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Mother hound has a huge heart and smile to match

As a dedicated animal rescue organization and sanctuary, IDA-Project Hope is a vital part of the community here in Mississippi, where so many animals need our help. With all the cruelty cases I deal with on a daily basis, sometimes I forget that there are many wonderful people out there who care about animals as much as we do. It was a call from one of these everyday heroes that led us to Lilian, an awesome dog who deserves an awesome guardian.

In February of 2006, Project Hope employee Jeff and I spotted a hound running across the back road to Duck Hill, Miss. She was clearly a stray who had pups somewhere, but there was no way we could follow her as she flew through one private yard after another until we completely lost sight of her. Fortunately, less than a week later, a precious woman called to say that a mother hound and her pups had taken up in and under her shed, as well as across the street from her beneath a neighbor's home.

I responded to the call and initially was able to catch a lone pup who'd been stranded at the home across from the callers. She didn't see me sneaking up on her in the bright morning sun.

Then, when I crossed the street, I saw the most delightful sight. The hound mother that Jeff and I had spotted was rolling on the ground with her other pups. As soon as they saw me they dispersed, but I was able to catch two pups by hand and then trap the others. Mom wasn't so easy to nab, but I did finally get her -- our Lilian.

Lilian had a few health problems, including a fungus covering her body that took much time to treat and a heartworm-positive diagnosis. Because of complications, she wasn't treated for heartworms until recently, but now she is doing well. When her pups were placed, she played surrogate mom to several sets of pups, loving and protecting them just as she had her own.

If ever there was a dog deserving of a good home, it's Lilian. She is a loving girl with a huge heart and a hound smile to match that cheers everyone she greets. We truly want our Lillian to get the best home in the universe, as we do all of our rescues.

What You Can Do:

• If you are interested in adopting Lilian, call me at (662) 237-0233 or email . Or pay an online visit to the other animals at Project Hope who are in need of loving guardians.
• Financially sponsor a dog, cat, pig, goat, or chicken living at Project Hope. See pictures of animals and learn how. Project Hope's Animal Sponsorship Program starts at just $25 a month.

Thank you for your support of IDA's Project Hope sanctuary. The animals and I truly appreciate it!

Doll Stanley
Director, IDA's Project Hope