Her Name is Navona

Newsletter readers may recall that Scooter crossed the Rainbow Bridge in December of last year. He stayed with us until he was 13 and a half years old, and we were grateful for every minute with him. Among the hundreds of condolence emails was a recommendation for RPSM from Carolyn Griffin “when you’re ready.” I wrote myself a Post-It Note and stuck it on my desk. (Keep reading for more on RPSM and what it is.)

My note sat there for a long while, until I tentatively began searching for a new dog. I was looking for a smaller dog. I cooked Scooter’s food for several years and planned to cook for the new dog, too. Preparing food for a 40-pound dog sounded a lot more appealing than for a 65-pound dog. The prospective adoptee had to be medium sized, good with kids, comfortable being the only dog in the house, and not too much of a “fixer-upper.” I mention the real estate term because I noticed a distinct similarity between descriptions of properties for sale and descriptions of rescue dogs up for adoption. You have to read between the lines.

I would love to have had another Golden Retriever, but they’re pretty hard to find, so I decided not to constrain my search to a specific breed, sex, or age. Most of the dogs I applied for went to other families. Dogs I was approved for had issues I wasn’t sure I wanted to deal with at my age. I finally remembered the Post-It note on my desk and headed over to RPSM.

And then I saw her face.

Her name was Riley and she was rescued by Ark Animal Rescue and Adoption in LaGrange, Indiana. I inquired immediately and was able to speak with her foster dad and Ann Boyd, the Ark shelter coordinator. Riley is a friendly, 4-year-old female Husky with a congenitally short lower jaw, and crummy teeth. She weighed in at 42 pounds, liked kids, had excellent house manners, did not need to be in a house with other dogs, and preferred to be in a house without cats. She sounded like an excellent fit but was unavailable for more than a month. Why? Because she was in prison!

RPSM stands for Refurbished Pets of Southern Michigan. They take two dogs from each of several area rescues, like Ark, and they arrange for them to train at the Lakeland Correctional Facility in Coldwater, Michigan for 10 weeks. Each dog is assigned two inmates who train them in basic obedience. By time they are released from prison, they are ready to pass the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen test.  There were 14 dogs in Riley’s class. Dogs worked individually with trainers, in small groups, and large groups, too.

The timing actually worked in our favor. We had a trip to Rome coming up and we would be getting home a few days before she was paroled. During her training I requested to change Riley’s name to Navona, one of my favorite places. Her inmates got her used to her new name as part of their training.

Piazza Navona

I can’t say enough good things about both Ark and RPSM. Ann was, and continues to be, incredibly generous with her time. She shared everything Ark knew about Navona’s particular circumstances, temperament, health records, and needs. RPSM contacted all three of my references, plus our veterinarian before they asked Ann to approve us for adoption. They provided weekly training reports from the prisoners which included the skills they were teaching, how Navona was progressing, and which dogs were in her play group. RPSM answered every question I asked lickety-split. They seem to have thought of everything. I received lots of information on continuing education for Navona, illustrations of the hand signals she learned along with the verbal commands, and tips on how to make the transition from prison to home as easy as possible. They even sent Navona home with a towel with her trainers’ scent on it to put in her crate so she would be comforted by their “presence.”

Navona in the car on the way home from prison.

Navona has been with us a little more than a month now. It took her a while to warm up to us, but she’s getting more and more comfortable every day. We are exploring pet friendly stores and eating at pet friendly restaurants together. We take two long walks and several short walks every day. She is extremely laid back for a Husky, loves her crate, shows strangers her belly, walks beautifully without pulling, and loves rabbits. Possibly for dinner. We’re working on that last one.

Ami Simms
Ami Simms Quilt Studio on Etsy.
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122 thoughts on “Her Name is Navona”

  3. She is adorable !!! Sounds like you have a winner. We went from a Golden rescue 95lbs to a mix rescue 45 lbs. We loved our Goldens but now that we are getting older our dogs need to be a bit smaller. I hope you have many happy years with Navona !

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  4. Oh, Ami, I am so happy for all of you. I understand the desire to wait for the right time and so happy that this little girl was right where you needed her to be when you were ready
    Will she be sending us updates or is she the strong, silent type? Either way, welcome Navona! Anna in IL

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  6. Congratulations for your beautiful Husky! Can’t wait to hear from her telling all about her new home and parents.

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  7. Run bunnies! Run!! 8-) She is VERY cute. I hope she also has a talent for newsletters, like Scooter did. Enjoy her! Lynn

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  15. I am so glad you found a special rescue dog. Navona sounds perfect. We had a husky growing up and he was the sweetest animal, a true gentleman. Scooter will never be forgotten but Navona will now have a great life with you. I am looking forward to hearing from her in your column.

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  16. Congratulations! Navona is gorgeous! I have heard that husky dogs can be escape artists so be aware. 😉 Good luck & enjoy your new pup. 🐾🫶

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    1. Thanks for the kind words. I actually found a de-matting tool that takes the undercoat out but doesn’t harm the top coat. First time she blows her coat will be an education for sure.

