“I’m getting TWO of Daisy’s litter mates Saturday night until Monday!  Would be so adorable to meet up and get the puppies together to play.”  That was the text I received from a good friend of mine and fellow foster-mom/dog owner, Sarah.  Of course, I immediately responded and plans were made to reunite Daisy and two of her siblings.

On Sunday, I excitedly took Daisy to meet her siblings at Sarah’s home.  I expected a joyful reunion, with pups jumping up and down with glee that they are reunited again.  Boy was I wrong, Daisy’s siblings, Ruby and Penny, we’re snuggled together sleeping, Daisy laid down and ignored them.  Sarah and I were puzzled, she also expected the pups to be much more excited about being together again.

Sarah and I decided to leave the puppy pen and go to the kitchen to have a coffee and watch the pups from there.  It wasn’t long after Sarah and I left the puppy pen that the siblings started interacting together.

After a few minutes of the pups getting reacquainted, Sarah and I decided to move the party outside.  The three siblings ran and wrestled and had so much fun with another.  It was such a special moment.

And just when I thought the day couldn’t get any better, later that afternoon I received a message that an acquaintance of mine, Casey, had been approved to adopt Daisy!  My sweet girl will be leaving this week to go to her forever home.

Daisy’s siblings are also adoptable through http://www.hsdr.org.

She’s 12 weeks old and adorable!  But then again, what puppy isn’t?!  Daisy is my foster from Turks & Caicos, I am taking care of her for the Humane Society of Durham Region  (www.hsdr.org).

I have to admit, I was not looking forward to Daisy’s arrival, puppies are exhausting and although I have rescued puppies of my own, I had never fostered a pup.  I expected it to be a challenge, I expected the pup to cry all night, to potty everywhere and I thought she would torment Flipflop and Dahlia.

When Daisy arrived, I did my usual introduction to Flipflop and Dahlia.  Since she was so young and small, there was very little interest in her by my dogs.  Even when we went upstairs to my place, Flipflop grumbled a bit, Dahlia didn’t care the puppy was there and Daisy was interested in exploring her new place.  It was very uneventful.

It was very late so I put Daisy in her crate and went to bed. That is when the temper tantrum started, Daisy was not impressed. Realizing it was 1 am and my neighbours would not appreciate hearing this screaming dog, I broke my own rule and took her out of the crate.  I took the small pup to my bed and we all slept soundly until Flipflop decided it was time to get up 6 hours later.

The next day went very well, Daisy is a sponge, watching and learning from Flipflop and Dahlia.  Daisy tries to play with them, but they are so much larger than she is, she’s often overlooked or gets knocked over.  She watches Flipflop intently while he runs carrying his leash, she tries to pick up hers and sometimes she is successful, other times she finds it hard and ends up watching Flipflop again for more tips.

I’m looking forward to watching Daisy continue to grow and learn while she is in my care.  Whoever ends up adopting this pup will be very lucky, she’s a very special girl.

I was feeding Daisy in the kitchen but after her very first meal, she stopped eating and insisted on being fed with the other dogs!

***FOSTERS NEEDED*** I read, and saw that there was a chance to get a couple of “adult” dogs off the Island off Turks and Caicos, if fosters were found.  With Rose being adopted, and knowing that the rescue I work with was not due to have another intake of dogs until the fall, I responded to the email.

The Human Society of Durham Region (HSDR) has a wonderful Potcake program, and when they can, they bring dogs from the Islands for adoption.  I haven’t posted on Island dogs yet, which is funny since Flipflop is one, a future blog post, I suppose!

I have been on HSDR’s email list for a while but have not had the opportunity to assist them, yet.  I had to go through their process to be approved as a foster. I completed the forms and watched their foster video.  The video was not anything I wasn’t aware of, but its a great video for people new to fostering in general.  The slide that really caught my attention was “Think with your head, not your heart.”

It addresses the importance of doing this when fostering.   It is very easy (in fact too easy) to fall in love with every foster.  It is also very tempting to want to keep them all, but that is not what fostering is about.  Fostering is about getting the dog ready to go to its forever home, or in the case of HSDR to the shelter to be adopted.

The slide talks about the importance of what a foster home’s responsibility and duty is and the importance of letting your foster go.  I loved the slide because I hear time and time again (and pretty sure I’ve ranted in my blog a time or two) about people who don’t understand and say things such as they couldn’t do it as they would fall in love with the dog (can’t think of one foster I had where I didn’t sob when they left because – yep – you guessed it, I fell in love with him/her).  Or how they couldn’t do it as it would break their hearts, yes my heart breaks every time one leaves, but what happens to strays and unwanted dogs in this world breaks my heart even more!

