This post is in partnership with Universal Pictures’ new film, A Dog’s Purpose.
Ahhh, our Hannah girl! Isn’t she a beauty!? We love this furball so much.
We’ve always had dogs growing up. We had 2 Boston Terriers when Hannah came with my husband’s new promotion: K9 Sergeant. Secretly, I was terrified we were bringing a killer dog into our home. She was to live with us permanently. The former sergeant said we’ll quickly adapt to life with a police dog and not to worry, she’ll be sleeping in our kid’s beds in no time. I thought “that dog isn’t leaving the kennel, she’s rewarded for biting! I have 4 kids to protect.” The first day here, I was happy to learn my fears were unnecessary. In fact, she was so darn social that my husband started to worry we were going to undo her extensive training with how much she was like a pet at home.
She loves belly rubs, going on walks with the family, playing fetch, watching out the window anytime my husband leaves in anticipation for her “dad” to get home, giving me hugs when I ask for them, laying on the couch with me while I blog late at night and sure enough, sneaking into my son’s bed when she thinks we’re not looking. She’s got a mean bite and is 100% obedient but more than anything, she’s the best dog we’ve ever had the privilege to care for. And I’m anxiously awaiting the day she officially retires so I can truly call her MY dog too.
Every dog happens for a reason. Hannah has changed our lives in the past year of having her in our home. Inspired by the new film, A Dog’s Purpose and how our lovable pets make an impact on our life, I interiewedinterviewed my husband about Hannah’s purpose in his job and wasn’t surprised at how quickly his facts turned to feelings about this sweet girl. From my husband’s mouth:
Have a working dog is different than having a pet. They’ve already been raised and trained before you meet them. Each dog is brought up in different circumstances of just enjoying being a puppy so you’re not sure what you’re going to get. I got Hannah when she was already 3.5 years old and I was brand new to the K9 Unit as a sergeant, nonetheless. She came from Holland and therefore understood their commands and I didn’t speak Dutch. Inside, I worried at the big responsibility ahead, unsure if I was capable of keeping up the training of this finely tuned animal.
My first taste of having a police dog was diving right into a six week training with Hannah. We were in a different state, away from my wife and kids, alone in a hotel room. At first I was annoyed that she was there all the time, vying for attention, constantly at my side. But as I got to work alongside her, I could see a sparkle in her eyes when we went to the drills. I could see her saying, “Oh yay, I get to work with Dad!” I learned to see that excitement and jump in her step when we got to drive to the training facility and work each day. My former sergeant was correct when he said, “She needs to have more fun at work than she does at home”. This girl loves to work.
Soon I realized the bond between the two of us was just as important as the upkeep in training. Hannah was unique, I could tell that the first time I met her. Some of the dogs on my unit aren’t social and prefer to retreat to their kennel after their work day is over. Hannah was different, she was hard working but very social.
Having a dog working alongside you creates a special bond that is hard to replicate. I would call myself a dog person before Hannah come into my life but I have never been this close with a dog before. I’ve never imaged having a dog as a partner would be so enjoyable. There are good times and frustrating times, just like any partnership. That is the joy of working and learning together. Every dog has their own special personality but she has a special soul, I love her.
If you haven’t seen the trailer for the film, take a moment to watch it now:
We can’t wait to see A Dog’s Purpose, in theatres this weekend. It’s based on the beloved bestselling novel by W. Bruce Cameron, A Dog’s Purpose and shares the soulful and surprising story of one devoted dog who finds the meaning of his own existence through the lives of the humans he teaches to laugh and love. I already cried just watching the trailer, we are so excited to see it as a family!
We’d love to see your dog, recreate the movie poster using a photo of your furry friend & share using #MyDogsPurpose. Get started now: https://unvrs.al/ADPPoster.
Big thanks to A DOG’S PURPOSE for letting us share our story about Miss Hannah by sponsoring today’s post. As always, all opinions are our own. Keep up with the film on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
I think it’s fantastic that you folks are working with a K-9. She’s a beautiful dog. And I am looking forward to seeing the movie, too…I already have a super-huge box of tissues reserved 🙂
Oh thank you, she is truly a part of our family and a hard worker… she earns her keep. 😉 We are seeing it this weekend and are packing tissues as well! Hope you like the show! Thanks for stopping by!!
An update for you…truly one of the best movies we’ve seen as a family in ages. No filth or trash, very family friendly and YES, I went through MANY tissues!
Your story is beautiful! Your Hannah Amazing! Being an airforce brat I moved a lot as a kid. The only thing that kept me going were my dogs. Dopey was a beautiful white Shepherd mix who was very special. When I lost her I lost my best friend and at 14 that is very, very hard. I am now in my 50’s and for the first time since, again have a furry best friend…a German Shepherd named Nymeria. Like you a lot of people are initially fearful of her size and that mouth full of very sharp teeth! ???? That is until they see her with my 7 grandbabies and they are crawling all over her! She brings so much joy to our family and just like your Hannah would literally lay down her life for one of her “pack”. I don’t know if dogs are reincarnated but as a Christian I believe that when I get to heaven my fur babies that have gone before me will be waiting with wagging tails and doggy grins!
I love this, Deborah!! So true…we are Christians as well and are already banking on Hannah being apart of our eternal family!! <3 So glad you've found happiness with Nymeria! xoxo
Oh my goodness – she’s just gorgeous & the bond you’ve shared is so touching!! I’d love to create a special collar for her for when she retires or for home time now – feel free to connect with me via the shop over at http://www.AdoredPup.etsy.com & we’ll get you hooked up – it will be my honor!!
What a wonderful story and a peek into what few of us know anything about. Thank you for sharing at Celebrate Your Story, and I will say a prayer that your husband always stays safe from harm as he goes about his job, protecting the public!
My dog, Scooter, decided to write his own message.
The World According to Scooter
http://getmetothecountry.blogspot.com/2017/01/the-world-according-to-scooter.html
<3
We have an Alsatian too called Miska she is such a wonderful house dog as well as being a great guard dog ! I love the story of Hannah what a gorgeous dog she is.
Alsatian’s are gorgeous, love her name too!
She’s so beautiful and really looks like such a sweet dog to have around your kids, but I can see how at first you were a bit sceptical about that! I grew up with a German Shepard and she was the sweetest… unfortunately we don’t have a dog right now, but two bunnies and we love them so much! I can’t wait to see that movie!! Thanks for sharing at Sweet Inspiration, have a lovely Sunday!
Oh, Hannah is so beautiful and special. Your husband’s words brought me to tears. I had a German Shephard mix and she was so sweet and smart. Right now I only have one cat but pets sure enhance our life.
What a gorgeous dog. Not only is she part of your family she is your husbands working partner. Obviously she found the right home for her. I love the picture of her cuddling up with your son on the couch. Talk about feeling safe and secure.
Hubs works away from home at camp so I have a Great Pyrenees. I thought a long time before getting a dog and now I don’t know how I could be happy without him.
I enjoyed your post very much. Its nice seeing a bit of your family. Leanna