#adopt – Pet Momma

A Quiet Summer… With a Busy Pup

Training Adventures

We’ve been focusing hard on training, and Stanley is thriving. We just started an Intro to Dog Fitness class designed to set us up for agility work. Puppy agility starts in a few weeks, and I can’t wait! So far, we’re working on:

Paws up on a step (front and back)
Sit and stand transitions
Keeping up with his ever-growing trick list: sit, down, spin, paw, crawl, up, over, leave it, touch… you name it, he wants to learn it.

He’s a busy boy, and he loves using his brain.

Boarding Win
I’m so happy to have found a boarding kennel that Stanley loves. The staff is wonderful, and the best part? He’s excited to go there — tail wagging, jumping out of the car, ready to see his friends. They offered a training package while he was boarded, so Stanley had four mini sessions during his stay. Not only did they reinforce what he knows, but they also introduced a new trick: “legs” (walking through mine). Pretty cool, right?

House Training: Progress (and Rainy Day Struggles)
House training is still a work in progress. Most days he’s doing great, but rainy days are tough. Today, he peed outside like a champ, but I had to leave for errands and knew a crate accident was coming — and sure enough. At least he used his potty pad. Later he tried something new: standing outside his crate and peeing into it. Ugh. Definitely a reminder to get him out right away after errands. Lesson learned on my part!

New Toys for a Rainy Day
Since bad weather makes for stir-crazy puppies, we stopped at the pet store. I picked up worms for the dragon, but of course Stanley scored too:
A Pupsicle toy
A couple of twisty bully chews
A slow feeder puzzle mat for his kibble

Anything to keep that busy little brain working! I’ll share reviews of these toys once we’ve had a chance to really try them out.

Bean decided to check out the Stanley pen!

Meanwhile, the Cats…

The cats are doing well, though Bean keeps me busy with his grooming struggles. He mats so easily, and I’ve been cutting them out as I find them. I’ve thought about shaving him, but I don’t think I could manage that myself — and professional cat grooming is pricey! On top of that, one of my Catlink litter boxes is acting up. It doesn’t seem to want to run automatically anymore, so I’m planning to try another calibration and reset to see if that helps. Not exactly fun, but hopefully fixable.

👉 Overall, it may have been a quiet summer, but Stanley has kept life interesting. Between training, playtime, and the occasional potty mishap, he’s growing into such a fun, smart little dog. Can’t wait to see how he does when agility starts!

Stanley, Bark Boxes, and Summer Schedules

I’m traveling this week, and Stanley is staying with my daughter. I always worry he might be a little high-maintenance, but it sounds like she’s enjoying the extra snuggles. When I first got Stanley, I promised myself I wouldn’t baby him and that I’d stay committed to training. I’ve stuck with some of that… but let’s be honest — I’ve definitely babied him too.

He’s a smart little guy, but I really need to get tougher about not letting him get away with things — especially this habit he has of pooping in his crate instead of outside. I have no idea why that’s still happening, but it’s something I need to figure out.

He Loves Being Outside and Doesn’t Mind the Heat

Stanley Recently Spent the Night at a Kennel and Hid in the Corner of the Outside Pen so he Wouldn’t have to go Inside.

On the health front, Stanley’s Giardia seems to be clearing up, which is a relief. Just before I left town, I got a message from the vet saying they’d like to test another stool sample, so I’ll take care of that once I’m back. I know Giardia can be really stubborn, and I’m hoping that the second round of meds we just finished has finally done the trick.

With summer being so unpredictable, our routine’s been all over the place. I’d really like to get us back into a training class this fall. The structure is good for both of us and helps keep us consistent.

On a lighter note, Stanley’s new Bark Box is on the way! I’ll be sure to share an update once it arrives. Last month’s box ended up being a bigger hit than I expected — especially the “Orange Soda” toy, which he ignored at first but eventually warmed up to. The cheeseburger was the clear favorite, but honestly, he’s gotten good at playing with all of them.

This week I’m in Philadelphia and was hoping to visit the zoo, but with this heat wave, I might have to save it for another trip. Walking around in 95° humidity doesn’t sound like much fun for me or the animals.

Puck and Bean decided to Pose for a Photo. Both are Doing Well!

Stanley Graduates… Sort Of

Manners Class: ✔️ Potty Training: 😬
Stanley wrapped up his “Manners” class like a champ — but the diploma hasn’t magically stopped the occasional surprise poop on the living room floor. Some mornings, we do the “in and out” dance over and over, only for him to sneak away and do his business where he definitely shouldn’t. It’s a good thing he’s so snuggly and cute.

Small Wins (and Nighttime Poop Hunts)
Last night, though, he ran to the door to go out during playtime. Huge win! He did his business like a pro. The only challenge? Trying to locate dog poop in the dark — basically a blindfolded Easter egg hunt, minus the chocolate.

