The pack recently took a road trip to New Mexico. The reason for the trip was sad, but the outcome for Stripes was excellent. We quickly learned that our current foster pup is a road trip pro; content to snooze in his little chair-box as the miles went by, excited and eager to sniff and explore when we stopped.
When surrounded by all the strangeness and new things (including a Very Big Dog that desperately wanted to be his friend), the pack bonds were reinforced. Suddenly I could carry him, and put his harness on, and be generally trusted in non-couch situations.
I almost didn’t realize what a big deal it was the first time I scooped him up, and he probably didn’t either. It was just natural. Easy. And there we were.
I believe that whoever adopts this awesome little guy will have to spend a little time earning his trust. But the reward for their patience will be tremendous. This little guy is the best.
On a slightly heavier note, when we are out walking we meet many dog people who say they would be fosters but they know they will fall in love with the dog and it will be too painful to let go. Others just ask, does it hurt when they leave?
I love Stripes. He is awesome. I would happily keep him as our second dog. We are pals now! But… There are hundreds of great dogs who need to find homes right in this area. There is another home where Stripes will be given a better name and unconditional love, and he will return the joy. He can’t help it.
And that is what it means to be a foster. I will cry when he leaves, but the tears will mostly be happy ones. Another little dog will take his place here, and there will be uncertainty and frustration as we learn who this new dog is, and I will fall in love all over again.
As I type this Stripes is doing the chase-base game with Kenny. That’s new too. Kenny doesn’t understand the crisis that has put so many dogs at risk; he would vote to keep Stripes in the pack as well. But Kenny’s superpower is making friends, and we will be leaning on that superpower for a long time.
In the dog world, the phrase “foster fail” is considered a happy thing. “We took in little Ajax and we just couldn’t let go.” I would love to be a foster fail, but that ignores all the other dogs that need homes. I will do my best to remain a foster-fail failure.
But just look at this guy! He’s the best! Make me cry already!
