ADOPTION | FOSTERING | VETERINARIANS | BOARDING/PET SITTING
Why I Foster
I was reminded yesterday why I foster. (Or, rather, I wondered why I foster, and then I came to an answer.) We've been fostering Xena for two weeks or so now, and seen her blossom, learn about the television and the stairs, and all that wonderful foster stuff. Yesterday, a wonderful couple came to meet her, and they fell in love with her. :)
So, last night I relinquished my little yo-yo back to our director so that she could have her vetting done in preparation to go home...and I cried half the way home. I haven't had a foster affect me that way in a while...and I thought at first it was because I wanted to keep her...but after thinking about it, I know that it wasn't that at all.
People ask
me how on earth I can foster. "How can you let them go?" There
is something so addictive about seeing that look on a person's face when
a shy foster finally walks over to him or her for a scratch on the head.
It's such a rush to see a family come to pick their dog up to take him
or her home for good. Just last week, Bogey picked his new mom and dad...and
as they were leaving for the 24-hour "thinking" period, I heard
his new dad whisper in the dog's ear, "Don't worry boy, we'll be
back to get you tomorrow. I promise!" That kind of devotion to a
pup they've just met...that's why I do it, and that's what makes me cry.
Just as I do all my fosters, I wish my Xena-Bena all the luck in the world in her new home. As I handed her off last night to Kim I whispered in her ear, "Don't worry, honey, they'll be back to get you very soon." She licked my ear and jumped into Kim's car. Tears of joy...
I also think that I foster because I am eternally grateful for my four-legged blessings, and feel obligated to do something in return for the gift of Hunk, Jeany, Bo and Profile. But, I will also always be thankful for Henry, Foxfire, Abee, Darcie, Polly, Striper, Marky, Bucky, Donny, Onyx, Dorothy, Liz, Nelly, Skitzy, Bogey, Luna, Carrie...and now, Xena.
Nancy
A. Lassiter
Anderson, SC
