Hazel(Nut) has never received a proper introduction on this blog, so I figured now was a great time to go about it.  I discussed her story briefly about a year ago (read here and here) but she never got the introduction she deserves.  To recap, I found Hazel on the side of the road the day after I returned from BlogPaws 2010.  Talk about fate.  I was charged up about meeting the need for change, and talking to numerous bloggers about rescue and pets in general really fired me up.  Then I came across this dog, who I am sure was placed in my path for a reason.  The past year has been a huge challenge; logistically, financially, emotionally.  Although I’d toyed with the idea of getting a companion for Grady, it just never seemed the right time.  Quite honestly, I’ve had my hands full just keeping up with him! 

The above two photos show Hazel not long after I took her in. The vet wouldn't even spay her until she put on some weight.

Sleepy Hazel after her first long car ride with me

Fast forward one year.  Anyone that knows me could have predicted that this dog was going to remain in my life, despite my noncommittal claims.  Many, many thanks to Jenn (formerly from University of Doglando) who fostered her for many months until I got settled enough to take her in myself.  Hazel has come a long way.  I’ve had rescue dogs many times before, but never one this abused and fearful.  She had health difficulties, primarily because of her extremely low weight.  She had never been socialized to dogs, people, cars, leashes, etc.  She had basically lived her life in a cage, with occasional forays out to hunt hogs or be bred (according to varying reports, neither of which I believe to be true).  Once she got attached to me she developed extreme separation anxiety, which was exponentially harder to deal with due to her abject terror at being left alone in a crate.  Too many memories, I guess.  Despite her traumas and fears, I saw glimpses of a loving and brilliantly smart dog.  Every day I see those traits more and more. 

This is Hazel today: belly full of food, life filled with love, and mind filled with plans for her next act of destruction!

This dog is one of the smartest I’ve ever seen.  She is a logical thinker and a prankster.  She can get herself out of any enclosure.  She is fast as the wind and never tires.  Behind her often fearful persona lies a bold and adventurous spirit.  She’s active and up for anything.  She’s a hurricane of frustrating, funny, and loving quirkiness that swirled into our lives and turned it on end.  Generally speaking, she’s pretty much the polar opposite of Grady.  However, she has reignited his love for trouble and believe me, two is WAY more than one plus one!  I hope that she entertains you all as much as she amuses me and I hope that you enjoy watching her transform from this wild dog into a respectable companion (I’m an optimist!) along with me.

Hazel graduated from the University of Doglando in January with her A.A. in Dogology, presumably a polite member of society. Uh huh.

I’ve blogged recently about the Blog Paws 2010 convention I attended in Columbus this month.  What I haven’t yet mentioned is the powerful, exciting, grassroots movement that was spawned there and is still going strong today.  Be the Change Challenge was the brainchild of several amazing women who presented their case at the conference.  Dorina Wagner (Your Daily Cute), Lynn Haigh (pawpawties), and Dr. V. (Pawcurious) – and moderated by Jane Harrell of Petfinder – combined their genius minds and came up with a challenge to the convention attendees.  The idea was simple:  a charity was chosen at random (the winner was Pets Without Parents) and the challenge was put out to all attendees to spread the word and raise money and awareness for unwanted animals.

The weeks since the conference have been filled with a number of events, but the fun is not over.  Donations can still be made by clicking the button below.  The cause has already exceeded the goal by leaps and bounds and continues to grow.  Donating money is not the only way to help!  Consider donating old bedding, towels, toys, or other items to local shelters in need.  Sign up to be a volunteer for your favorite rescue.  Spread the word on your own blog and among your friends.  Anything you can do adds to the growing momentum of this wonderful cause.  Remember that an ocean is made up of billions of tiny droplets – be one of those drops!

If you’d like to know how I am making a difference, visit my other blog From The Horse’s Back.  There, you can read about Hazel’s story.  In addition, I am going to sign up as a volunteer for Pet Rescue By Judy, a local no-kill shelter that is a superstar saver of unwanted animals.  Finally, if you have an idea for change or have contributed in some way, comment here.  Happy Changing!

Each of these beautiful dogs is unwanted and awaiting adoption at Pet Rescue by Judy. Photos courtesy of www.petrescuebyjudy.com