The joys of fostering

The easy thing about fostering is that you get to meet some great dogs who really appreciate and need some help.  The difficult thing about fostering is that, if it works like it should, they find someone else to love them and they leave you.


My first foster was Bernie, the very scared and anti-social Pomeranian who came from a hoarder and possibly a puppy mill via Happily Ever After.  After 3+ months, I decided to hold Bernie on my lap, despite his protests, extending the time each day.  He put up with the "holding sessions" but didn't like them much, except for the treats that followed.  Then one day, he jumped up on my lap without any provocation.  That was the day I knew he was destined for a forever home and he now lives happily with the Briggs family where he is considered to be their "lap dog".

Bernie on his way to his new home

Next came Princess, who was surrendered by an elderly man's family when he went to a nursing home.  Princess is still with us.  She's deaf and elderly and sometimes a pretty crabby old lady who startles easily, but underneath there's a sweet, gangly old gal who needs love just like we all do.  I have become pretty attached to my first "girlfriend" who I call Princess Maxine after the Hallmark card lady Maxine.  She's been here since early summer and she helped me get through the loss of my little sweetheart Zacy.  Right now her forever home is my home and she can stay as long as she needs us.

Princess Smiling for the Camera

Note:  Princess is now an official adoptee...guess where?  Ok, after a year and a half I could not imagine surrendering her an anyone else.  I'm her mom now.  She is so sweet.

Benni came on the heels of Gizmo, the bichon mix, who didn't get along well with Princess.  I had to send him back to HEA.   It was just one of those doggie dislikes that I never understood, but she was here first.  Benni stole my heart totally and I knew giving him up would be tough.  Enter Pat and Ron who live a few blocks away and lost their beloved dog about a year ago.  I liked them immediately and knew they loved Benni too.  He now lives with them but visits when they go away for an extended time which is often as Pat does a lot of volunteering.  We've seen him every week since he left and that's a bonus.

Benni lounging at the pool with Gizzy

Shadow came when Benni left.  She is a sweetie too who was left by her family at the vet's office when they learned she needed some expensive surgery.  Happily Ever After paid for her surgery, the removal of a benign growth on her back and a dental.  She's now in great health and a real joy to have around.  She's very submissive and Princess sometimes gets the dogs all worked up by playing the "bed troll", growling and barking at anyone who attempts to jump up.  Gizzy, my cairn, accidently bit Shadow today in a fit of craziness initiated by Princess.  That was just before I took her on a home visit.  It went well for her where she met an older woman and her truck driver hubby.  The family does not have other dogs which seems like a good fit for Shadow.  I may be having to say good bye to her soon too.

Shadow at Happily Ever After event

Note:  Shadow was adopted but a couple of months later they found she had cancer that had spread throughout her body.  She was returned (as requested when things are not working).  HEA kept her comfortable until her death surrounded by people who cared.

Although each dog who has lived here has been deeply loved, I know that each deserves the very best home and long-term relationship that can be found.  I have been fortunate to have some input about their re-homing and I have had every confidence that they will continue to have the same good treatment and affection they received from me.  I am so proud of my Bubba and Gizmo for allowing these foster dogs to have a part in our lives and our home. That is why I foster and I encourage anyone who can to experience the joys and rewards of fostering.

Bubba looking shaggy and big