This is the story line for the "compelling adoption."
Alfred Hoffman, former US Ambassador to Portugal, and his wife, Dawn, have two adopted children from Russia, Sophie and Ava. Mrs. Hoffman has worked extensively with Camp Hope, a two-week cultural and educational opportunity that brings Russian orphans from ages four to 14 to the United States for a vacation with host families and also exposure to a wider group of families considering adoption. (Note from Robin: (By the way, Camp Hope has been responsible for 98 adoptions of children from Russia. The Hoffmans understand adoption and feel the same way about it whether it is about adopting children, or their adoption of Binti. They have made a choice to love and to commit, to both their precious daughters, and now to this little Bichon pup. She could not have a better home or parents with a better philosophy on life and adoption!)
During Mr. Hoffman's Ambassadorship in Lisbon, the family had two 15 year old Bichon Frise dogs. This past year, the female Bichon was tragically killed when a staff member accidentally ran over the dog. The family was devastated, especially Sophie and Ava. (Note From Robin: One of their beloved embassy employees accidentally let one of their 15 year old Bichons out during an official function where there were many guests and a lot going on at the Embassy. Then he accidentally ran over her, backing over her leg. He was devastated, as were the Hoffmans. They rushed her to surgery which she did survive, but due to her advanced age, she began to fail and sadly, died, shortly afterwards.)
Shortly after the family moved back to the United States, Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman decided to adopt a Bichon that was in desperate need of a loving home. They wanted to teach their children that to whom much is given, much is required. They also wanted to teach their daughters the adoption process from the very beginning, just as they were adopted - that is, falling in love with a picture, a picture of someone whom they've never seen before.
After writing a letter to Small Paws Rescue, the largest Bichon Rescue in the United States, the Hoffman family fell in love with a young Bichon Frise puppy in need of a heart murmur surgery. To the Hoffmans, this new puppy has already become part of their family. In fact, they've named her "Binti", which is Swahili for daughter.
The Veterinary Cardiologist, Dr. Thaibinh Nguyenba (pronounced “Tiebin. Winbah”) will lead the surgery at MedVet, a renowned medical center for pets in Worthington, Ohio.
**NOTE: This story is contingent that the Binti will be healthy enough for travel during our shooting period. Robin Pressnall at Small Paws will call the cardiologist tomorrow to see if this is possible. "
Well, everything just sort of fell into place for the filming.
Back when the Hoffman's decided to adopt Binti, we thought she would just have her surgery and then go home to them in Florida.
Well, Binti was too small for the surgery and they had to grow her to 5 pounds before they could do it.
When I learned about this I called the Hoffman's and explained that this could take a few months, and that I knew the girls were anxious to get their puppy, and could I possibly find another puppy for them to adopt?
This is the best part. This is when Dawn told me "Oh no. We will wait on Binti. When you choose to love someone, you wait on them for however long it takes. My girls will be disappointed but they need to learn that in life, things like this happen. When you make a commitment to love, you also accept all of the things that come with it. Oh no. We will all wait on our little Binti."
That was back in May.
Just now has Binti reached a size where they were able to do the procedure and it was done last Thursday morning. She came through it with flying colors and with no leaks! YES!
The Hoffman's are now at their vacation home in Maine.
They started the filming in Ohio, to meet with the heart surgeon who did the surgery on wee Binti. Then they flew to Maine and the filming shows the first time they all meet their new puppie.
Here are 2 photos, one of the film crew working in the Hoffman's back yard, and one of the Hoffmans and Binti.
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