Lynda, Hi! I know it has been over a year since you posted this and things have probably changed alot since you posted but I couldn't help reaching out to you! Your story about your relationship with Hope reminds me of my relationship with my baby girl Snowy! My girl was an American Eskimo / Spitz and we got her when she was just 4 weeks old and she was diffenently my dog! I was her mom! I loved her like no other dog I ever had. SHe was so smart and loving! She did tricks and loved to play until she was about 10 to 12 years old. We took her out on the boat when we went fishing and she had to check out all that was caught. Her daddy took her when he went out alone because she loved the boat and she was his helper. Then in 2003 we moved and things started to change with her. Gradually she became mean with other people then with her daddy. Never really with me but with others. THen she started pacing day and night. By this time last year I slept in the recliner to be able to hear her when she was in need of going potty. SHe then quit eating any dog food and would only eat people food. This spring I think it was in April we took her down to my cousins and she was just lost. NOw she wouldn't even eat people food or drink water and she was a water pig! SO we again had the talk about "putting her down" and finally my hussband saw what I did and agreed that it was time. Well we were in strange territory and just went through the Vets in the yellow pages of Yahoo. I picked this place that was close to a crematorium because the vet was a woman. I could not have picked a better place for her to take her last breath. This woman was just great and so compassionate! To make a long story shorter MY BABY is sitting on my end table and when I die she is going to be buried with her MOM! I miss her so but I know she is no longer suffering and is with her aunt Melanie and GOD where she belongs! So take care and someday when you least expect it your Hope will come back to you and she may not be in the same breed but you will know it is her by her same mannerisms and personality. So Lynda may god bless you and thanks for sharing with me. Love one dog lover to another, Michelle

Have a black female who will be turning 5 this month. What a wonderful dog. 1st time I've had a Dane, and except for the bed-hogging she is the perfect pet. Loves all people, dogs, and even cats. Not too good with rabbits and birds I think. She just wants to chase them, but never caught one thankfully. LOL. I have a picture of her kissing my 2 day old grandson as a was holding him on my lap.. The picture was a surprise because we didn't think she would have any interest. I now have 4 grandchildren and they can do whatever they want with her. She is just a joy. Love all dogs though and I"m glad I found this site. Hope she doesn't bother my incisions though. OUCH!! dotti

I ride and compete (dressage & eventing) my Irish Sport Horse gelding. Love to talk horses of any kind and any discipline!!!

I am so sorry to hear that your state also has such cruel people. I am in Texas and we have plenty here also. I know that we are not to judge but all I can say if they will have to answer to the Lord one day and I would not want to be in their shoes on hurting any animal as they are as defenseless as a child. Texas Animal Lover

I use to show Paint and QH. I was paint horse qeen for california in 84 as well as Rodeo Queen. I showed on the circuit for about 10 years. My paint horse named "Prince Drum" was undefeated in California for Barrel racing for 2 years solid. Open and Youth. I miss my horses.!!!