is becoming more loving each day and has made many doggy friends in the neighborhood....Everyone knows Haley in neighborhood now and everyone always says what a cute, calm dog she is. She enjoys our walks (or should I say speed walks) and sniffing anything and everything she comes across.

We went to an adoption event this past Saturday and several couples were interested in her...we shall see what happens. Haley did well at the event - going straight up to people for some lovin'.

I do have a cute story to share with you. Last night I got home from work and we started our walk. We got about an eighth of a mile down the road and all of a sudden it started raining and then a huge lightening bolt lite the sky. I looked down at Haley and said, "Oh my gosh Haley....RUN!!!" So we started running, actually SPRINTING (this girls got some legs!) and she stayed right next to me. She looked so happy running that fast - she was on a mission. When we got to my front door we were both panting but stared at each other like, "boy oh boy, wasn't that fun running through the rain!".

I will try and take some pictures tonight of her - her little wound on her face is looking better each and every day!!!!

Haley says BOW WOW to everyone!

COME MEET HALEY THIS SAT IN FALLS CHURCH!

Come meet Haley and other great dogs this April 18, 12-2pm at Wylie Wagg, 7505 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA (http://www.wyliewagg.com/) (703) 748-0022)

HUGE PROGRESS!

As some of you know, Haley and I have struggled a little bit on the whole walking thing on a leash. Haley would get so excited to go on her walk and after about 5 minutes she would just stop dead in her tracks. I couldn't figure out what would make her stop. I tried not taking her to those areas where she would stop as I thought maybe there is something there that is freaking her out. I even tried luring her with treats but after a while she got disinterested in that. It got to the point where I couldn't get her to budge AT ALL to walk back to the house. This resulted in me having to carry this 50 pound dog back to my condo! This must have been a sight to see! The only positive thing about this is my arm muscles are growing...its the new work out program! haha

But I was getting frustrated because Haley wasn't getting enough exercise as our walks would take 40 minutes to go 1/8 of a mile. After talking with some people, they recommended trying a harness in lieu of a regular collar. So, Haley and I tried the harness which she seemed to do a little bit better with but still not great. Last Thursday I was in a rush to get her out the door and I had a choke chain laying around that belonged to one of my parents dogs. I put it on her real quick and out the door we went. Who would have thought this would have been the trick!?!?! She is a walking pro now! I guess her previous owner used this on her and she is used to it. She still stops at times, but with one quick pull she starts walking again. Last night Haley and I went for a 40 MINUTE WALK! I still can't believe it. She was getting her trot on, tail-a-wagging! She seemed so happy as was I. Haley and I are making progress together, as a team and that is such huge progress. I'm so proud of my baby girl!

Haley also got her stitches out on Friday. There is still a little open wound on her face (about the size of the tip of a pinky finger). The vet didn't want to stitch this area back up again as the infection needs to heal from the inside out. He said the body will close it up in time. He put her back on antibiodics to help fight the last of the infection but over all he is thrilled with her progress. I have been trying to take pictures of her new face but everyone I take has a glare to it, or she moves. Maybe tonight will be the night for a good photo shoot! :-)

Haley's First Easter Weekend

Today at 4 pm Haley gets her stitches out! I'm so excited to see the new Haley! She will be showing off this weekend when all of my family comes into town for Easter Weekend. She's the lucky one as my grandparents absolutely adore dogs and my grandfather always comes prepared with a few treats in his pocket. We can guarantee that the two of them become instant friends:-)

I will update on Monday with new pictures of Haley (minus the stitches) and any fun pictures we get from the Holiday Weekend!

Happy Easter!

New Pictures of Haley!

Good Morning! This weekend was a good weekend for Haley. She got her drain out and another bath. I have attached a couple of pictures showing her stitches and how well the wound is healing along with a side profile of Haley which shows her new shiny coat!

We went to the adoption event this past Saturday at Vienna which was good. I think by the end of it, Ms. Haley and myself were both exhausted as there were a lot of dogs there and a ton of activity. Haley did like the treats she kept getting from loving visitors! haha

I have also attached some pictures of Haley sitting pretty, and sniffing the bushes (it's what she loves the most!)

Quick Update on Friday

Haley got her drain out this morning on her face and the Vet was VERY happy with her progress. In addition, the Vet gave her another bath and she smells like coconuts now! YUM!!! She is going to be looking awesome for her adoption event tomorrow...come and see her, details are listed below!

I will post some pictures of her soon. Thanks for all of your support!

Come Meet Haley at Adoption Event in Vienna This Sat

Haley makes her debute at the adoption event this Saturday, April 4th, 12-2pm at ProFeed Vienna (234 Maple Ave. E.Vienna , VA. COME MEET HALEY AND OTHER GREAT DOGS!

Update on Haley!

Good Afternoon!

I have gotten such a warm response from people about Haley, it just makes you feel good inside. As for an update, Ms. Haley is doing so well that you would never have thought she just had surgery! She is always up for a walk and especially a sniff (that dog could sniff bushes for hours!) She is still eating all of her meals which is good becuase she needs a little meat on those bones.

On our walks, she always wants to go up and meet new people. I think I have met more people in my condo complex in the past week than in the past year I have lived there. How sad! But, it is all due to Haley. If she sees someone she is going straight up to them to see what they are up to. There is this one elderly woman in my complex that comes out every day when we are walking to check up on Haley. She always asks me if I am taking good care of her, and every day I say YES! She mentioned to me that she has told all of her friends about Haley and what a strong girl she is for going through all of this, and that is a fact...She is a survivor!

Last night Haley slept through the entire night which was good for her and EXCELLENT for me as I need my beauty sleep...hahaha.

