Who We Are

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

It Was a Dark and stormy Day...

Gather 'round, dear pups and kitty-cats. It's me, Stormy, with a story to tell you.
It was 13 years ago - a dark and stormy day - a day much like today. There was a sense of change in the air, the wind was kicking up, and a Kansas storm was blowing in across the prairie.
DSCN4233 Storms
It was a dark and stormy day...

Have you heard this one before? Because it was also a dark and Stormy day. That's right - it's my Storm-aversary!!! My Gotcha Day! Adopt-a-Storm Day!!! We have a lot of new readers, so I'm going to re-post the story of my adoption. You might want to grab a snack and a bowl of water.
By late 1996, I had been on the road a long, long time. I won't tell anyone where I came from, but I was picked up by the local Animal Control people and landed in the slammer. (The same one Zim and Dave did stints in, but at a different time.) I had been on the road so long, my paws were bloody. That's a lot of time and a lot of miles. Yes, that means I'm a Roads Scholar. (Ha roo roo roo to those of you who get the pun!) I was adopted from there by a couple who had a rather unfriendly, large, powerful dog who did not care for me. Neither one of us got any exercise ... and that's just torture for pups - especially large ones and especially Siberian Huskies! That made a bad situation worse.
DSCN4231 Storms
This next part still chokes me up...
By March (1997), the people gave up on me and tried to return me to the shelter. The people there said they couldn't take "returns" and would have had to euthanize me! They pleaded with the people (God bless them!) to please just try placing an ad in the local paper - just one ad! Please?!? Fortunately for me, they agreed - and even more fortunately for me, my dad just happened to be perusing the paper that fateful morning!
Mom made the call - the only one those people got! - and she and Dad drove out to get me. They came into the house and the man there held my collar tight, like I was an attack dog or something. I wriggled free and threw myself at the man I knew would be my new dad.
"Let's get out of here!" I gave my future mom my best "Harp Seal Look" even though I was fairly sure I'd won her over already. They told the people they wanted me (me! someone wanted ME!) and we were on our way. The lady followed us out of the house and my new mom asked me if I would like to go potty before we headed home. The other lady said, "Oh, I just had her out." Yeah, right. I shot her a look, then went potty for a long, long potty time. We got in the car and never looked back!
On the way home, we talked about a name. The other people had called me "
Storm". My new parents were going to change my name, mostly so I'd get a fresh start, but as we drove onto Fort Riley, the military installation where we lived, a Kansas storm was blowing in. A detail of soldiers was lowering the American flag at post headquarters and was putting up a "storm" flag -- a smaller, tougher version. Ha ROO! Mom and Dad took it as a sign that the name fit, but softened it a bit by mostly calling me Stormy! Now I go by either one - or Storms. I was about one and a half years old when I came home.
Many of you have seen this before, but here's an early picture of me with my great-brother Booter ('87-01).

We've already started our Storm-aversary celebration here at Ao4 HQs. Dave and I took Mom on a walk:

IMG_6011 Dave and Stormy
Happy Adopt-a-Stormy Day, Stormy!
Thanks, Dave!

Ammy and I posed for a few photos:

DSCN4240 Storm and Ammy
Ammy, let's do our 'tough girl' looks!
Got it, Storm!
(Disclaimer: Mom had really tasty treats for us and we were tired from our walks, otherwise we would not have sat and looked in the general direction of the camera!)

And later this afternoon, Zim and I will walk Mom a bit more. This is from the other day; we were looking for our kitty-cat friends!

DSCN4221 Zim and Stormy
Do you see anycat, Storm?
Not yet, Zim.

A day spent with my loving family, going on walks, getting treats, taking a few cat-naps... what could be better?!? Celebrate with us, dear friends! And try to do something special each and every day!

Tail wags,
Storms

50 comments:

  1. Happy Happy Happy Happy Happy Storm-aversary dearest Stormy!

    Jeannie and I read your wonderful Gotcha Story, and she had tear drops all over the key board, which made me feel sad too.

    But we both agreed it was Total Serendipty, you found your wonderful Forever Home on that dark and stormy day.

    In fact it was "Storm-endipty" methinks. I am way too emotional now to write a poem in your honour, I will have to wait till my emotions are in order a wee bit later!

    I am just so happy you were found, and are with kind and loving people. And bruvs and sisters too.

    lotsaluv, Marvin xxxxxxxxx

    and Jeannie xxxxxxxxxxx

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  2. Happy Storm-aversary! :) I'm sooooo glad you found such a wonderful furever home! :) Enjoy the rest of your day and make sure you get lots and lots of cookies!

    Mochi

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  3. Happy Stormaversary Storm! I casnot think of a more perfect way to celebrate your adoption day then how you just described.
    ~lickies, Ludo

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  4. Happy Storm-aversary! Oh that story was great! Beth got wet eyes reading it! Thank goodness they called! Now look at your fun and happy life! I am so happy for you! Enjoy your day!

