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HUTCH

Age:  9 years Size: medium Activity level: medium Good With Dogs?: yes Good With Cats?:  yes	Foster Parent is Donna J   Hutch has 2 Buddies!...Nancy Wimmer and Eileen Sharkey Interested in adopting Hutch? Please check out our requirements for adoption page first, then call our Adoption hotline at (978) 443-2202
Hutch's Buddy says,

Hutch typifies the phrase, "Oldie but Goodie" He possesses the manners and dignity befitting his age, and he is friendly and gentle with dogs, cats and respectful children.

Hutch came to rescue when his owners took him to vet to be euthanized because they were moving to an assisted living facility and only small dogs were allowed. The vet refused and his vet tech who was familiar with rescue took him home and contacted a local rescuer. She took Hutch for a few days, but couldn't keep him so contacted GSRNE. Hutch had made a trek through 4 temporary homes before finally making it to his foster home, and won the hearts of each of them  with his easy-going personality.

Hutch lives to be with you, no matter what activity you’re involved in.  Pull out the car keys, and he’s putty in your hands.  Did somebody say the word ‘park’?!  Hopefully, there’s a beach there too because Hutch loves to swim.  And everybody should take a daily nature walk and have a dog like Hutch by your side, because he’s heaven to be with while trekking through the woods. 

Hutch loves to play ball and will chase it with abandon. It's like he has blinders on when he's chasing his ball.  His new owners will have to keep him safe as his love of the ball blinds him to everything else.

So far, Hutch hasn’t met a dog he didn’t like.  But he’s far more interested in his person than hanging with other dogs.  He’d do okay either with or without a canine sibling.  Recently Hutch was out with a group of other German Shepherds. Though he was the oldest one there, a passerby asked his foster mom if he "was the puppy" of the group! Hutch's love of life shines through for all to see.

Hutch loves his play things and often chooses the right toy for the right moment.  Sometimes he’ll quietly challenge you to a game of catch with his favorite ball.  At other times, he’s off to his favorite bed to curl up with Mr. Duckie or Mr. Frogger or whichever toy he picked up along the way.  And unlike the destructive nature of other dogs, Mr. Duckie and Frogger are still intact by morning!

He’s a dog that goes with the flow…fun outdoors, good foot warmer indoors.   Hutch is a dog that runs the gamut of activity level.  Indoors, he’s quietly content.  Outdoors, he’s an aspiring athlete.  But he wears down pretty quickly.  After half an hour of hard play, he’s searching for his car. Hutch has the word "buddy" written all over him. 

Hutch is very well-mannered and will be your best friend. He loves to be with people and live in a true home. He just loves being with his family whether outside or inside. Hutch is used to waiting calmly in his crate while his foster Mom is at work, and it's a good idea for him to continue having some quiet crate time each day.  For those who seek the wonderful attributes of a senior dog and would feel blessed to give this dignified guy the peaceful home he deserves, Hutch is waiting to meet you!

Hutch's Journey

"Sorry, there are NO puppies in here."





"Pssst, for some reason, despite my age, this person didn't keep on walkin'."





"So MANY new faces in my life now, and they all CARE about me."





"Like this young lady over here, who's on her best behavior for the camera."




"Come on guys, just toss it to Pappi."




"As a new prince, I even get my own special toys to play with. I'm sure Mr. Mousy is happy I have a soft gentle mouth."




"Ooops, caught in the act."



"Even princes have to learn house manners."




"But who's complaining, doesn't get much better than this, doncha' know."



"Mr. Kong ball and I have become one."




"Oh, no. I never should have dropped that ball."





"Duke, give it up bro'."




"Lovely, now I have to track down two of them."




"Look who has the ball NOW!"




"Thanks uncle Paul, I'll take it off your hands now."




"Not so quickly, Hutch. You must EARN the ball."




"Hey, I know the ball is in your pocket because I smell it in there."




"Please don't make me wait much longer, Paul. I'm just an old man, my heart can't take it."




"Psssst, a little guilt manipulation never hurt anybody, know what I mean?"




"Ahaaa! Two dogs, one ball. You're being very patient, Hutch."





"FREE!"




"Gotcha'! That's why they call me Ball King Hutch!"




"Ready for the car when you are gang, half an hour playtime is good for me."





"They say I'm living the puppyhood I never had."





"Thanks to so many generous and caring people."


 

"I can run and have fun like never before."





"And I can just be myself and still be loved."





"Mostly, though, I will love you a thousand times back. So thanks for
giving an ol' chap like me that second chance."



**************************************************

TWO LOST SOULS
by Shelly Guidotti

"Did you hear that?" the old dog shouted. They all ran to the front of their kennel doors to see if someone was coming to "pick them."

"Sorry," he said to the other dogs as his ears fell down from their perked position. "I could have sworn I heard voices saying, 'Isn't he cute? Can't we take him home with us?'"

"You must have been dreaming again old man," said the dog in the cage next to him. "Anyway, what's the big deal about getting picked ? We've all been through that routine and look where it got us." The word "home" meant little to these shelter dogs.

"Just once, I'd like to feel the warmth of a hand stroking my head," said the old dog. "I'd like to be the one who kisses the tears off a sad face. I'd like to curl up next to a fire instead of this cold concrete. It hurts my bones." He curled up and sighed as the others said, "The only place you're going to find that is in your dreams old man."

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *
Hank's wife had only been gone a year but the pain was as fresh as if time had stood still. He was an old man now, alone and longed for the comfort that he knew no other person would ever be able to give to him again. What would his life become without her by his side? Hank's cupboards were close to bare now and, although he didn't want to go out, he knew he should at least pick up the basics.

He drove slowly down the side streets for freeway driving had become too challenging. Suddenly, the car started chugging and sputtering until finally the engine quit altogether. One of the basic needs he forgot was fuel for the car! So he coasted over next to the curb, spotting a building within walking distance. Hopefully, they'd let him use their phone.

He walked into an office area and rang the bell for service but no one came. He spotted another door going outside, failing to notice the sign posted "Employees Only". As Hank walked out, he was overwhelmed by yaps, barks and insane jumping from dogs all sizes and shapes.

He then realized he had unintentionally gone to the dog shelter. Slowly he walked down the concrete aisle looking for an attendant.

Three kennels down on the right, the old dog calmly sat there. Why should the old dog get excited? No one would want him. But, he sensed a need and couldn't resist offering a kind look and a gentle wag of the tail. As Hank neared the old dog's cage, he laced his fingers through the chain link to steady his gait and the first feeling of comfort he'd remembered in over a year came from a wet nose and lick across his arthritic fingers.

Just then a voice of authority sounded, and Hank jumped. "I'm sorry sir, you aren't supposed to be in this area!" she said. Luckily Hank didn't know he had walked into the "final area" where unclaimed dogs were scheduled to be put down. There went the nudge and lick thing again. Hank looked down to the most pleading eyes he'd ever seen.

Ignoring the attendants order to leave, Hank asked if could he see the dog closer? Her demeanor changed completely and her sternness melted away. She had forced herself to be this way so she could do the part of her job she despised. She brought the old dog out and instantly the two souls -- once so lost -- found reason to hope.

Hank's cupboards were now filled, a warm fire crackled and the old dog Smiled inside as he remembered "only in your dreams." Closing his eyes he felt Hank's hand stroking his head whispering "sleep in heavenly peace".

Hutch at play

Interested in adopting this dog? Please check out our requirements for adoption page.

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    Last Updated:     03/19/2008