Summer of Love

by Nancy Schuessler

It must have been a sad, lonely life for Summer before being rescued. Surrendered last June by a breeder who could no longer care for her, this beautiful, two-year old purebred Labrador Retriever spent her entire life in a kennel. She had never rolled in the grass or splashed in a pool. She was shy, scared, and wary of humans at first. That soon changed under the loving care of her foster family, Rhonda Wadington and her two summer guests, Lea and Simon Blaettler.

Life took an unexpected turn for this amazing girl. Shortly after Summer arrived in foster care, we learned of eight tiny puppies who desperately needed our help. They were living outside in the sweltering summer heat, neglected by an owner who had hoped (and failed) to sell them. There were no trees, no shade, no relief. They were not yet six weeks old and much too young to leave their mother, but the situation was desperate. We needed to get them safe.

Of course, Summer adopted the entire litter. She was a wonderful Mom. (We think she had prior practice.) Throughout June, July, and August, Summer helped raise the tiny pups. It wasn’t an easy task either, because all eight puppies were sick with Parvo – a virus that can quickly turn fatal. For Lea and Simon, there were many sleepless nights providing emergency care. Sadly, one of the puppies wasn't strong enough to survive the virus. It was heartbreaking.

But miracles happen, and today, seven puppies are frisky, carefree, and living healthy lives with their new forever families. And what about Summer? Her puppies taught her a few things before they left -- how to splash in the water, play in the mud, frolic and have fun. On August 12, she was adopted by Sara and Brad Gregory -- a fairy tale ending to a Summer of Love.

Togo

"Togo" is the true, untold story of champion dogsled trainer Leonhard Seppala (Willaim Defoe) and his lead sled dog, Togo. In the winter of 1925, they embark on an adventure across the treacherous terrain of Alaska to transport life-saving medicine to a small village suffering from dyptheria.