adogspurpose.com

A Note From Hans W. Green

Here is my story. Just a few months ago I was living in hell; my owner hated me so much he was going to shoot me. I was never fed and only had rainwater to drink. That is when I could muster up enough energy to pull my weights around that I was tied to. My owner, we will call “My Ex,” told his sister that he was going to shoot me and that I was just a nuisance to have around. So she took it upon herself to make a daring escape plan for me. Auntie, we will call her, called the local shelters to no avail. They did not want me because "I had a home". Auntie called Arkansas Weimaraner rescue, and there she told my story to a lovely woman by the name of Hermine Wilkins. She is the owner of Dogwatch Doggie Daycare and Arkansas Weimaraner Rescue. Hermine decided to accept me into the rescue there only if Auntie could get me there. So that sets the stage for my escape.  One day my Auntie came to visit with me after “My Ex” went to work, she untangles me from where I'm tied up, puts me dirt and all into her car. I was whisked away, now at my Auntie’s house. She hid me away for five days until we could make the trip to rescue. I was finally out of there and had some fresh water, something I hadn’t had since I left my real mother’s side. It was a glorious five days to me anyways---if only I knew what was to come!

So here we go, my Auntie and me…Road trip! We safely arrive at Dogwatch. There is so much to see and do and hundreds of dogs. Well maybe not hundreds, but more than I have ever seen in one place. I greeted the staff and knew this was a much better place. I don’t even remember saying goodbye or thank you to my Auntie. It’s the last I would ever see of her. Paws wipe tears from my face.

I greeted the staff and meet Mrs. Hermine Wilkins. I was then put into another car and in a few minutes we arrived at another building full of animals. Here I was handled gently, poked and prodded. Remarkably I was free from parasites and heartworms, but I weighed in at a mere 41 pounds. Back to Dogwatch to spend the night…no log and stars above, but a warm blanket inside a kennel, different, but I liked it! The next day I went back to the “pokey place”. I got poked on some more and the next day I woke up without my manhood! “Oh no,” I thought, “puppy rides are great and all, but I've lost my tail, lost my manhood now; I don’t weigh enough to give anything else up.” I found out while I was in the “pokey place” Mrs. Hermine was making more plans for me and this is where my story…or my life began.

One early Saturday afternoon I was introduced to another lady named Jennifer Green. She seemed nice enough, so one last photo op with Hermine and goodbyes to Dogwatch, I was in this thing they call “Foster Care”. I had no idea what that was all about, but I liked the four-hour puppy ride to my next place.

As we got out of the car, I could smell it…more dogs and more dogs! I didn’t know how many yet but this place smelled delicious! I first met a little Beagle named Harry, he didn’t care for me much. Next I met the most beautiful creature on the planet, another Weimy just like me; her name is Vivi “Olenothumbs” Green. Then I met a blonde babe named Kacee K Green, a Labrador. Then I met another Weimy, but unlike me he’s huge, his name is Fatman FattyMcspaddy Green. Then I met the Anatolian Shepard, master of the house, in the dog world house anyways Macie Mae Green. Mrs. Jennifer introduced us all one at time to not scare me, after a while we all went out back for more informal butt sniffing. I knew this was a good place because I could smell not only these five dogs, but many others before me.

September 24, 2011, I ate dinner in the kitchen out of the Bowl of Fame. The Bowl of Fame is just an ice cream bucket that mama wrote the names dates of her last five of 19 fosters. All of them have gone to great homes and have become famous in their new owners eyes. It wasn’t much dinner because I was on a strict diet eating three times a day to not gorge my skinny little tummy, but I ate right along with the others. Each doggie has their personal eating station and we share a water station. Mama, set me up a Facebook account to tell my story. My name was Hans Watchmegrow Weim, and grow I did! Within 24 hours I had 100 friends. In three days I had 200 friends. Now I have over 900 wonderful friends and counting.

Now a lot has happened since that first night, but I knew from this point forward I wanted to become “Hans Weim Green”. Mama made me real comfortable in my new environment, but it took me two days for me to come out of my kennel other than to eat and pee. I tried sitting on the couch. I was real scared, but Mama let me know that it was perfectly OK to do that here. Everything rocked along with the pack. I was gaining weight at alarming speeds, ten pounds the first week! Mrs. Hermine couldn’t believe that I was eating in the same room as the other dogs. She and my fans couldn’t believe how much weight I was gaining either. This was a really good life, and few weeks later I tried out mama’s bed, it was perfect! But as with all good things there has to be another side to the coin. I was barking at Papa. Every move he made and I cannot emphasis every move enough.  Mama could do no wrong, until one day she tried an experiment to figure out all the things that I don’t like, or whether it was just men in general. We had company over and barked at everyone with short hair, guys and gals alike so she put her hair up in a bun the next day. I blew up at mama! Over the course of the next few weeks we learned that I did not like hats of any kind, jump suits, uniforms, camouflage clothing and the smell of beer or cigarettes on Papa’s breath. Papa worked with me every day to ease my fears; he fed me, let me in and out to go potty and gave me treats galore when I stopped barking at him. He even bought my very own brand new mattress bed for my kennel. Although I eased up on my barking, the breaking point was when he called me by my nickname, “Honsy Ponsy”, in a sweet Mama-like-voice. Now I find Papa a cool dude and even though from time to time I still bark at him, it’s short lived. Mama says that’s just because I am a very good watchdog.

I integrated into every aspect of the “Green” lifestyle, except for Fatty and I no longer got along, and that’s when the real problem began. We have got into some pretty serious fights that have left Fatty in stitches and me grumbling at his very sight. Mama has tried desensitizing us to each other. Fatty stares at me and that makes me mad. He truly thinks he is boss. Mama used my Facebook page to ask for help, but everyone had different opinions. One thing was common; the outpour for me to stay with the Greens was just short of phenomenal. In just two short weeks we rounded up over a thousand dollars to assist mama in private training lessons.