And while I sob and mend my broken heart – which one special rescuer said to me, “it’s not your heart breaking it’s your heart expanding to make room for another dog” – I think of the amazing life that dog who just left my home is going to have with their forever family.  And of course, what adventure the next foster will bring into my world.

My HSDR foster is expected to arrive August 5th, weather permitted (dogs can’t fly when the temperature is over or under a certain degree).  I will definitely get on line and share their story and the love my pack and I develop for them.

https://www.hsdr.org/

Rose was dropped off July 10th and much to my surprise, she was an absolute delight.  I wasn’t sure what to expect with Rose, she was little (11 lbs), and I had only ever had dogs 30-100 lbs.  Rose long and lean like Dachshund, but her ears weren’t quite as long as a purebred.

As soon as she came over to Flipflop and I, I could tell this little dog has sass!!!  She was playful and confident and ready to start her next adventure!  I was smitten.

I had expected Rose to be yappy, but she was not. I expected her to be shy, but she was not.  Rose loves everything and everyone. She couldn’t wait to greet any person we walked by and play with any dog.

Her first night she slept in bed with me and the following day I put her in her crate when I left for work.  I expected barking and crying, there was none.  She was content in her crate with her toy and a treat.

When I got home from work, she was quiet in her crate, standing up and wagging her tail.  I approached her to let her out and she started crying with excitement.  The next morning while I was working out, Rose was running around the living room, collecting dog toys and putting them in her crate.  I guess she decided if she was going to be in there all day, she wanted a selection of toys!

But she wasn’t in there the second day, she went to daycare with Flipflop.  At daycare, Rose’s confidence excelled even more, she played with every dog in the room.  Rose literally didn’t stop all day.  It was so blissful that night, she curled up and slept soundly the whole evening!

Friday she was left in her crate again, with a selection of toys, and was quite content.

Saturday morning I woke up early to walk the dogs before taking Rose on an hour drive to an Adoption Fair.  Rose happily played with the other dogs while people came and went to see the dogs.

At the end of the day Rose, much to everyone’s surprise, had not been adopted.  I was asked to leave Rose at the pet centre where the fair was being held.  I immediately said no.

The pet centre owner told me that if I left Rose, she would likely be adopted out in a few days based on how many people saw her today.  I was torn, but then decided I would leave her there, as it was best for Rose that way.

I spent some more time with Rose and then took her to the pen she was going to sleep in for the night, and I saw where she would be free to play during each day she was there.  In my most cheerful voice I told her what an amazing girl she is, and how she is going to go to a new home very soon and will have the best life she deserves.

I put her down and she looked up at me with her big brown eyes, I shut the gate and told her she was good. As I turned away my tears stated flowing like crazy, they are starting again, as I type this.

I felt as if I abandoned her, I was so sad and worried that Rose would think she was not loved by me.  I stuck around speaking with some of the other volunteers, one of them was kind enough to check on Rose and told me she was totally content and chill and just being a dog.  It didn’t make me feel less sad or guilty for leaving her but I was relieved she was content.

Rose wasn’t even at the pet centre for 24 hours and was adopted! Sunday morning she met her forever mom, and her sibling, a dachshund!

Another happy ending!

My sweet foster Rose arrived Tuesday night.  She is a very sweet Chihuahua Dachshund mix, who is friendly and full of cuteness!!  We had a usual first night, where everyone was a bit unsettled and figuring things out.

Wednesday morning I got up early so I could take the dogs to the local park and get in the fully fenced football field to give Flipflop and Rose a chance to play and start to bond.  Flipflop gleefully put his leash in mouth and started running.  Flipflop thinks his leash is pure gold and everyone wants it.  He proudly carries it around every chance he gets!  As expected, Rose excitedly understood the game and started running.

Dahlia and I hung back and watched the two young dogs run and chase one another.  They ran circles around the filed and then suddenly Flipflop stopped, something caught his attention.  I started looking along the fence line for another dog or a person walking.  And then I saw it, just as Flipflop and Rose ran to the end of the field, a skunk was on the other side of the fence.

The two dogs ran near the fence line, just in range of the skunk, I called Flipflop, he came to me, I gave him some pats.  I should have grabbed his leash, because no sooner did I pet him and gave him the signal he was free, he ran back toward Rose and the skunk.  I called him again and this time both he and Rose ran to me but it was too late.

Rose dropped and rolled, Flipflop rolled a bit, I could smell it immediately, the skunk had sprayed.  So in less than 12 hours since I met Rose, she was getting a bath, followed by Flipflop.

A remedy I found that works well is 1 bottle of Hydrogen Peroxide, 1/4 cup Baking Soda and 1 Tsp Dish Soap.  Mix the ingredients with gloved hands and lather up the dog.  Let the lather sit for a short period of time and then shampoo the dog with their normal dog shampoo, rinse well.  If you wish you can shampoo the dog a couple times, but I find one good shampooing usually does the trick.

