They say that “all good things must come to an end” and on December 23rd, 2016, “Hope” Meverden crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. She fought a good fight but lung cancer was finally the victor. For those who don’t know “Hope’s Story” let me tell you a little about this remarkable dog!
Hope came into our shelter 9 years ago. She was a small, brindle Pit Bull and her name was Miso. She, along with another dog had been kept in a cold, dark garage. The other dog would not allow Miso to eat and when she tried he would attack her. When Miso was finally rescued and brought into the Humane Society of NW IN she only weighed 20 pounds and had been severely attacked and had many serious wounds all over her body, but she had this look in her eyes... a kindness and determination that said “It’s not over… I will survive”, and indeed she did! After weeks of care she was finally ready to be adopted. We changed her name to Hope because that is what she had once she entered our shelter doors.
The Meverdens had lost their beloved pet to cancer and went on Pet Finder, “Just to look”. When Keri saw Hope’s picture she knew that she had to make Hope a part of their family. The shelter was concerned about adopting a dog so far away as Wisconsin but once we met Keri we knew that Hope would have a wonderful home. As the years went by the Meverden family had a little girl and a boy and all along the way... Hope was there. She became a trusted and beloved pet and protector.
The Meverdens, over the past years, have kept in touch with the shelter by sending us “Hope Updates." We were so saddened by the last update of Hope’s passing. She was such a good, little dog and touched more lives then she could ever realize.
Hope’s legacy will carry on. Nine years ago the shelter established, “Hope’s Fund” which over the years has helped many animals that have come into our shelter horribly abused. This fund allows us to get the medical care that the abused animals so desperately need.
Hope will continue to live on in all of the animals that she has saved through this fund. She is the “Hope” that all these animals have.
Out heart goes out to the Merverden family for their loss but knowing that Hope had a purpose and that her love will live on.