So I sat thinking about the whole rescue thing the other night. I remembered back to that day in October of 2006 when I received an email from a friend. “We Need Foster Homes”. There were pictures of 3 or 4 dogs on that email. They looked so sad. I thought, I already have 2 dogs - would I be insane to do this? I thought it over for a few days - and came to the decision that I would foster the German Shepherd in the email.
Well, things changed. I remember talking on the phone to someone who’s tone was weary but driven. She said that my original pick had a lot of interest from other people, and would I be willing to foster a different dog. Of course I said yes. I was willing to foster any dog if it meant they would get the chance at a life and a loving home.
They told us to be at the vet clinic at a certain time that day. When we arrived, I remember all of the people, the craziness, the dogs. I waited for what seemed like an eternity. Finally, after it had gotten dark - I brought my foster girl into the clinic for her bath and check up. I finally met the people behind the weary voices on the phone. We loaded our scared, thin pup into the car and went home.
I was tired. I was annoyed that we had to wait that long. I was wondering just what the heck I had gotten myself into.
Nearly a year later, I have fostered a dozen dogs. I am also on the other side of the fence this time. I’m the one helping with the baths, the feeding, the adoptions, rounding up help from volunteers.
So when I sat here the other night, and remembered how I felt the day I arrived to get my first foster pup, and knowing what I do now - I understood.
This isn’t an easy job. Coordinating transports (which I don’t do), bringing dogs here, doing everything it takes to get them ready to go to their foster homes, arranging meetings with people, finding volunteers and new foster homes, doing adoption events and home visits - along with the countless other little things that all add up to a lot of extra time spent in the end.
If I could ask one thing of anyone who is considering helping in any way, or is considering adopting one of our dogs - it is to PLEASE be patient. We really do the best we can with the limited amount of help we have. Things don’t always go as planned and sometimes we need to change plans.
I’ve told you this long story because I want people to understand that I’ve been there. I know what it’s like on both sides. In the end, everyone wants the exact same thing… To save a life and give a pup a wonderful home.