Unfortunately due to Rose’s size, she got sprayed from head to toe, so her face is still smelly, but it doesn’t change how adorable she is!

Dahlia is my 9 year old Catahoula, she came to me as a foster last year and I ended up adopting her.  I have seen this girl come a long way in the 15 months since I first met her.  She is part of our family, and happily part of Flipflop’s pack.

It’s a very hot summer weekend in the GTA, with a humid-ex making it feel in the mid 40 degrees Celsius.  Hot for many humans, extremely hot for dogs!!  So after a day of brief walks yesterday, I decided to let Flipflop get his energy out at a lovely dog park nearby. It is in a wooded area, with a creek running through it, which the dogs can swim or wade in to stay cool as they play.  I don’t always bring Dahlia to this park, as the terrain is very rough and I worry about her legs.

But today I decided we would only do the first half of the park and not go up on the cliffs and rougher terrains.

Needless to say as soon as we got there, the dogs were extremely happy.  Dahlia, Flipflop and their best friend Miss Ellie (who is staying with us this week) were all happily trotting around.

As we walked through the woods on our way to the water, Flipflop climbed down a steep  hill to enter the creek.  He playfully ran around and enjoyed cooling off.  Dahlia stood at the edge looking down, I knew she wanted to go in the water, but I also knew she’s never get back up, if she even got down ok.

I leashed her up to keep her safe and we kept walking until we got to part of the creek where she could easily walk into. And she did, Dahlia, Flipflop and Miss Ellie enjoyed splashing around and cooling off.  Greeting other dogs as they came and went.  Once ready to move on, Flipflop and Miss Ellie got out of the water and started toward the path, then stopped to wait for me.  Dahlia was not quite ready to leave the water though.  After some coasting I got her to come out and leashed her up to keep her walking, as she just wanted to stay in the water.

We stopped at a few more swimming areas before I decided to walk back to the car.  They had been out for over an hour and although they were refreshed in the water, I was starting to wilt!

As we walked back toward the car, we stopped along the way for more water time as the dogs wanted.  After the last swimming area, we continued through the woods.  I didn’t leash Dahlia up, as I didn’t think there would be a need, I was so wrong!  Flipflop (who’s is young and agile) decided to waddle down a 10 foot cliff and into the water.  Miss Ellie looked down, she likes to think things through before doing them, I knew there was no way she would go down that cliff.  That is until, before I could even think, Dahlia was going down the cliff and Miss Ellie followed her.

They all safely made it into the water and Dahlia was wagging her tail as happy as could be.  It was when Flipflop and Miss Ellie came running back up that I realized Dahlia didn’t have the confidence to get up on her own.

I walked down the path a bit, where she was still in site, to an area where the cliff wasn’t so steep and called her.  She stood in the water looking up at me, but still didn’t have the confidence to try and come up.  She walked back to where she first got into the water.

After a few minutes, I realized, not only did she not have the confidence, she wasn’t even going to try to come up.  There was only one thing to do, I took a deep breath and started climbing down the cliff, holding onto branches and along the way and hoping I didn’t fall!

I didn’t fall, and when I got to the bottom, Dahlia danced with glee that I was there with her.  I put her leash on and told her I had her and we were going to go up together.  At first Dahlia still didn’t want to come up but as she saw me starting to climb, she started following behind me.

Thankfully Dahlia made it up with no injuries and her legs still strong.  I have a few bruises but well worth it to get Dahlia up safely!

Dahlia stayed on her leash the rest of the way to the car and is now contently sleeping on her couch!

Ben has been in his forever home for almost 3 weeks now and his parents have been sending me the best updates.  He’s gaining so much confidence and is getting along great with his canine sister, Gelfa.  In pictures, he’s snuggling up to his dad and mom, playing happily with toys, or resting on a couch.  I love these updates and share them excitedly with the rescue I foster for, as I know they love them too.

When Ben moved out, everyone asked if I was getting another foster.  “Of course,” I answered, “but not for a couple months. I’ll take a bit of a break for the summer.”  Anyone who has read my blogs faithfully, probably all ready know how incorrect that statement was!

I was having lunch with my sister and nephew today and I saw a message from a rescue.  “Are you able to take another foster in  about a week?” And then Rose’s story was shared with me.

Rose is about 1-1/2 years old, a small, playful girl who is a Dachshund/Chihuahua mix.  Her owners moved and decided Rose didn’t need to move with them. At 1:30 in the morning, a call came into the rescue, little Rose was left on her porch, likely waiting for her beloved family to come home.    Unfortunately, what Rose didn’t realize is she was abandoned.

Of course, I agreed I would foster Rose, I can never say no to a dog or rescue in need if I have the capacity to help.

