In the Summer of 2006, I began to think it would be nice to have a little companion because my Crickey-Marie had died in February. I scanned the Internet looking for a small dog that was in need of rescue. I found and contacted Havanese Rescue, Inc. and was told about a little fellow who had come across the world from Hungary. He had been in a pet shop without having been successfully adopted. Bandit was, at that time, in foster care with Bud and Louise Donner in Virginia. We communicated back and forth since I knew nothing about the Havanese breed. The Donners sent pictures of a gorgeous, bright-eyed, little 12-pound bundle of delight with a curly coat of black and white. He was just a year old.

With little intention of doing anything, I picked up the phone just to see what Sky Miles could offer. Amazingly, there was a perfect schedule from Missoula, Montana to Dulles International which allowed me to arrive at a reasonable hour; stay a couple of days; then fly back to Montana. Emotions overcame me because who ever heard of flying across the United States to meet a dog? I am older and have respiratory problems, so I worried that Bandit might have too much energy for me, and, even at 12 pounds, he's a bit much for me to take in the cabin of an airplane when I travel. But, off to Washington, D. C. I went.

The Donners met me at Dulles; took me into their beautiful colonial home, nestled amid a landscape of lovely trees and spaciousness. They've raised and fostered Havanese for years. The dogs have pretty much free reign of the premises, and yet the home was meticulous and right from a Home Decorator's magazine. It was the nicest vacation I've had in a long time. Bud Donner is a gourmet cook and Louise is an excellent artist and conversationalist. They are just about my age so we had a lot in common besides a love of animals. They had several full-grown Havanese, a brand new batch of Havanese puppies, a good old Golden Retriever, and then, sweet Bandit with his inquisitive eyes and mischievous personality.

We decided it would be best to ship Bandit in the cargo hold, but the airlines said he couldn't fly until after the weather was cooler. So, I flew home alone and went through many emotions all over again. But, when the magic date came, the Donners took care of getting Bandit to the airport in the big crate. My cousin and I picked Bandit up at the Missoula Airport around midnight and even though the poor little fellow had gone 11 hours without a rest stop, he arrived dry and happy. Bud had sent him with a giant chew bone and we presented him with a squeaky goose upon arrival. To this day, those are still his best comfort toys.

Even though Bandit is a small dog, he is sturdy and strong. He's also smarter than I am and he has a "vocabulary." Without any specialized training, he knows intuitively how to behave when I take him to the Nursing Home. Bandit is so gentle while still being independent and spirited. We drove from Montana to California in January and it was good to know that many nice motels now welcome pets. Since he loves to run, I drive to the reservoir ditch bank and let Bandit run like mad. Other times, we sedately walk in the park and feed the ducks. Many days, Bandit goes to the office with me where I still work part time as an attorney for the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes.

I am truly enjoying this precious little dog who started out on the other side of the world and who eventually came to me from clear across the country. Havanese rock!!

Evelyn Stevenson

Foster mom, transporter, photo archivist, newsletter editor...Amanda Brown has done them all for the dogs of HRI. To list all she has done in these areas would fill pages, yet she doesn't hesitate to "volunteer" yet again.

Since she first began volunteering with HRI, Amanda has willingly taken on many challenges and always does the task with a quiet flair. A team player, Amanda works well with other volunteers, sharing her experiences and knowledge to the benefit of our dogs.

From the young dog who'd lived his life in the cab of a truck, to the shaved down abandoned Havanese at the shelter, Amanda has stepped up to help them on their way to the lives they deserve.

Amanda brings new meaning to the phrase "well-rounded" when it comes to volunteers, and we're proud to be able to work with her to the betterment of our wonderful breed.

You will have the pleasure of seeing more of Amanda's work at the Thursday night HRI reception at the National Specialty in Denver. Amanda has compiled and is producing another video of our HRI dogs.

Thank you, Amanda, for your devotion, dedication, and help in changing lives.