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  21. Ami – I am sorry to hear about sweet Scooter.  A hole in your heart to be sure.  I’m not a quilter (but I will finish that crazy quilt vest one of these days — after all, it’s only been 12 years since I started it) but a very good friend of mine is and she would forward me your emails and I  got hooked on Scooter’s updates. I have always had black dogs; the older I became, the bigger they got.  When our Elkhound/Lab mix passed in 2001, it took several years for me to be able to open my heart to another dog.  I was 54 by then, and really didn’t want to subject myself to house-training and chewed up shoes.  So in 2004 we adopted our first rescue, an older full (mostly I think) Labrador Retriever.  My husband was still working, but I was unemployed and depressed.  It was love at first sight for both of us (his “grin” scared other people, but made me laugh — the more I laughed, the more he grinned).  Because of him I got a bumper sticker that said “Who Rescued Who?”  I prefaced every touch, every words with his new name Dooley.  In 24 hours he answered to his new name.  He and the following 2 Lab rescues weighed in a 80-90 lbs.  Between my age and my arthritis, large dogs were becoming too much for me.  I kept saying I want a miniature Lab.  In 2018 we found one; Jax is a Lab mix (we think the other half is whirling dervish – so much so we contemplated changing his name to Tigger!) who tops out a 55 in the winter.  He isn’t a cuddler like all my other dogs, but he is very smart, funny — and very protective of me, especially since my husband passed away. All these words are my way of saying GOOD FOR YOU AMI for opening your heart and home to a dog in need.  I have heard so many good things about the various prison dog rehab projects.  It’s a win-win-win situation for the men and women, the dog, and the new family.  Good luck to you all!  

    And please give Navona a scritch by her tail for me! Roz Long PS – I look forward to hearing from Navona

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  22. I love your e-mails and your new addition to your family. I have heard wonderful things about the “prison systems” idea. good for everyone involved. I have learned so much from your quilting ideas. Thanks for sharing

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  24. Nice to meet you, Navona. I’m so happy you were re-homed with Ms Ami. I am looking forward to learning more about you!

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  25. Ami, I am so glad to read this email. Congratulations on Navona!! I am delighted you have a new love (after your husband of course). Enjoy each and every minute. When it gets cold and snows maybe she can be your sled dog?

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    1. Thanks for the lovely words. I had thought about the sledding thing, but I don’t think they have breaks, do they?

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  27. I think it is wonderful that you have a great new dog. I just had to have my little cat put to sleep and am missing her so much. She had been my companion since Ronnie died so I am having a very hard time. Maybe one day I will be able to get another one.
    Hugs,
    JoNell

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    1. I’m so sorry, JoNell. I didn’t realize Ron had passed away. My condolences. And now the cat. This must be a hard time for you. Sending my love.

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  28. Navona is a beautiful dog. Oh my, she has so much expression in her face. Congratulations on the newest member of your family.

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  30. Oh sorry, I called her Piazza (which would always come out pizza, I’m sure).  Joyce Drexler has named both her poodles Brighty because she could never master a new name!  Just sayin’.  What a beautiful girl.  Navona will be shortened I’m sure.  I’ll bet she’s already Navvy. So excited for you.  She sounds like a perfect fit – except for the rabbit thing. Hugs. Patti

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    1. I thought that was hysterical! I love your friend’s solution to the name problem. Yes, nicknames are already coming along. We sometimes call her Vona.

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  33. Congratulations on your new furbaby and creativity “consultant”. Here’s hoping for MANY happy days together. Navona is a beauty! Carole Bono

    Sent from my T-Mobile 5G Device Get Outlook for Androidhttps://aka.ms/AAb9ysg ________________________________

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  34. I’ve thought about Scooter over the years and wondered how he was doing.  Sorry to hear you lost him las December  Navona is beautiful!  I’m so happy you found her.  She appears to be the perfect dog.  My daughter also has a black lab trained by prisoners in Lincoln, Nebraska.  She is two years old and also the perfect dog.  My husband and I dog sit her on days my daughter has to work late.  Brixley runs into our house on those days and gives John and I hugs and kisses.  And expects treats in return.  She is always rewarded.   I lost my last Doxie Bailey two and a half years ago. I desperately want another Doxie but John not so much.  I’m still hoping he changes his  mind Best wishesSandy Ruffino

    Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone

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  35. My friend had 5 golden retrievers for sale, sold 2 and now has adopted the last 3 for a total of 5 dogs. Good luck with your new dog and so happy that you adopted a non wanted dog!!

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  36. Welcome to the family Navona!! So nice to have another furry friend to receive emails from! Have fun with Mom and I look forward to hearing from you again!

