Tuesday, November 3, 2020 | NHS staff

A letter from Stephanie Randall's dog, Groot:

Hi! I am Groot (formerly Guardian) and I was adopted in July 2018 after my THIRD impound.

You may have seen me on the front page of the Midlands section of the Omaha World-Herald recently.

You may also have seen me out and about on the town, since my mom takes me everywhere she can.

I'm gaining a tiny bit of a rep because people see me online a lot. Everyone likes to take my picture, and I even have my own Instagram!

Mom was a volunteer at the shelter when I came in, and her friends in Assessment knew she loved danes. They gave her a heads-up when I wasn't claimed, but someone had already put a hold on me. Luckily for us it fell through, and I got to go home with her.

The timing was perfect. Mom closed on her house a week after she got me, so I have a nice big yard with a tall privacy fence. I love to lay in the sun and chase the squirrels back up into the trees when they get too brave.

Mom got very sick soon after she adopted me and had to spend some time in the hospital. I missed her a lot. When she came home, she had a big hurt on her tummy and a long tube that came out of her body. I was super gentle around her and did my very best to help her feel better and heal fast. I'm glad she's all better now because I've met lots of new friends when mom takes me to meetups with Omaha Gentle Giants, different places and events around town, and when we go for walks at the dog parks and lakes.

She was planning on certifying me as a therapy dog this year, but COVID happened. We still plan on doing that when things are back up and running, though! I just wanted to thank you for taking such good care of me and finding me the best home. Mom says I'm her best friend and she's so happy we found each other! Thanks to all the Animal Control Officers who kept me safe, the medical staff for taking good care of me during and after surgery, the animal care staff who kept my kennel clean and fed me, the volunteers who took me on walks and kept me company, and the adoption and front office staff for helping finalize my adoption. We love NHS and appreciate all you do for the animals in our community.

With love and appreciation,

Groot and Stephanie Randall

P.S. - Mom has also adopted seven cats over the years from NHS. Four of them are still with us, and we tried to get them to write letters of thanks as well, but you know how cats are... In truth they are all very sweet to Mom and she loves them bunches, but I'm pretty scared of them!