Monday, April 27, 2015

Foster Guilt

Fostering an animal saves lives, no doubt. I often hear people say, "I could never foster, I would just keep them all!" or, "how can you let him go? he loves you!!" My response is, yes, it IS hard to let them go, but it's better than seeing them die, as they would have had a foster home not been available in their time of need.

I have to admit, the latter one has been getting to me lately. The "how can YOU let him go?!" as though I am re-homing a beloved pet. "It's not fair to him, you need to adopt him", another stab to the heart. Here's the thing, fostering is hard enough. Foster parents are in short supply compared to the need. It doesn't help when there are outsiders, well meaning, don't get me wrong, pushing you to adopt your foster and then giving a guilt trip when you explain why you're not adopting. (It's fostering for a reason, right?? If everyone adopted their foster dogs, we would have no fosters!)

It's especially painful when you would love to adopt your foster, when you have fallen madly, deeply in love with him but don't feel you are the right match.

I just ask others to have sensitivity to foster parents. You might see all the cute posts and pictures, but there is much more to consider when making the decision and commitment to add to the family. Trust us. We love our fosters with all of our hearts and want the best for them.

We had a meet and greet for Truman over the weekend, but it wasn't a match. I know his forever family is waiting for him. He's the most precious, loving guy ever. I have never been a small dog person, and especially not a chihuahua person, ha ha, but Truman taught me a lesson. Just as I don't want others to judge my pittie girl, I have been guilty of believing the stereo types that are known to the chihuahua breed. In my defense, I have experienced the "stereo type" many times having done rescue for 15 years, however, Truman breaks all stereotypes.

He's my little man who I love with my whole heart.
Will it be sad to see him go? It will rip my heart out. But, I am also very eager for him to move on to his "happily ever after".

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Introducing foster pup Truman

Wow, it's been awhile. I've been in a writing slump and have had zero time for updates.

Soooo...nearly 3 weeks ago, little D and I went to walk our RESCUE dogs and provide some play time. We had actually picked up another pup to bring home for a play date. When we were bringing him back to boarding, a kennel worker said, "have you met Truman yet?" We hadn't. He was newly rescued. He had not been out yet for a walk, so we said we would take him out.
Little D melted when she saw him. "My dream dog!" she exclaimed. She has been wanting a chihuahua for over three years..since she fell in love with two of them we rescued on her first "pound run" with me. They were exceptional dogs and I loved them too, but at the time, we were not in a position to add to our family.

We really enjoyed our time with the little turkey, so we decided to take him home and introduce him to Hazel, "just to see". I was warned from another volunteer that he had growled and snipped at a bigger dog the day he was rescued, but that is such a stressful time for a pup so we thought we would try.

I warned D that we may be in and out in just a few minutes. Because Truman is so small, I held him as we walked into our house. Typically I handle introductions quite differently, but something told me this was the way to to go given his size. I knew Hazel would be ok and take cues from me, but after having another (very bossy) chihuahua over recently, was fully expecting Truman to growl and or/bark his little head off. Instead, I was greeted with interest from Hazel, but not too pushy as she typically is, and a very happy wagging tail from Truman who was trying to get out of my arms to meet Hazel. I put Hazel on a leash and let him down to explore. I was getting soft, playful body language from both. I kept the leash on Hazel, and the below video was taken within 5 minutes of them meeting.

Hands down the easiest introduction I have ever done! I have never had a symbiotic relationship with Hazel and another dog so quickly. She is typically a little rude in her approach, and plays rough with most dogs. Needless to day, she surprised me and has continued to do so since we've had him.



Seriously..Just under 7 pounds though I know he has gained some needed weight now. I have no experience with tiny little dogs.

My, what big teeth you have!

He was going to work with me full time the first 2 weeks we had him. In our third week, we are alternating between staying at home with Foster daddy, or going to work with me for a half day, and then back home with foster dad and Hazel.


Truman is looking for an amaaaazing home to call his very own...if you know anyone, send them our way!