Where Are They Now? A Hoarding Case Re-Visited; Part Six, The Story of Sweet Sami

A little more than two years ago, HSTJ responded to a hoarding case, a man was found to be hoarding 157 dogs in two locations of Tijuana. (a link to the article is below). As a result of mass publicity and the help of rescue groups, 80% of these animals were adopted out. However, the conditions of the animals that remained were horrible. HSTJ arrived to conduct a street clinic on these remaining animals, but as volunteers started processing the animals and treating them, we slowly realized that we could not just leave them there, we had to do something. Within an hour, we had found a property where we could temporarily house the remaining dogs, a huge undertaking for an organization of such meager resources, but the volunteers were strong, resourceful and determined. I don't think we realized how much work would have to be put into this project but in the end it was well worth the blood, sweat and tears.

Read the full story here: http://friendsofhumanesocietydetijuana.blogspot.com/2009/02/hstj-responds-to-needs-of-animals-of.html

I have decided to re-visit this story and follow up with as many of the owners of the rescued hoarding dogs, so that their amazing stories can be shared and live on forever.
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The Story of Sweet Sami

My sweet little Sami (formally known as Lola) was one of the many little angels rescued from a hoarding case in Tijuana a little over two years ago now. I ended up being the lucky one to adopt her with the thanks of my co-worker Joline, (who happened to be last months “Where are they now” feature story) who introduced me to this organization.


It started like this, Joline was going to the Solana Beach adoption event at Muttropolis put on by the Friends of the Humane Society de TJ to see about adopting a dog she had her eye on for quite some time. I was not actively looking for a four legged companion but I thought I would support her and it sounded like fun so I went with my 3 children. Little did I know how much that event would change my life and family size.

When we first arrived we saw Joline, her first dog Frigga and her son and girlfriend (they ended up adopting a dog at this event too). Joline had Frigga and Gypsy trying to see if they were a good match together, which they were and are now one big happy family.

After saying hello, I walked over to where the other dogs and cats were which were looking for a home. That is where I saw the most adorable, sweet faced, Beagle mix that just looked like she needed a hug. I asked about her and they told me her name was Lola. I was hooked after that, and so were the kids. We sat with her and pet her and tried to get her to relax a little. You can tell that she was very timid and hesitant about people and the crowd. It seemed that everyone who saw her just instantly fell in love with her but no one was adopting her. Well since I was not “actively looking” to get a dog I ended up dragging my begging and pleading kids away after a while and telling them that a dog is a big decision and I had to talk to Daddy about it so we could not get one today. Although on the inside it was killing me to walk away from “Lola”, but I told myself if it was meant to be then I will end up with her.

Well, it was meant to be and only a few days after that event, Lola who is now named Sami became apart of our family. At first it was hard to train her because she was so scared and timid of everything but today it is like looking at a whole different pooch. Sami has a best friend named Mandy (my moms’ dog) and we call them the Trouble Twosome when they are together. They love to play around with each other like they are sisters who have grown up all their lives together. It is a wonderful site to see and I feel blessed to have Sami in my life.

It goes to show you that even if you are not looking for a new addition to your family, you should still go out and support the efforts of wonderful programs like the FHSTJ. You never know, it just might change your life forever! Thanks to all of the wonderful helpers and volunteers of the Friends of the Humane Society de Tijuana. Without you, I would not have had the pleasure of little Sami in my life!

Take care- Jenn 