Our family has loved having our first Havanese, Jack, for the last five years. He has been the perfect dog for us, adding fun and energy to our household. As a very friendly dog, Jack has loved socializing with both people and other dogs.

Because we were building a new house which is far more secluded than our current home which is close to a park, we worried that Jack would be lonely. We were talking about getting a "friend" for Jack after we moved but the fates intervened. My sister, who had just rescued her own dog, spotted Patsy while checking rescue listings. Patsy was fostered in Ohio. I casually showed the picture to my husband who immediately said, "Find out if she is available." She was! Coincidentally, we were heading to Ohio the following weekend for a friend's wedding. We wrote some fast emails and made some quick phone calls and everything, from reference checks to home visit fell in place. It was meant to be because on Monday we saw Jozy's picture on the internet and by Sunday we were bringing her home from Ohio.

We love having Jack and Jozy as part of our family. We will be moving in a few weeks so both dogs have had time to get to know each other. Our house is full of energy and all three of my kids love having two dogs. Jack is our mellow fellow and Jozy is our spunky gal... they are great for each other and we couldn't imagine life without them!

Shelly Dragul

As Editor of the newsletter, this story brought a special twinkle to my eye. I was in the midst of moving across country when I was asked if I could do a Havanese identification. Although very busy, I went to the shelter to see a completely shaved down scared puppy who had an injured leg. I actually took photos because I was unsure of her breed, but I did see her energy and happiness as everyone walked by while I was there. With some work, the shelter located the former owners and learned she'd been purchased from a pet store and was indeed a Havanese. It is heartwarming to see her journey through HRI. First she had surgery while with her foster home and is now a cherished family member in her forever home! -Amanda Brown

Since 1914 the United States celebrates motherhood on the second Sunday in May. The holiday, enacted by then president Woodrow Wilson, reminds the nation of the importance of a loving, supportive mother in a child's life. Those of us in HRI know there are many Havanese who also need to benefit from those wonderful traits.

HRI needs a solid roster of available foster families. They give the ultimate, priceless gift of love and nurture, providing healthy and supportive homes for little lost dogs in transition. The goal of foster family care is to ultimately place each animal with a loving and caring family after preparing the dog and the adopters for a successful match. Our fosters are key members of our "team."

Our foster family members need to be energized, organized, and have a tremendous sense of humor when coping with the antics of a Havanese who needs to be sanitized, socialized, mannerized, and often times housebroken! They have to be willing to take in an animal on short notice, sometimes knowing little about what baggage might be attached to this little furry bundle. The payback is love and pride in seeing the tremendous changes our dogs frequently make during their stay with HRI.

The word "foster" means to help with growth and development, caring for a myriad of daily needs in a safe place for the unknown duration of the stay. It means opening your heart with and for unconditional love and then letting go when the time is just right. It might be for just a day, a few nights, or it might be for a few months. A few Havanese have even found their forever homes right with their foster family! There are worries, changes, and challenges. Some dogs have health issues and a few can't be saved. Foster care can create a roller coaster of emotions. Sometimes there is research and planning and decisions to make. HRI provides the back up our foster families need. Our team works together so we never lose sight of the goal - a happy, contented animal that no longer has sadness or fear present in his or her expression.

These are admirable people! They do God's work! Let's all thank them for their helping hands and their open hearts; their road-warrior treks and all they do. If you'd be willing to try this rewarding task, we welcome you to apply.

I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back. ~Maya Angelou

Our volunteers are doing way more than tossing a few balls! Volunteers are love in motion! ~Author Unknown

Bonnie Gehrt Davis