Gut Check: Literally
I’ve noticed it sometimes takes him a while to go, and his poop has been runny (fun stuff). After two rounds of Giardia treatment, I think his tummy’s still recovering. I started him on a probiotic to help get things back in balance. Early signs are promising!

Getting spoiled with breakfast outdoors in the beautiful weather

Retail Therapy and Teething Troubles
We skipped the dog park because of rain and hit the pet store instead. Stanley proudly picked out some new chew toys. He’s still holding onto some stubborn baby teeth, so I’m hoping all the chewing helps those little guys move along before he turns into a land shark.

Dealership Dog Star
Stanley tagged along to the car dealership this morning. He handled loud garage noises, traffic, and new people like a pro — minus one overly enthusiastic nip. Still, it was a great outing, and I was proud of how well he adjusted to the chaos.

New Trick: Crawl!
We’re working on a new trick: “crawl.” It’s as ridiculous and adorable as it sounds. Stanley seems to love trick training — and I’m hoping to get him into an agility class this fall if I can find one that fits our schedule.

BarkBox BBQ Bonanza
Stanley’s latest BarkBox was a big hit! This month’s BBQ theme came packed with adorable summer toys — but his absolute favorite is the burger. It’s crinkly, squeaky, and checks all his favorite boxes.

The popsicles are super cute too, and he’s been having fun with those.

The orange soda? I thought it was adorable, but Stanley apparently disagrees — that one’s been left untouched in the toy pile. Maybe he’s more of a water guy.

Rain, Rain, Go Away…
Of course, more rain is in the forecast, and Stanley isn’t thrilled. He acts like wet grass is an act of betrayal. Here’s hoping we can keep the house training on track despite soggy paws and puppy drama.

If anyone has any small dog housebreaking tips, please share! What’s your dog’s favorite toy?

Stanley’s DNA, Giardia Round Two, and Sunshine Days

We got Stanley’s DNA test results back! I was convinced he had some Italian Greyhound in him, but nope—unless it’s hidden somewhere in the “Supermutt” category. The great news is that nothing stood out as a red flag in the health portion of the results. Always a relief!

Unfortunately, Stanley is back on medication for Giardia. Apparently, the first round didn’t completely wipe it out. He’s now on a twice-daily pill and a dewormer. He’s not thrilled, but I’ve learned it’s much easier to just give him the pill directly than try to hide it in food. He’s catching on, though—smart little guy.

I’ve been a bit lazy about training lately and need to get back into the habit. Stanley had his last playgroup of the session this week. Honestly, I’m not too sad to be switching groups. The dogs in his current group didn’t match his energy level. He worked hard trying to get someone to play, but it was a struggle. Fingers crossed the new group next week has more playful pups!

I was out for several hours last night and didn’t want to leave Stanley alone, so I asked a neighbor to check in. I wasn’t sure how it would go since he can be shy, but they said it only took about 15 minutes for him to warm up. After that, he was all cuddles and playtime. They even stayed for about an hour. Lucky pup!

Housebreaking is going really well! The weather has been beautiful, and Stanley has been loving it—sometimes a little too much. Getting him to actually do his business outside instead of just sprawling in the sun can be a challenge! He’s starting to bark at the door when he wants to go out, which is great progress. I picked up some bells to hang on the door, but he finds them terrifying at the moment. Hopefully, he gets over that and learns to ring them soon.

Stanley is still really pick about treats. Trader Joes are actually his favorites! he likes the freeze dried Just Chicken, and the dried salmon skin. The dried fish skin is kinda gross. It is very flaky, and it stinks, but he loves it. I save it for training class and outdoor training. We’ve been good about not letting him have human food, except for Pup Cups. Stan and I love to visit Starbucks and get a Pup cup and a coffee!

The rest of the pets are doing great. Our dragon finally finished shedding. Hector has been loving the sounds of birds through the open windows, and the cats are slowly adjusting to life with Stanley. Puck and Stanley even play sometimes—well, Puck whacks Stanley on the head, and Stanley thinks it’s the best game ever. He gets all excited and zooms around like a maniac. It’s actually pretty adorable.

Teenage Stanley: Training Frustrations, Big Wins, and Baby Steps

🎓 Training Class… Kinda?
We’re in the middle of our “teen manners” training class, and honestly… not loving it. I signed up hoping to work on practical basics like:

Down
Off
Leave it
Stay
Leash walking

Instead, the class is mostly about understanding the emotional rollercoaster of adolescence in dogs and how to redirect their energy. That’s helpful in theory, and I do see how some of it applies to Stanley, but it’s not what I was really hoping for. That said, I’m sticking with it and focusing on the parts that matter most for us.

