NANOOK'S STORY

Update December 2004

Nanook is the portrait boy for our website logo. At the age of ten, Nanook had to leave the woman who had loved him all of his life. Forced by declining health to move to an assisted living center, Nanook's best friend discovered Heart Bandits. Very soon this beautiful boy found a new loving home in Vermont. This is his story.

Hello,

My name is Nanook of the Northern Yukon, but everyone calls me "Noo." I was born April 21, 1990, and have been the contstant companion to Mom, Pat Verry. She needs crutches to walk, so there's a spot to hook my leash onto them, and some days, we walk a great deal. Other days when Mom can't walk, she takes me to the mall, opens the driver's door, I get out, and she holds my leash while I run beside the car. (She's had a few complaints from concerned folks, but, this is how I get my exercise!) We ride around the mall about 5 times a day and I enjoy just resting there and people watch. I sometimes get a full nap.

I was sad when Mom told me that she would have to go into an assisted living nursing home and I could not go with her. She took me over to meet Chuck Bruno, of Heart Bandits, and explained that he would help me find a new home with people that would love me just as much as she does. So, we waited a while, and finally a young woman named Susan Tuers, contacted Denise at Heart Bandits and asked about me for her parents in Vermont. After a few weeks, Mom told me that the Tuers' were going to adopt me, and I got a nice bath, brushing and special treats. Then, Chuck Bruno picked me up....and Tara WOULD NOT LET ME SIT IN THE FRONT SEAT. But, I was glad to ride in the van, and we met my new family in Vermont. I liked them right away, and while I do miss my Mom, I love my new home, and my new family so much! And, Mom, if you are reading this. I STILL DO NOT LIKE PEAS.

Nanook of the Northern Yukon

Dear Denise,

Thanks so much! My parents, as you already know, picked him up this weekend. THEY LOVE HIM ALREADY!! My mother said he is so well behaved. He didn't fuss during the 2 1/2 hour car ride. She said when she was doing her puzzle he walked up to her and starting nudging her with his paw so she would pet him. Yesterday when I called my father said that Nanook's first owner, Pat, called them and told them her story, and how she was very glad they have him. Everything has turned out wonderfully so far--Thank you! They will write a letter soon to be posted on the website. I can't thank you enough!

Susan Tuers

Here is Howard Tuers' report on a typical day with Nanook:

A new day arrives--instead of awaking to the thought "what to do today?" Nanook is here stretched out on our bedroom floor, eyes open and waggin his tail. I immediately know he wants to get up and about. He watches as I head downstairs and soon he's right along side me and looking for the cereal I choose.

While I'm stuffing my breakfast in, Nanook blurps some water, nibbles some Kibbles & Bits and returns to monitoring my eating.

Usually I brush him after combing his coat, put on his harness and walk him to Danby Four corners Grocery wher he gets tethered to thier ice machine. I get my Rutland Herald and as soon as the door opens Nanook is barking and growling at me. On the way home he inspects the various plants, flowers he might have missed going. Wish I could capture his shadow as he walks along. Guess Gary Larson's Far Side gets some ideas from this type of observation.

Nanook is an equal opportunity dog spending time with both of us. wouldn't part with him for any amount. One odd habit is eating certain broadleaf grasses that he chooses carefully. At first I thought we had adopted a goat.

His expressive eyes are most fascinating. One can understand by the look and tilting of his head a thought, unspoken but none the less communicated. We truly appreciate Nanook and will, hopefully, for many more years. I refer to him sometimes as "number 3", since he is listed III on adoption papers.