Two Accidental Adoptions and a Legacy of Love for Dogs
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Penny and Lana
Penny came to HHDR in August 2016 as a local surrender, scared and confused after being left by her original family. One day a nice gentleman stopped in to donate dog food. He sat down on the sofa to say hello to Penny, and she climbed right on to his lap without hesitation. Although he had not come to HHDR intending to adopt a dog, he couldn’t deny their connection. It was obvious that sweet Penny was choosing him, and he took her home for a trial. Penny got along well with the family’s senior sheltie Lana, and they knew she belonged with them. It was an accidental adoption, but it was truly meant to be. Dad soon realized he needed Penny as much as she needed him, as his heart was still healing after losing a beloved pup a few years prior.
Riley and Penny
Penny’s Dad started volunteering at HHDR two months after adopting her. Always eager to help, Penny’s Dad innocently agreed to be a “holiday host” in December 2018. Every year at Christmas we enlist our volunteers (those whose family and housing situation permits) to foster a dog for 2-3 days, so that our staff can enjoy time with their families and our dogs can enjoy a break from the hustle and bustle of the rescue. Penny’s Dad was matched with Riley (formerly Midnight), who had made her way to HHDR from Texas two weeks earlier via Happy Tails. At only 1 year old, Riley was young, strong, and bouncy, but much to Dad’s surprise, she fit in perfectly with the other dogs at home. After a couple days together, it was clear Riley had become part of the family. She became a foster fail, resulting the family’s second accidental adoption.
We are happy to share a pupdate about these two gorgeous girls. For 10 months they were part of a pack of 3 pups doing everything together with their older sister. Eventually old age took its toll, as Lana, the matriarch of the pack, passed away in October 2019, leaving Penny and Riley to take care of each other. They love to be together. They have a great time playing fetch and walking local trails. At camp on the St. Lawrence River, Penny enjoys riding in the kayak and Riley loves playing in the water. They have a wonderful life with their forever family. Dad says adopting them changed the family’s lives for the better.
Between adopting 2 HHDR pups and volunteering regularly, Penny and Riley's Dad is clearly a huge HHDR supporter. He and his family have also shown their support of the HHDR mission by making a generous donation to sponsor part of our new building. He described what inspired him to donate: “My parents taught me to be compassionate and respectful towards all living creatures. I thought sponsoring the conference room would give HHDR the opportunity to teach these traits to children and adults to become respectful pet owners.” Our new conference room is perfect for hosting groups as part of our growing humane education program. We truly appreciate the Page Family’s support. Penny and Riley’s Dad says he inherited the “dog gene” from his parents, whose love of dogs helped inspire the adoption of 6 HHDR dogs among him and his sisters! We send a big thank you to the whole family for loving so many of our dogs and for the financial support of our mission.