⬇️ The Elusive “Down”
My biggest struggle? Teaching “down.”
Stanley just doesn’t lie down naturally unless he’s in a lap or curled up in his crate. Luring him with a treat doesn’t work well because he’s so small — he just stretches his head down and grabs it without dropping his body.

Definitely a work in progress, and I might check in with our trainer again to see if she has other strategies. For now, we’re just doing what we can.

🐶 Playgroup, Visitors, and… Marking?

We’ve got another series of small dog playgroup scheduled next month, and while I’m holding off on signing up for another class until fall, I’m toying with the idea of agility — I think Stanley would love it once we nail down the basics.

Last weekend, Stanley came with me to visit my dad and his two Portuguese Water Dogs. Despite the size difference, Stanley played really well, especially with the one-year-old pup. I was so proud of him!

Less exciting? He peed on a couple of dog beds and a chair while we were there. I’m guessing it was marking behavior triggered by the other dogs. Definitely something we need to work on before our next house guest moment.

He also spent a few hours at my daughter’s apartment recently when I went out for the evening. He played hard, had a blast, and eventually crashed in their laps for a nap. He did have one small accident — he peed on a towel that was on the floor — but my daughter took the blame for that one. She realized afterward that he’d been sniffing around and probably thought the towel was a potty pad. All things considered, not too bad!

🚪 A Potty Training Breakthrough!
Big news: Stanley has started going to the door and barking to go out! It feels like a huge leap forward.

This morning’s routine looked like this:

Out first thing → Pee ✅
Breakfast → Done
Then? He barked at the door, ran out, and pooped right away.
We’re finally finding our rhythm at home, and he seems to be really settling into the routine.

🐕 Big Wins (and BarkBox Joy)
Stanley continues to be obsessed with fetch and BarkBox toys — I think we’ve officially found our favorites. He’s still enjoying the Ollie food, but honestly, the frozen format is more trouble than it’s worth. The food container and scoop were nice, but I won’t keep it going.

His Embark DNA test is currently being processed, and I’m so excited to get those results back. I can’t wait to learn more about our mystery mutt!

🏡 Trusting Him Off-Leash (A Little)
Another HUGE step: I’ve started letting Stanley off-leash in our yard. So far, he runs around, does his business, and then comes straight back to the door. I don’t fully trust him yet — if something scared him, I’m afraid he’d bolt — but we’re making steady progress. Baby steps!

💬 Got Tips?
We’ve come a long way, but there’s still so much to learn. If anyone has tips for teaching “down” to a tiny dog — or managing marking in new places — I’d love to hear them. Drop a comment and let’s share the wisdom! And if you have a treat that your dog LOVES, let me know. Stanley is super picky about his treats.

Stanley’s Spring Update: Snuggles, Hikes, and BarkBoxes

One New Trader Joe’s Mini Tote – and one Stanley!

🐾 Puppy Love Is Real
What can I say about Stanley? I love him SO much! I just want to spend all my time with him — and honestly, I kind of do. He’s doing so well. Potty training isn’t perfect, but I’m really happy with his progress. He consistently uses his indoor potty pads, and now that the weather is warming up, he’s starting to get more comfortable going outside too.

Nighttime outdoor potty trips are still a work in progress, but we’re easing into it little by little.

🌅 Our Daily Routine
Stanley’s settled nicely into a routine. Mornings start with a trip outside. He does his business and sniffs around, and when he’s done, he runs to the stairs to head back in — which brings me to the next point…

He’ll go up the stairs, no problem. But going down? Absolutely not. We’re still working on that one.

I’ve started using a button to teach him to tell me when he wants to go out. So far, I’m the only one using it — but hey, progress is progress!

🐱 Cats, Crates, and Chaos (Mostly at Dinner)
Stanley is slowly learning to coexist with the cats. He still barks at them, but if I say “leave it,” he’ll stop and come to me — a big win!

Dinner time, though? That’s another story. He gets very stressed around the cats when food is involved and turns into six pounds of snapping, growling teeth. Right now, he goes in his crate while we eat dinner. During lunch, he’s calmer and usually just barks a bit, so he stays out then. Still working on it.

🐕 Walks, Work, and Weekend Adventures
He spends most of the morning in my lap while I work, then we take a mid-day walk around the yard or neighborhood — or both, depending on the day. If work gets busy, we keep it short and go out again later.

Stanley’s still on three meals a day and staying on the slim side, so keeping him well-fed is a priority.

Tired out after his first Food Truck Trip!

