I have chosen to raise funds for the Animal Rescue League of NH's 2nd Annual Kennel Up Event on March 25th in memory of my dog Buddy. 

Buddy was adopted in April, 1989.   We found him at the Animal Rescue League of NH when the building was located in Goffstown, NH on Mast Road.  I distinctly remember walking into the dog kennels, having already set the size parameters of what we were looking for (toy breed, small and fluffy.) I never made it past the first kennel.  Although all the dogs were jumping up and barking loudly, the dog in that kennel just sat quietly wagging his tail eagerly and looking at me with imploring eyes.  At that moment I knew without a doubt I had found the perfect dog. 

After much pleading and begging my mom, stating my case and then meeting with Buddy, she finally caved, but worried all the way home about what my dad would say when he saw the size of the dog. (Not a toy breed!)  Her stress was made worse when my dad arrived home and Buddy wouldn't let him into the house, barking protectively at him.  As the week went on, Buddy proceded to eat nail polish on the white rug, an entire roast, all the wooden spoons in the house and a few other items.  Our first walk should have been on "Funniest Home Videos" as he shot out of the house and proceeded to drag me along behind him screaming "STOP!"

After a much-needed family meeting, we started to farm out responsibilities.  We would take turns feeding him, my mom would train him, my dad would pick up his messes and I would walk him twice a day.  Within a few weeks, we started realizing that Buddy was a diamond in the rough.  With a little training (he was a smart dog!) and daily walks, he became an incredible companion.  We were inseparable, we spent hours walking (and running) together, he slept in my room at night, and even visited me in my college dorm when I finally left for school. 

Buddy's happiest moments were spent in Pine Point, Maine, where my parents spent every weekend through the summer.  He would eat seaweed (and God only knows what else he found on the beach) and would run loose and play with all the other dogs for hours each morning.

Unfortunately, Buddy passed away at the age of 12 from cancer.  Although we lost him ten years ago, and have had other dogs since, our family still misses our Buddy, appropriately named as he quickly became everybody's buddy.

I will forever be grateful to the League for providing him with a warm and safe place to stay while looking for his new home and over the past 11 years of working here, I have seen with my own eyes, how many animals have been saved due to the efforts of the League.  Please join me in raising money to help the animals housed at the League.  In return, the League can help the families in the community find their special "Buddy."

Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!  (Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure.)