When I was in bands, we used to joke that the best way to get people to come see a show was to name the band "Free Beer!!!" The idea being that when the club announced who was playing that weekend, the sign outside would read: "Tonight: Free beer!!!" and people would be lined up down the street trying to get in.
Hence, the name of today's post.
And the real reason I've gathered you all here today, the reason I cheated to try and get your attention is a dog named Hardway.
Hardway is an 8-year old American Eskimo/Samoyed mix(?) in need of a new home - soon. Hardway showed up in my inbox a few days ago (not literally) through a friend who is trying to help his former mom find a new home for him.
I'm going to hand the blog over to Hardway's former mom for a bit so she can tell his story.
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| Photo courtesy Sally Hale. |
He was about 1 year old and had been chained to a tree all of his life. The chain was so embedded in the fur around his neck, that the girls at the shelter had to cut his hair to get the chain off him. I was sitting in a chair and he walked up to me, laid his chin on my lap, and looked at me with those big brown Eskie eyes. It was love at first sight.
We got all the paperwork done, put him in the backseat, and headed for home... That's when we found out how stubborn and hard-headed he was. Once he got in the front seat, there was no way he was going back into the back seat of the car. Robert said, "He sure does learn things the hard way, doesn't he?" A name was born for the biggest Eskie I've ever seen. His name has been Hardway ever since that day.
We got him home and gave him a bath to remove the coal dust. He sure looked a lot better once he was clean, except for the short hair around his neck... He put on some weight the first few months we had him and he now weighs in at around 55 pounds...
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| Photo courtesy of Sally Hale. |
Now Robert is unable to continue taking care of Hardway. I'm unable to take custody of him because the apartments I live in have a two dog limit... It has fallen upon me to find a place for Hardway.
Hardway comes with food, toys, and two more doses of Advantage. He comes with a big heart and plenty of love to share. He's been given so much love the last 7+ years that it overflows.
Please, does someone have a place for the most beautiful, loving, friendly dog I have ever known and loved? He is my baby, has overcome heartworms, fleas, and the loss of his Daddy. This is breaking his Mommy's heart, but has to be done. Please consider adding him to your home."
Cute little guy, isn't he? He has some health issues (allergic to fleas, sore hips when carrying too much extra weight) but is an otherwise happy, healthy, friendly dog just down on his luck. Hardway is located in Tennessee but transport arrangements will be made if at all possible.
So folks, does anyone out there have room in their heart and home for Hardway? Do you, or someone you know, work with a spitz or all breed rescue group? Please leave a comment below and I'll make sure Hardway's momma gets the news.
Otherwise, maybe you have time today to post Hardway's story to your Facebook wall or Tweet it out to your followers? I know his mom would be very grateful, as would I.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
Updated (7/25/2012): Thank you so much friends, for getting Hardway's story out there. I understand from the comments below and from Hardway's former owner that there is interest in offering him a home. I will let everyone know what happens when I hear.
Updated (7/26/2012): Hardway has a home!!! Now we just have to figure out how to get him there. He will be traveling from Kingsport, TN to Las Vegas, NV if you or anyone you know can take a leg. You can check the route map here: Bring Hardway home! Thanks. Oh, and please, feel free to cross post widely!