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Sunday Rose, the day that she arrived at HSHV. by Humane Society of Huron Valley

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• Sunday Rose, the day that she arrived at HSHV. by Humane Society of Huron Valley /calendar/photologue/photos/cache/SundayRoseIntake_fullsize.JPG
• The Mastiff puppy that Sunday Rose helped nurse. by Humane Society of Huron Valley /calendar/photologue/photos/cache/Mastiff Pup_fullsize.JPG
• Sunday Rose, now called Gabby, is seen here in her new home. by Humane Society of Huron Valley /calendar/photologue/photos/cache/coat_fullsize.JPG
• Gabby seen here with Prudy, her new owner. by Humane Society of Huron Valley /calendar/photologue/photos/cache/gabby and prudy_fullsize.JPG
• Gabby, getting comfortable at home. by Humane Society of Huron Valley /calendar/photologue/photos/cache/Gabby at home_fullsize.JPG
• Gabby with neighborhood friend, Becca Darnell. by Humane Society of Huron Valley /calendar/photologue/photos/cache/Gabby with child_fullsize.JPG
• Another of Gabby's pups, Raquel. by Humane Society of Huron Valley /calendar/photologue/photos/cache/Raquel_fullsize.JPG
• by Humane Society of Huron Valley /calendar/photologue/photos/cache/Sunday Rose_fullsize.JPG
• Margarita, one of Gabby's puppies. by Humane Society of Huron Valley /calendar/photologue/photos/cache/Margarita_fullsize.JPG
• Gabby's puppies, Carmen, Chica and Leo. by Humane Society of Huron Valley /calendar/photologue/photos/cache/Pups3_fullsize.JPG

This story is not unique to the staff and volunteers at the Humane Society of Huron Valley. A stray Cocker Spaniel/Poodle mix was found alone, dirty, and pregnant in the Whole Foods parking lot in Ann Arbor on Oct. 16, 2012.

Sunday Rose, as we called her, approximately 4 years old, had no tag, and no microchip to help us contact her former family. Our task, one that we embrace seriously and compassionately with each homeless pet, is to become their temporary family and provide for all of their needs until they can be adopted. Without our supporters and donors, this kind of care would not be possible.

With a medical evaluation, full belly, and tucked safe and warm in our shelter, Sunday Rose gave birth to five puppies. By all accounts they resembled their daddy, because none really look like mama, but Sunday Rose loved them just the same. Sunday Rose and her babies made a seamless transition into one of our caring foster homes. They remained there until all the pups were weaned and Sunday Rose could return to HSHV to be spayed.

As fate would have it, an orphaned Bull Mastiff puppy just a few days old was brought into our animal intake department. His survival without a mother at that young age was in question. As we sometimes do in these cases, we see if a recent mother would again take on the duties of nursing. Little Sunday Rose was a trooper, helping the little guy along until, he too, could go into a foster home.

On Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012 Sunday Rose got the fresh start she was hoping for. The Dittmar family of Ann Arbor fell in love with her. Her new name is Gabby now. It’s only been a couple of days but they already adore her.

“Gabby just arrived at our home a couple of days ago and has settled in like the gem she is. Gabby is the most loving, quiet little dog who loves walks and my husband. Anyone who comes to the house she greets with a wagging tail but no barking. Her foster mother did a wonderful job teaching her manners,” says Prudy Dittmar.

“ If you are looking for a dog, please consider the Humane Society of Huron Valley. It may take a number of visits to find your dog but be persistent. I visited the shelter three times a week for three weeks until I found our new family member. The dog you save will enrich your life.”

It’s very rare that HSHV will adopt out more pets in one day than those who come in through the animal intake doors. That means that each day another homeless animal arrives hoping that their family will come and give them the second chance they so deserve. About 25 percent of the animals are purebred, so if you have a certain breed in mind, with a little patience and a caring heart, your next companion can come from the shelter, and they will be forever grateful.

Leo, Margarita, Carmen, Raquel and Chica, Gabby’s puppies, will be available for adoption this weekend at the Humane Society of Huron Valley. Hopefully if you’ve been considering a new dog companion you will take your cue from Dittmar family and make adoption your first option too. All of animals, young and old need you. HSHV is open daily at 11 a.m. for adoptions, and our friendly and knowledgeable staff is ready to help your family find the perfect companion.

Deb Kern is the marketing director for the Humane Society of Huron Valley.