Never give up

Sounds like a motivational poster, huh? Never give up! Well, sometimes I look at Herman and Hobbes and that's what comes to mind. Hobbes's previous owners were afraid he wouldn't get along with their young girls, so he had to go live in the basement and eventually outside. Herman, on the other hand, was truly neglected. He was used for breeding for most of his life, and then abandoned at the pound when he was past his reproductive prime. He'd pretty clearly never learned to do anything other than be a tool for his owner's financial gain.

But Herman and Hobbes never gave up hope. When they came into our lives, you could watch, quite literally, each of them try to readjust to life in their new homes. Both started out very shy, very standoffish, and unsure how to play. But both kept trying -- and so did we.

Eventually, both learned to play. Herman found his Corgi voice; Hobbes found his, too (his is less Corgi, though ;) ). They both use them to get attention. Both would be happy to be pet all day long. Well, all day in between feedings, that is (though both have lost weight on their diets). Most importantly, neither gave up, and now even get along with one another -- enough to hang out on the couch together (as long as there is petting involved).

Sure do love these guys. :)