We're Grandparents! Of sextuplets!

The blessed event took place last Wednesday.Trapper and Jessie are the proud parents of six wriggling baby Beagles.When Jessie's master, Dave Albright, called at 10:30 p.m. to give Harry an update, he couldn't tell how many of the tri-color pups are girls and boys yet.As master of the daddy, Harry has the option of one of the pups. He's on the fence about whether to get another male or try a female. His fellow Beaglers and hunting buds advise that females are better. But he's torn because he can't imagine a hunting dog better than Trapper, who is a male.We've been having some fun trying to come up with names for the new pup. I think Harry's going to wait until he has a chance to meet the youngsters. He's hoping one will stand out and he'll know his puppy and the right name will automatically come to him.I personally can't wait to meet my new grandbabies! I'm already planning this year's Christmas card.I'll keep you all posted.***Talking about puppies, I thought I'd give you an update on six-month old Hannah, the American bulldog who was rescued from a puppy mill by Waggin' Tails Pet Rescue of Brodheadsville, a no-kill nonprofit rescue shelter. At only a few weeks old, Hannah had to have her left hind leg amputated and developed issues with her remaining hind leg.She has been lovingly in the care of vice president of Waggin' Tails, Suzi Gilbert, who has been keeping Hannah fans posted through emails on her progress.University of Pennsylvania vets determined Hannah had traumatic injury to her other hind leg. The joint and femur in her leg were totally opposite of the way they should be-retroversed. Experimental surgery was the only course of action. "Everyone who meets her just loves her. I really feel that Hannah has a mission on this earth and I have to see that she's here to complete it," said Suzi before the surgery.On June 18 Hannah underwent six hours of surgery. They cut the bones off and inserted a four-inch metal plate which the bones were bolted to. They rotated them a full 60 degrees to get them in proper alignment, so the bones will grow correctly around the plate and allow her use of her leg. They couldn't cast or splint it because the plate is up so high.On June 19, Hannah was discharged, restricted from doing anything but standing for the next six weeks, being extremely careful the first three weeks as the bone wouldn't start to grow until after that period. The only thing holding her leg together is the metal plate. Which means Suzi has to be on duty 24/7 to be sure she doesn't move on it wrong."Even all the vets at Penn said that Hannah is a very special puppy. She definitely has a purpose on this earth."July 9 she had her stitches out and her first physical therapy treatment, involving some range of motion adjustments by the therapist and time in the water tank, at least three times a day at home as well.Hannah gets around by sliding on her butt, developing sores on her stump. There is concern of infection, going directly into her bloodstream and kill her. She is on antibiotics to help prevent it. Suzi had the job of finding something to cover and protect her stump."You wouldn't believe how hard it is to find something that will stay on a very active puppy with only three legs."She tried several things but nothing worked. She got the pants that dogs wear when they are in heat, sewed the one leg hole shut to cover the stump, added suspenders, runs them through Hannah's collar and clips them to her pants."Ah, necessity is the mother of invention. I'm quite worried about her but I must say that she does look comical, like a little Amish boy. If you're wondering why I just didn't confine her to a crate or a playpen I actually did both. She just sat in the center and did her sit and spin routine which puts all her weight on her stump so that wasn't the answer either. She's a very smart and determined little girl, which is the reason she is still with us. Please keep her in your prayers."Waggin' Tails, a no-kill nonprofit rescue shelter, depends on donations. Suzi says with the therapy needed, she's going to be fundraising for quite a while."The students at Pleasant Valley Intermediate School and their wonderful teacher Ms. Sue Featro have been incredible. They love Hannah and have done so much to help her. They are going to help me plan some fundraisers in July when Hannah is hopefully allowed to be out."Fundraisers: Bake sale and lemonade stand Sunday, July 18, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Country Junction; Saturday, July 24, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Pet Supplies Plus, Stroudsburg, pet pictures; Bake sale Saturday, July 31, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Pet Supplies Plus, Stroudsburg. Hannah will be there."I want to thank each and every one of you," says Suzi in her last email. "You have generously donated time, money and love to help my little Hannah. I can't even begin to tell you how very much I appreciate it. They say 'sometimes it takes a village' and in this instance I guess that is the case. From the bottom of my heart - thank you all. She really is so worth it!"