Tomorrow Haley is getting a bath which will be the final touch on this girls make over. I will be sure to post pictures of her new hair do :-) She will be at the adoption event in Vienna on Saturday (see details below) if you are interested in meeting her.

One last item - we found out that Haley's surgery and vet visit on Monday cost $650.00. We are trying to raise funds to pay for this. If you are at all able to donate on Haley's behalf please go to http://homewardtrails.org/donate.html. Please note that when you arrive at the "review your order" page, you will notice in small print: "click to leave a comment for Homeward Trails." Please indicate here that you wish for your sponsorship to go towards HALEY'S SURGERY.

That's it for now and THANK YOU for all of your kind thoughts and support. Haley and I both appreciate it!

Our Night After Surgery

As Haley's Adoption Coordinator said below, Haley had surgery yesterday on her wound. Sometimes I think the surgery is harder on the Owner of the dog then on the dog! I got Haley home last night around 5:30 and she was down and out from being knocked out for surgery. I put some water out for her and that girl drank 3 bowls of water...she sure was thirsty! She then got some food in her tummy and then it was time to nap. I don't blame her, she had had a long day as did I worrying about her. As you can see in the picture here, Haley and I passed out on the floor together.

It's funny, I bought my place a year ago and I'm so happy I upgraded my carpet pad to the comfy stuff. I NEVER thought I would be sleeping on the floor in my own place but last night it happened and Haley and I were both comfortable.

Today she is more like herself, eating and drinking and getting a few walks in. She is still on some pain medicine so she is sleepy but before long she will be brand new!

I'll post some more updates this week.

Haley's Recovers From Her Surgery

Haley had surgery to close up the big wound under eye yesterday. After examining her, the vet discovered that the wound was not from another animal or something she ran into, etc. No, not at all. What he discovered was that Haley had an abscessed tooth that was so badly infected that it had "eaten" through to her face. Poor girl - she must have been in so much pain and it would have been understandable if this had made her cranky. But no - despite this, Haley is the sweetest dog.

Now her painful tooth has been removed, her wound has been stitched up (with a drain for a few days) and she is on antibiotics. She got home from the vet last night, groggy but this morning she was feeling better, eating well and in no time at all, should be feeling SO MUCH better.

We are hoping that Haley is ready to show her new beautiful face at the adoption event this Saturday, April 4th, 12-2pm at ProFeed Vienna (234 Maple Ave. E.
Vienna , VA (703) 242-7387). If you'd like to meet Haley, drop us a line!

First weekend with Haley

Hello!

I'm Alexis, Haley's foster Mom. Haley has come such a long way in just this past weekend. She is house broken (someone must have owned her before) which is great. She just wags her tail at the top of my steps and its my sign to take her out.

She has also started to come around with people. All day yesterday she wanted to lay right up next to me so I could pet her which is a good sign as before she was fine laying by herself. Just this morning I was petting her and I looked at her face and she had fallen asleep with her head still up! Too cute!

She is a good eater as well and is happy to sit for a treat. Who wouldn't want to sit for a yummy liver treat:-)

Although she is 8 years old she still has some pep in her. On walks she gets into this jog, it's pretty funny to watch. Last night she hopped up on a retaining wall that was 4 feet high so she definitely has some "young pup" still in her. I am still working with her on a leash as it is not her favorite thing right now. She has been so used to "running" on her own that it has been an adjustment to have to be on a leash that someone else is controlling. Slowly but surely I am working with her.

Today is a big day for Haley at the vets; she is getting her wound on her face patched up. Once this heals she will be a brand new dog!

All in all Haley is doing better than any of us could have imagined! She is a sweetie and just wants to love someone and be loved back.

Check back tomorrow and I will let you know how she did today at the vets.

Meet Haley the Retriever/Chow - Haley Needs A Home and Your Help

Things are looking up for Haley. A day ago, she was on the short list to be put to sleep at a shelter in rural VA. But Homeward Trails Animal Rescue was able to rescue her and today, caught a ride from the shelter (THANKS JENNIE!) to a great foster home in Northern Virginia (THANKS ALEXIS!).

Alexis and I only just met Haley today. But if first impressions are at all reliable, she is quite the sweet gal! Haley is a retriever/chow mix with a beautiful thick black/brown coat. She has soft doe-like eyes that pull you right in. She is a great size at about 50 lbs and she is about 8 yrs young. If she was a human, we would take Haley for a yogi - she has a calm, friendly, easy going personality. She has a tail wag for everyone she meets and two or three for friends with treats!

Please note that Haley is deaf but she is so easy going that she doesn't seem at all startled by people approaching her from behind. And Haley seems like a smart, quick learner. She gets along with other dogs and really enjoys meeting new people, she seems especially fond of men.

Here's what we know about Haley's history: the shelter's animal control officer picked up as a stray. Tho at some point in her life, she must have been someone's beloved dog - someone had her spayed, taught her how to walk on a leash and (probably) housetrained her. But she clearly had some tough times recently. When animal control picked her up, she had a large open wound under her eye and she was/is thin and very dirty.

Today Haley got her first bath. Wow! was she dirty. Bet she feels better now.

Monday Haley will go to the vet to get her wound stitched up. It's got to be uncomfortable, if not painful.

Who won't want to help this great dog? here's how you can help:

please consider making a donation to Homeward Trails Animal Rescue in her name to help cover the surgery to close the wound on her face. \

please forward Haley's blog and her Petfinder profile to your friends.

if you can post a flyer about Haley in the metro DC/Baltimore area, please contact me and I'll be happy to email one to you.