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  5. Happy Storm-aversary!!!! W00t! Have a wonderful, wonderful day dear Stormy!!!

    Lots of Licks, Ruby

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  6. Stormy, you are awesome as well as your parents and your brothers and sister. What a great outcome from such a bad experience.

    We are so glad to hear your story, you are such a bewootiful and nice Husky. Good thing you found such a perfect place to live, Woo Woo.

    Have a great day with your great family at the AO4.

    Woos
    Remy and Flash

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  7. Happy STORM-aversary! What a special day! You have such a sweet momma and poppa for giving you your furever home! Give them lotsa licks and make sure they give you lotsa cookies!

    Wags and Woofs,
    Mack and Mia

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  8. Hey there Stormy!

    Im so pleased I stopped by to read about your wonderful "Gotcha" story! What a wonderful family you have and it made my mom all teary to hear your story after all this time of knowing you! So that makes you about 15yrs old???? (Wow!)

    Send your family lotsaluv and lotsalicks from all of us and enjoy your special day.
    MAXDOG IN SOUTH AFRICA
    ps Ammy is still as beautiful as ever!

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  9. Happy Storm Gotcha Day!!! What a wonderful story. I am so glad that your dad was reading the paper that day and your dad and mom went racing over to get you and bring you to your forever home!! I got all teared up reading that story. Celebrate and eat lots of good treats and play with your family! Lots of love, Debbie and Holly

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  10. Anonymous2:14 PM

    What a great story!

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  11. Woooo Woooo Woooos! Happy Gotcha Day to Woooooo our dear Stormy!
    May woo have many more Happy days, weeks and years.....!
    I loved woo story!
    ~puppy kisses~
    -Kira The BeaWootiful

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  12. Happy, happy, happy Storm-aversary. We have read the story before, but we love gotcha stories so much that we read it again (Roads Scholar - chuckling).

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  13. Happy StormAversary!!! What an amazing Gotcha story!! I am so glad to see woo in the Ao4!!!! Woo was meant to be there and never have fears again!

    Mya Boo Boo

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  14. Happy Storm-aversary Stormy!
    We are so very happy that your mom and dad saw that advert and Gotcha!
    You have the best forever home and lots and lots to celebrate so go party Army of Four!!!
    Martha and me will have a wee treat over here in Scotland in your honour.
    love you lots
    Bailey xxxxx

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  15. WOWOWOWOWOOOOOOO!!!!!
    HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY STORM-AVERSARY DEAR STORMY!!!!!

    awwwwwwwwwwwwww.....your Gotcha story is sooooooooooooooooo touching!!!!
    We're crying of joy for you!!!!
    Now you have a wonderful furever home and I know your family and you have been sooooooooooooooo lucky finding eachother!!!!!

    You look sooooooooooooooooooooo happy walking with your mommy and bros.....
    And you and Ammy look soooooooooooooo beautiful!!!!!!!

    Have a wonderful and great and special day with all your suoer family!!!!
    We would love to be there and celebrating with you!!!!

    WE LOVE YOUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!!
    Sweet kisses and licks!!!!

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  16. That story makes my mum cry every single times she reads it. Stormy! My mum often says you have to go through some bad stuff to get to the good bits, and I think you had your turn! Happy gotcha day, my wonderful friend!

    Huffs

    p.s. mum says to tell your mum she said to give you cookies. Lots of them.

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  17. Happy Storm-aversary! We have read your story before and we got leaky this time too. We're so glad that you have such a wonderful furever home now! Hope you have a wonderful day!

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  18. Oh what a wonderful story Stormy. we are sure glad that Dad showed up and saved you..
    Happy A-day Storm. Have a great day..

    Big Sloppy Kisses
    Gus, Louie and Callie

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  19. Happy Stormy Day! What a great story! You had to travel a long way to find your furever home.

    Slobbers,
    Mango

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  20. Wow - after that beginning, you are SO lucky to be where you are now! Good for you, Storm - you deserve it! Happy Gotcha Day!

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  21. what a cool intro and story of Stora versary..BOL
    Benny & Lily

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  22. Hi, Stormy!
    Happy Stormaversary!
    I am sure you had a pawesome day celebrating this very important day!
    Kisses and hugs
    Lorenza

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  23. Happy Storm-aversary Stormy! We are very glad that you have such a great home!!

    {{{HUGS}}}

    prrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrs and tail wags,
    Zeke, Sushi and Tiger Lily

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  24. Happy Stormaversary, dear Stormy! Got a little teary reading your story, "some people #X*!!##X!" and that's all I can say. We are so glad your peeps found you!

    a-roos to yous,
    jack a-roo & moo too

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  25. Happy Storm-aversary to the handsome Stormy !!!

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  26. Ah!! What a tale. We are sooooo glad you found this sweet forever home!!! Happy day!
    Yes, thankful every day.
    Blessings.