Rose will be coming to me in about a week, I have never had a foster who weighed less than 30 lbs, so it will be interesting to have a small dog.  That said, Flipflop prefers to play with the small dogs at daycare and as I said before, he seems to warm up to the female fosters much quicker than the males.  I’m sure there will still be an adjustment period for my forever dogs, but I’m excited to introduce them and the world to Rose.

“I am happy because I love his new family, but sad, he’s my favourite foster so far, I wish I could adopt him.” I tearfully texted to my best friend.

“Hon,” she responded back to me, ” don’t you say that about them all?”

“LOL, I guess I do.” I replied.

It’s one of the most anticipated and emotional days of being a foster mom.  The day my foster dog leaves to be with their forever family.

Ben left my care this week, and I went through my usual mixed bag of emotions.  Ben is such a special boy, so young and carefree, still learning about his world.  Finding the right fit for Ben was a bit challenging but we did it.

Ben needed a home where he would be understood, while he is a young dog, he is an insecure dog and wants to prove his “worth” to the pack.  Ben needed a family who would understand dog and know how work with him.

When Ben’s new family came to meet him, they took my advice seriously and remained calm and didn’t pressure Ben to let them near him.  Within five minutes of being ignored by them Ben approached them, wanting to be adored and pet by them.  By the end of the visit Ben was ready to go home with them!  Of course he had to wait, as we needed to finish our due diligence.

Six days later, Ben’s mom arrived to bring him to his home.   I walked Ben to his mom and he ran over to her, he must have remembered her from their first meeting.  His mom and I spoke for a few minutes and then I gave my foster dog a hug good bye.  Ben gleefully jumped up to hug me and I started to cry, I tried to keep my emotions in check, and quickly gathered myself.

“You’re such a good boy, button, ” I told him, “you’re going to have the best life!”  As I passed over his leash to his mom, she and I exchanged hugs.  I received a couple text, from Ben’s mom, on his first day with his new family, he’s settling in perfectly, as expected.

I fall in love every time but it’s so worth the rewards in the end, when a dog in need finds that perfect home!

I first met Chloe when she was 3 years old, a lab/border collie cross, that had more energy and zest for life like no other dog I had met up until the moment.  Chloe’s mom, Jennifer, and I worked together part time at a vet clinic.  Jennifer was looking for a tenant and I was looking for a dog friendly place to move.  It was meant to be, and also started one of the most important and best friendships in my life.

Jennifer and I both understand dogs, so we wanted to do a few introductions between Dupont and Chloe prior to me moving me.  We choose a park and I remember to this day, seeing Jennifer standing with a white winter jacket on and Chloe gleefully looking up at her mom while they waited for us.

I remember Chloe being a very sweet, welcoming dog toward Dupont, Jennifer remembers it differently, lol.  She remembered that Chloe was grumpy with Dupont upon their first meeting, but warmed up to him eventually.

Dupont and I moved in and Chloe was more than happy to have me in her home, she and Dupont  settled in well with one another.  Their relationship was an interesting one, although both young dogs (Dupont was 2 at the time), they didn’t choose to play much with each other, but behaved more like a very content married couple.  Chloe was referred to lovingly by me as Dupont’s wife.

Living with Chloe introduced me to a whole new breed of dog, Dupont was so chill and laid back, Chloe was excitable and ready to play at a moments notice.  Looking back, I see how Chloe helped prepare me for a life with Flipflop, who is now the most energetic dog I have ever met!

Chloe loved to play ball and she had an infatuation with an orange ball she had found on a walk with her mom.  I fondly remember Chloe’s sister, Hope, dropping the ball down a vent that Jennifer was cleaning and the extremes Jennifer went through to get that ball back.  It made Chloe very happy to be reunited with her ball again, it was all she needed in life, aside from her mom!

At the sight of a sprinkler Chloe would lose her mind!  She LOVED water, and would entertain herself for hours by trying to “eat” the water as fast as she could as it came out of the sprinkler head.

Chloe always greeted me with excitement and love, and as she aged when I would visit she would still jump up like a puppy to see her Auntie.

While Chloe eventually lost her hearing and sight she never lost her love for life and sweet caring personality.  Needless to say, it was devastating when Jennifer told me Chloe’s time was coming, she would soon be meeting Dupont and her sister, Jasmine, on the rainbow bridge.  Sadly on June 9th 2017, while I was signing my adoption papers to adopt Dahlia, Jennifer was saying goodbye to her first dog.

Chloe opened her mom up to whole new world with dogs and how incredible and amazing they are.  And while I don’t feel this blog does justice to the amazing dog Chloe was, I wanted to honour her and the joy and love she brought to all of us during her time on this earth.

Sadly, in Chloe’s later years I didn’t see her as often as I would have liked but she was and always will be Auntie’s girl.