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  37. Ami, So happy for you, and especially Navona — she looks like a real sweetheart and betting you are training her to fit right in!  The prison program sounds like a perfect match for the rescue dogs, and inmates. Navona couldn’t have found a better home -She is beautiful, Congratulations!  jean in NE

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  38. Oh Ami, I am so sorry to hear that Scooter passed. I looked forward to his blogs – they always made me laugh. Navona is beautiful and couldn’t have gone to a better home. What a wonderful idea to have inmates training before releasing the dog to a permanent home. It sounds like Navona is putting you to a test with very selective hearing; after all I assume her trainers were male and we are familiar with their selective hearing. Lol. Looking forward to posts from Navona as soon as she learns to write.

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  39. Congratulations on your new canine companion! What a Beautiful Girl! Best Wishes with all your new adventures!

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  40. I am so happy for you. It is so hard to get over the lose of your baby, but you know he would want you to have another loving dog in your life.

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  41. What a beautiful dog; oh my, I can see how you could not resist her. I am busy quilting–sometimes rescueing unfinished quilts, poorly constructed ones, and most of these from relatives of deceased quilters. What a challenge it is, but the family is always grateful. Check out the Capital City Quilt Guild for info on the October quilt show to be held at the county fair grounds in Mason. Jackie

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  42. Aw I somehow missed Scooters crossing. My deepest condolences. And bravo that you have a new furry friend to love. I love the prison training programs and think they help in so many directions. Congratulations on your new addition. Love ya, Jenny

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    1. Thanks for your condolences. I still miss him, but we are thrilled to have Navona. The RPSM program is win-win for sure.

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  43. Love hearing about the new dog. For some reason I have not gotten a catch-up for many moons…maybe you are using an old list? I’ve been on it since the last century. (Really!)

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  45. Mazal tov! Great to have a new friend. Our puppy is a year old and the neighbors are still calling her by her predecessor’s name. Sometimes the one before that! We are westie people and are glad we chose this breed. Stubborn? Don’t be silly!

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  46. Congratulations on your newest family member. Looking forward to your newsletters as always. She is a lovely pup!

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  48. Congratulations!! In time I hopes she learns to write as beautiful as Scooter did. Good luck with the rabbits.

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  51. Just was thinking about Scooter recently, when his birthday popped up on Facebook. I remember when you wrote about his passing. I’m happy for you to have a new “fur child” to love. Navona is beautiful, and I immediately thought you might call her Vona, for short–and I read that you have done that already! (Any more grands yet? We had our first great-grand in January!)

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  54. Congrats Ami! We will all miss Scooter and his shenanigans. Navona is beautiful and I’m sure will fit right in. You have always been blessed with companions that have a great sense of humor. I think you both are lucky girls.

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  55. I can’t tell you how pleased I was to find you have a new doggie to help with your newsletters! We’ve all missed Scooter and his sewing insights, but it won’t take long for Navona to pick up on all the things we quilters and sewers want to read about and or buy from mom. Thank you also for giving people such detailed information on RPSM. What a wonderful program! I know of some ladies from our local animal shelter (in MI) who have taken shelter dogs into this program for training. It’s a great way to get the dogs ready for living with a family and it helps the prisoners to gain confidence with their success as well as enjoy the comfort and love from a temporary, furry companion. Win/win for everyone! Happy tails/tales ahead….. thank you for the update on your new family member.

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    1. Thanks so much for your comment. Yes, it’s a wonderful program. Win/Win indeed. I appreciate your kind words and good wishes.

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  56. I know you can’t really replace Scooter but I’m so glad you found a companion. My dog is twelve so I’m facing the same loss. I will also adopt. Life is too short not to have a dog in it. Good luck with your new friend.

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  57. Does she “talk?” What Huskies I’ve been around do. Such a beautiful lady. I’ve heard of prisoners working with dogs and horses. So happy you found both! She’s beautiful.

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    1. She does talk! No howling, but she has certain barks for different things. She also rumbles and growls. Thanks so much for writing.

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  58. Welcome to Navona! Always glad to hear from you, Ami! We are going to be in Rome in September and will go find Navona’s own fountain in Navona Piazza!! My jumping into fountain days are long past but will enjoy a treat in her name!

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    1. When you get to Piazza Navona and you see all the restaurants around the edge, and if you feel like food with a view, try Ristorante Bernini. Face the church and walk to the right, just past the last fountain. It’s right before the short side of the oval. You’ll pay a little more for the view,but the food is good (try the Amatriciana) and the view is wonderful. We don’t normally go to “tourist” restaurants, but this is one of our exceptions.

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      1. Thank you for the restaurant tip and the good directions! I hope we can eat there!! Sounds like a fun idea!!

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  59. Congratulations! We’ve adopted 2 different Alaskan Malamutes over the past 10 years (120 lbs & 93 lbs). I wish the 2nd one had gone to obedience school. Instead, her previous owner was the one that went to prison (why she was rescued and adopted). BTW, I am going thru my friends quilting stash (estate) and came across one of your books that I hadn’t seen before (a signed copy). I kept that one for myself.

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    1. Thanks for the congratulations on Navona. That’s very nice of you to go through your friend’s estate. Happy you kept my book for yourself. :)

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