Hannah's brief biography

Hannah was a black Irish Setter (Setter mixed with black lab) She won people's heart with her big, brown, eyes; long, proud neck; wide head; silky, black, shiny fur with deep red highlights, feet like furry black slippers, and gentle ways. Even though most of her history was unknown, and her abuse surmised by her reactions to many things when she first came to share her life with us, she was gentle and loving with children of all ages, and was loved by them. My only regret is that her fear of cameras never subsided enough to allow me to get a photo of her that adequately shows her beauty.

Hannah came to live with me at about six years old, after showing up on the front yard of the parents of a fellow teacher from my school. There she might have remained, if it weren't for the fact that she continually protected their house from the mail lady with much dedication and determination, making it impossible for them to receive their mail. I agreed to find her a home, and I did, with me. It was obvious that she had been mistreated. Over time trust grew, and we developed a profound, loving bond. Both Hannah and I became healthier, more secure, and happier.

Hannah tells the children

Hannah's Story. A letter from Hannah about the truth of who you really are

This is the title of a children's book I have written to encourage the animal/human bond, and empower children.

This book is the first in a series I am writing with two interconnected purposes.

The first is to teach what I know to be the truth about animals: They are not "lower" less evolved species. They are intelligent, feeling beings with their own unique purpose, talents, and powers. They are essential to human identity and well-being. They teach us what is truly important, and the truth of our own goodness.

The second purpose is to teach children the truth about themselves: Children are not "unknowing" beings that are supposed to aspire to set, pre-etermined, outside standards by which they can be deemed good, or bad, according to the success with which thy conform. They only real truth is that are intrinsically good, loving, and capable. They were born knowing how to do things right, knowing what is truly iportant. They are supposed to love being alive, and be secure in their own value and uniqueness.

This is the seed of truth I want to plant in the minds and hearts of children, and I believe that bonding with animals is one of the most powerful ways that can happen.

This book is also for anyone, who at anytime, for any reason, believes they are less than the valuable, worthy being they really are.

Excerpts:

Hannah begins by telling the children,

“I would love to share the story of my life with you, because I have something very important to tell you about you.

You know what? I am a good dog, a very good dog, a special dog, but I didn't always remember that. Do you know why? Because I was with people who did things that hurt me and frightened me. They pushed me away when all I wanted to do was love them and be happy. They yelled at me, and told me it was because I was bad and wrong. I began to believe that I really could be bad, unlovable, and wrong.

Then something wonderful happened, and I remembered the real truth. I remembered that I am a good dog, a beautiful, loving dog. I remembered that I do know how to do things right, that I make an important difference in this world, and most important of all, I am supposed to feel happy. I am supposed to mostly love being alive. That is the way it was always meant to be. I want you to know that all of this is true about each and every one of you as well.
So, let me tell you my story so I can help you know how good you really are.”
This is what Hannah says about when she was a tiny puppy and being separated from her mother:
“This time it was a wise, loving message I saw in those gentle eyes, to always remember my own goodness, and to know how beautiful and important all living beings truly are. I understood that my mother and I would always be connected through love.”
The following is an observations Hannah makes about people:
“ We dogs have a way of knowing things without actually seeing them or hearing them. We feel them inside. People know things by feeling them inside the same way we do, but they usually talk a lot with their mouths, and inside their heads, so they don't notice.”

Hannah makes the following observation about her new human:

"She never hit us, or punished us, because she knew that hurting another never makes things better for anyone."

And she explains to the children:

"Everyone gets sick, and everyone has accidents, whether they walk on four legs, or two legs. Everyone is still good."

(copyrighted by Linda Fields 2008)