A Chance for Bliss, Inc. Animal Sanctuary


































	We miss you so much, Hoper Doper Dee


On June 8, 2008, our lives were changed. Our only non-rescue (and Woody's true best friend) disappeared from our yard while we were out of town. It was not unusual for Hope to wriggle out of the back yard through her "secret" spots, but leaving our property was not something she had ever done nor threatened. Woody normally works late and arrives home well after dark. Hope would not relax until he was home, and would wait expectantly for his headlights, usually perched on the back of a chair looking out a window, or from the back yard looking through the gate. There were occasions when we left together that we would return to find her running down our driveway to meet the car, beside herself with joy. Sometimes she would make it to the end of the drive, but NEVER down the lane. We can only assume that the promise of headlights is what drew her away that night. We arrived home near 2:00 am and there was no wild greeting from Poppa's biggest fan. We looked and called and hunted and searched.... and cried. We needed light. We failed to sleep and shortly after dawn, resumed the search. Every conceivable crevice. How could she be gone? Not her, NOT HOPE. Our efforts kept expanding until the entire first week had been dedicated to our search and rescue mission. Still, we have not found our girl. Many, many people have helped us in a wide assortment of ways. We are sharing what we've done and what we've learned, both in an effort to answer the inevitable "Have you tried this-or-that?" and to hopefully assist others who find themselves in the same disconcerting position. Hope has an Avid Microchip which reflects current contact information. Hope is registered with the AKC Companion Animal Recovery Program. We have thoroughly searched nearby nature areas several times, both on foot and on horseback. We canvassed a large portion of Penryn door to door, speaking with as many people as possible, and leaving fliers and business cards along the way. We have spoken with our trash collector, meter reader and UPS driver. We have posted over 75 11x17 full-color, laminated posters throughout our area, as well as 100 color and 100+ black & white 8.5x11 fliers. We post in The Sacramento Bee. We post regularly to Craigslist under both "Lost & Found" and "Pets." ANGEL Joan Daves posts to outlying Craigslist areas on our behalf (Reno, Yuba/Sutter, etc). We have contacted approximately 20 veterinarians in the surrounding areas. We have visited the four nearest animal control/shelter facilities and have excellent ongoing contacts at three of them. We have received tremendous support from our many friends in Boston Terrier rescue nationwide graciously providing postings. We have employed the following services: Karin TarQwyn, Private Investigator Jane St. Croix, Animal Communicator Petfinders Alert Note: We are neither advocating nor disputing this service. There is controversy regarding their legitimacy. They contacted us at a difficult time and we were willing to try anything. Their promise to "call all residences within a 13 mile radius" for a $100 fee turned up no leads. The following websites have proven helpful (though we looked at many more): www.dogdetective.com www.petharbor.com (of course!) Jane St. Croix is not the only clairvoyant in our lives and the insights are consistent. Hope's energy has not transformed - she is alive. There is no concept of distance, but the direction appears to be East. There is a sense that someone has tried to "settle her in" and male energy surrounds her. Older, perhaps. Hope is eight years old and has been with us since she was eight weeks old. She's never met a stranger and can't hold her licker. She is a happy being that is a joy to have around. Without a doubt, someone is enjoying her lust for life. Many friends (some we have not yet met) have shared their stories of inspiration and encourage us to keep the faith. Anything is possible. The support we are given is nothing short of incredible. We believe. She's out there. We WILL find one another. She got out of our yard and she can do it again.

		Additional Photos




	David Woods Bartley 2000

I never thought that I would actually find you. But here you were all along. I must confess that I was very surprised, and even shocked when I finally realized that it was you. But thinking back, it shouldn’t have been a surprise. I mean, you turned out to be everything that I hoped you were. Maybe it was because you were so obvious that I never even thought of looking in the places I ultimately found you. Rest assured, I had been given lots of advice on how and where you might be. But no one, and I mean no one, told me the truth. Then I began to think why would they all lie about something so important? But maybe they really didn’t know. Maybe only select few really know, and now I am one of the chosen few. What should I do now? Should I ring out with joy and glee and let go with this secret that I have discovered? Or should I keep quiet, and let others discover you as I have. Almost by accident. As I said, I shouldn’t have been surprised. Your name alone should have been the first clue. I mean how much more obvious could you be. A little tricky, but still obvious. Just goes to show that you have quite a sense of humor. But even missing that, I should have known you by who you were being. The usual characteristics that are associated with you are of course true, but I was surprised at just how true they are. Unconditionally loving. Come on, everyone knows that’s a phrase that’s made up, but not real. But again, when I think back about you, I realize, that’s you. No matter what I do to someone else, or what I do to you, you treat me the same. It’s like you know some special secret about me, even on my worst days. But don’t you ever get tired of being with me? And what about when I forget to take care of you, or leave you alone too long? Tell me the truth, did you bump your head, and are cursed with a case of perpetual amnesia? Or is it because you really do love me? I now think it’s the latter. And talk about appreciation! I mean even for the simple things in life. A good meal, a nice walk, and a comfortable place to sleep are like lottery winnings to you. I have never experienced gratitude like I experience from you. If there were such a thing, you would be the poster child of living with an attitude of gratitude. But most telling of all, is the fact that you miss me whenever I go away, even if it’s for a short time. To you, it’s always too long. But when I come back, what a greeting, what a celebration! Wow! And to top it off, I feel like you never want me to leave again, and that makes me feel good, like I matter. I want you to know that now that I have found you, and know who you are, that my life will never be the same again. And while you mean different things to different people, and while you don’t discriminate with your love and affection, I know in my heart that I am special to you, simply because I am me. So what will I do now? Now I will try to become more like you, and endeavor to treat others like you treat me. But I imagine that that’s your plan in the long run, to have us all treating one another like we’d like to be treated. Thank you for being you. And thank you for being in all the ordinary and the special places. For being my constant companion, best friend, and life long pal. I am so happy that you are you. I am so happy that I discovered that you, my God, are my Dog.