    Hugs and snaggle-tooth kisses,
    Sierra Rose

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  27. Happy gotcha day Stormy...You had a pretty ruff start to life...but now you have it good.

    Enjoy your day!

    Wags and Licks,
    Mollie Jo & Bobo

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  28. WOooHooo! Happy Storm-aversary to you!!!
    Have a happy happy day!!!

    Cheers,
    Maxx

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  29. Happy Storm-aversary, Storm! We are so happy that you found your perfect forever home! Enjoy your special day!

    Love ya lots,
    Maggie and Mitch

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  30. Anonymous3:41 AM

    Hey Storms,
    What a GReat story. We very most sincerely wish you a very special gotcha day anniversary. That was certainly a very special day in all of your lives. You have a GReat day.
    - TBH&K

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  31. Happy Adopt-A-Stormy Day!!! I loved hearing your adoption story. :)

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  32. YAY!! Happy Gotcha Day Storm...you really had me going with that intro. I was in for a spooky story but it was really a fairytale. ;)

    Kisses,
    Nala

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  33. I have read your story before, Stormy, but it makes my heart sing everytime I do! As a graduate of three months in the slammer, I can appreciate all of it.

    We are lucky pups, no doubt about it!

    Kisses,
    Stella

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  34. Happy Gotcha Day!!! Woo Hooo!

    Woo Wooo
    Shiloh, Shelby, & Their Mom
    GonetotheSnowDogs.blogspot.com

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  35. Sorry we didn't get by yesterday but we hope you had the BEST Storm-aversay!

    We read your story before but it still brings tears to our eyes. We are so happy you have a great home.

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  36. Dear Stormy,

    Happy Gotcha Day! Thanks for sharing your story - I'm glad it had a happy ending!

    If I ever come to Kansas, can I kiss you on the snooter? Of course, I would have tasty treats!

    Yuri and Sheba's Hu-Mom

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  37. Anonymous4:41 PM

    Happy Stormaversary to one pretty (and pretty lucky) Sibe!

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  38. Happy Stormaversary!

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  39. Stormy, what a great ending to your story! I know you would say that all that "stuff" before your met your Mom and Dad was worth it to be with such wonderful parents. You are such a beautiful girl and Mom and I are lucky to know you and your clan.
    We love you!
    Snuggles,
    Twix
    PS: We think your name is perfect!

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  40. Anonymous2:42 AM

    YOu should have warned us to get kleenex too! I LOVE that story. i can't believe how close you were to not having the life you deserve! I mean, JUST look at your face! who could resist THAT? heartless STUPID people. that's who.

    thank dawg you ended up there. and now you have 3 sibe siblings to boot. Lucky woo!

    tell your mom NEVER to give away secrets on how she gets you to pose for the camera. that way everyone thinks you are models or something. or do you make her say that because you don't want your sibe reputation (never look at the camera) ruined?

    Happy Stormy-versary! I'm so glad you have a wonderful life and i get to look at you and smile at your gorgeous face each week!

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  41. Oh - that was a wonderful story, Stormy! My human had tears in her eyes reading it. We didn't know about your back story so it was really interesting to find out about it. You were SO lucky to find your humans now and your forever home - and it's wonderful to see you looking so happy and loved.

    Happy Gotcha Day!

    Slobbers,
    Honey the Great Dane

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  42. Happy Happy Storm-aversary dear Stormy!

    Mommy could not hold back her tears as she read your story. It's amazing how you and your pawrents were brought together especially after what you went through. You are blessed with wonderful pawrents who care for you and Zimmie, Ammy and Dave. We pray for your good health and we look forward to celebrating many many happy moments with you.

    -Fudgie, Princess & the Piappies

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  43. Happy Happy Storm-aversary dear Stormy!

    Mommy could not hold back her tears as she read your story. It's amazing how you and your pawrents were brought together especially after what you went through. You are blessed with wonderful pawrents who care for you and Zimmie, Ammy and Dave. We pray for your good health and we look forward to celebrating many many happy moments with you.

    -Fudgie, Princess & the Piappies

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  44. It's hard to read a story so sad and so happy at the same time. We're very glad your real parents found you!

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  45. It was a happy day for all of us, Stormy, because we all know you now! You are a special pup indeed!

    Sam

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  46. Hope you had a lovely Stormday. Maybe I should repost my story next gotPippaday.

    Anyway, I love the tough girls pic. Beautiful.

    Pippa

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  47. Sounds like a great way to spend your Gotcha Day. We have read the story before but it has such a great ending we like reading it again :) Happy Storm-aversary!

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  48. Happy Stormaversary!! It looks like you had a great one! Lucky 13 too!

    Steve and Kat

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  49. Anonymous4:44 PM

    Oh rats (sorry Roger, not you)... we are the worst friends ever! I can't believe we missed this. SO sorry to my BFF for this. I still LOVE meow!
    Meows,
    Tia

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