This is the day,

for my right to stay,

I will sit and stay,

after that we can play.

Although I am a weim,

i want to be as green as a lime,

for that we are paying a pretty dime,

so now is the time.

Send out a smile and a cheer,

for i must learn not to leer,

then mama and papa can have a beer,

my name I must not smear.

In order for name to be Green,

i must not be mean,

i should be crisp and clean,

and never never again lean.

So as leave tomorrow on my ride,

please be by my side,

i can turn this tide,

to make everyone gleam with pride!

-By Hans

So let the training begin!

We met with Linda Laughlin; let’s just say that was not a good day. For one thing, I had to ride in a crate while Fatty got to ride up front, and when I got to meet the trainer, I lunged and barked at Linda just like I have done the with past potential adopters and Papa for months. Now I still go to training every two weeks and it has made all the difference in the world. I don’t bark at Papa any more, but I still don’t like Fatty. I know how to avoid him though, so all is good. In fact the training worked so well that Mama and Papa decided to adopt me for their very own on March 24, 2012. I had a virtual party on-line that day called Hans Green Day, 182 people from around the world posted pictures of their favorite dogs wearing something green in my honor. I also gave back to Arkansas Weimaraner Rescue by promoting their cookbook with a “Pawtographed” edition by me and my brother and sisters. They sold out! 54 copies went to 5 different countries. Included in each copy was handwritten sheet with my Ponsy Prayer, on green paper of course.

“I pray that a Weimy somewhere is getting rescued right now.

I pray that a Weimy somewhere is moving today to a good foster home.

Last but not least, I pray that a Weimy somewhere is getting a FURever home today. Amen!”

I am their poster child now, I go to functions with them to help spread the word about good work they do. I will continue my plight to help Weimys in need everywhere. I'm happy and healthy now at 68 pounds and only about 2 years old. Next week I start agility training with Mama and Ms. Linda at K-9 Camp Laughlin. Thank you for all that voted and those that left wonderful comments. As my Facebook favorite quote says, “I believe there is a God and Heaven on Earth. That’s my own, but I’m gonna be famous someday!”

Meet the Handsome Energetic Harvey!

I can attest to his natural running ability.  In the attached photo, you see him chasing after someone kitesurfing.  He recently ran up and down the beach for a solid hour about two miles round trip at about 34 mph.  Onlookers were amazed at his athleticism.   Collectively, we all wonder how much faster he might be able to run if so much energy weren't wasted on 'bawling!'

His only complaint in life might be:   he doesn't always get to meet every dog or person he sees.   In the car, he whimpers when we pass a dog he won't have a chance to greet.  His temperament in short one of pure joy.   Sure he takes his 'nose skills' seriously when the opportunity to track and chase are present.  Yet he is ever eager to play with people and dogs of all sizes. 

Lexie- Rescued by Angels

We have had her a little over four years. We acquired Lexie at a country church fair where the local humane association rescue group had set up. She was sleeping on her missing leg side, and I didn’t notice she only had three legs until she limped out of the pen to kiss me when I woke her up. I have no idea how she lost the leg, but when anyone asks, my son responds with “Nam” which is a better answer than most. It doesn’t really seem to slow her down much. She bosses our male standard poodle around inside the house, including taking treats out of his mouth (once biting his tongue in the process). Outside, where he can utilize his larger frame and speed, he bowls her over on a regular basis.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback /Shar-Pei mix is a guess based on the ridge on her back and general coat color as the Rhodesian Ridgeback half, and the too-much-skin and purple/black tongue would possibly point to Shar-Pei as the other half. She is a very sweet, playful dog who talks all the time.

Fakir

Fakir was 2 months and I was 14 years old when we first met.  It was 'love at first sight'!!!

Pure, little Fakir had bronchitis, however, and the vet said he had to undergo treatment for two weeks before we could take him home.  We went back to our city and returned in two weeks time. Little Fakir was now healthy and we drove him to our house.   I was so happy!!! The first night, I didn't sleep.  On the one hand the excitement of the arrival of the new family member  and on the other Fakir's snoring which could be heard all over the house didn't let me sleep at all.   But we grew to love his snoring, which, anyhow reduced significantly as he was growing up.

Frank- He Knows Stuff

Frank was born on August 20, 2009.  After the devastating loss of one of our dogs, Sluggo, we had to replace him.  Frank was the same breed, a white german shepherd, and we found out – thanks to the internet – that he was available, so we made arrangements to make a trip about 400 miles to get him.  He was a nervous puppy in the van coming home…so we made a few stops.  No problem.  When we finally got home, it was like we were old friends already!

If you are ever lucky enough to have a doggy who “knows stuff” – well, this was Frank…. (admittedly, this is why I loved A Dog’s Purpose so much)...he knew things – where to find his food and water, where to sleep…(with us, of course)….he got along with our other dog, Max.  He knew where to go in the yard.  He knew games already, like fetch…. he was a baby and yet he ‘knew’ this stuff.

When we found out he suffered from EPI, we were devastated.  He was losing weight rapidly – and his – excuse the phrase – poop was coming out in gray-colored piles of mush, we just knew something was wrong.  He now takes a supplement with every meal to replace the pancreatic enzymes, and is up to his normal weight – 110pounds – and is doing wonderfully.

We are so proud of our Frank – he’s friendly, sweet and a very good boy.

Thank you again to everyone who voted for Frank.  And Best Wishes to every single doggy out there – you’re all good doggies and I wish I could take care of all the dogs in the world!!!