On January 7, 2005, we lost a beloved companion and family member of 13 years - Charlie, a black and tan dachshund. We were devastated with our loss and just wouldn't even consider having another dog. All of that changed with the coaxing of a good friend, Trudy Whitsell, who is also an HHHS board member.

At one point in the summer of 2005, Trudy tried to get us to visit HHHS as there were a couple of dachshunds available for adoption. We thanked her for keeping us in mind but could not bring ourselves to go visit. In December, she came to us again and told us about a cocker spaniel she had seen at the shelter. He was being kept in the office because he had one of his back legs amputated at Stone House Animal Hospital when he was brought into the shelter. While he was at Stone House, the staff nicknamed him Freckles. Trudy described how adorable he was, that he was about three or four years old, had beautiful markings and that he was the sweetest dog.
After a couple of phone conversations with Sabra at HHHS, we decided to visit him on December 21. When we got to HHHS, Sabra brought him out to the lobby. He looked so sad. He was timid and nervous and was a bit shaky and he just wanted to hide behind Sabra. We visited with him for about 30 minutes before we decided to adopt him.

We brought him home and he instantly had a place in our hearts. He was still shy, but by the end of the day he was giving us kisses. We decided to rename him and he caught on quick to his new name - Rigby.

For the most part, you would not know that Rigby only has three legs. He plays with our neighbor dog, which is a black lab. He'll jump around with her and they chase each other around the yard. And you definitely cannot tell he only has three legs when he runs; he can run like his tail is on fire!

Rigby has been a delight for us and I constantly share pictures and stories of his antics with Trudy. We made a visit to HHHS in early May to see Sabra and we’re certain he remembers her. I'm sure it's because of the special attention she showed him during his stay there.
We would like to express a huge THANK YOU to Trudy for bringing Rigby and us together. Thanks also to HHHS for the work that you do in providing a place for animals that need to find a new home. And one last thanks to Sabra, who took special care of Rigby while he was at HHHS.

Bonny & Mark Cassella

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