This weekend, we had some fun firsts:

On Saturday, we took him to a local food truck pod for lunch. He was a little unsure of his surroundings but did great — no barking, and he even napped on the bench while we ate.
On Sunday, he went on his first hike with us. It was a short trail (about 1.5 miles), and I expected to carry him. Nope! He walked the whole way — even jumped over a big log like a pro.
He’s not totally sure about other dogs yet, but he’s learning.

🎾 Evenings and Sleepy Snuggles
After dinner, we usually play fetch in the living room until he tires out. Then it’s snuggles on the couch until bedtime. He’s still sleeping in a crate at night, and that’s going smoothly, so I’m sticking with it for now.

📚 Training and Playgroups Coming Up
In just over a week, Stanley starts his basic manners class, and he’ll also be attending a small dog playgroup. May is shaping up to be a busy (and exciting!) month for him!

🍽️ Food Update: The Final Choice
I’ve tested a few food brands with him, and here’s the verdict:

Sundays and Pet’s Table (air-dried): Total pass. Not interested. He does like the fresh/frozen Pet’s Table food, but it’s expensive, and I don’t want the hassle of frozen food.

Spot and Tango (UnKibble): He’ll snack on it occasionally but doesn’t love it.

Happy Howl: The clear winner! It’s shelf-stable, human-grade, easy to serve, and he devours it. No freezing, no fuss, and way more economical than some of the other fresh options. Another bonus is that their customer service has been outstanding!

📦 Surprise Incoming: BarkBox!
Don’t tell Stanley, but I caved and ordered him a BarkBox subscription. He loves plush toys and theirs are just too cute. Our first box (plus a few “extras” — oops) is already on the way. I’ll report back on how he likes it!

💛 Feeling Grateful
I’m honestly over the stress of the puppy stage. Stanley is fitting right into our lives and routine. He’s everything I hoped for in a little dog — sweet, playful, snuggly, adventurous. I’m so thankful this tiny guy is part of our family.

Have you been through the puppy stage recently? Got tips for managing food aggression or teaching stair confidence? I’d love to hear what worked for you — drop your thoughts in the comments!

Meet Stanley!

“Henry” the rescue pup is officially settling into his forever home—now with his real name: Stanley! We had a long list of potential names before we brought him home, and Stanley wasn’t even on it. But after trying all our favorites and not finding the right fit, my husband suddenly said, “Stanley!”—and we all just knew. Somehow, it fits him perfectly.

First Vet Visit

Stanley had his first vet visit on Monday, and overall he got a great report. The vet was genuinely impressed with his personality—he couldn’t believe how sweet and calm this little guy is. While he’s definitely underweight, there were no signs of serious malnourishment. His heart, lungs, joints, and everything else looked great.

We did a fecal test and found out he has Coccidia and Giardia—not unexpected for a puppy in his situation. Thankfully, we caught both early, and he hasn’t shown any symptoms yet. I’ll be picking up meds for him today, and both parasites should clear up without much trouble.

Stanley, the Social Butterfly

I’ve had so much fun showing Stanley off. He came with me to get the car serviced and calmly sat in my lap the whole time. He’s already met one of my friends (and her cat) when we picked up a crate, and he even attended a three-hour jewelry-making class with me!

He was a hit—passed from lap to lap, giving out puppy kisses like candy. My teacher loved him and carried him around for half the class. When he wasn’t being doted on, he relaxed quietly in his carrier and chewed on his toy. Stanley clearly just wants to be near people. Even when I sit on the floor to play, he often brings his toy back to my lap to chew. He’s a total snugglebug.

Feeding & Food Plans

The vet recommended feeding him small, frequent meals, and Stanley seems very happy with that schedule. Right now, he’s eating a bland prescription food I started when he arrived, but I’m transitioning him to Dr. Harvey’s, which I still have from Cali. It’s great food—customizable and high-quality—but it does require adding cooked protein and mixing it yourself.

For a puppy who doesn’t need a specialized diet, that feels like more work than necessary. I’ve ordered a trial of The Pets Table, and I’m planning to review a few fresh food options in the coming months. Dr. Harvey’s has been great, but there are so many easier, excellent choices out there now.

Training Progress

I’m following Zac George’s positive reinforcement methods for early training and really liking the results so far. I’ve signed Stanley up for a small dog playgroup and a basic manners class, both starting next month. Until then, we’re building a solid foundation at home.

I’ve also found ChatGPT super helpful for quick, specific training tips—like how to discourage barking at the cats (work in progress!).

Stanley is eager to please but very picky about treats, which surprised me considering his background. He seems to like dehydrated meat the most, so I’ve stocked up. I’m trying to keep spending in check, but… puppies need a lot! He’s also getting a growing wardrobe of sweatshirts—he’s clearly still adjusting to the cold New England weather, and his underweight frame doesn’t help.

Dinner Table Drama

His first night home, he was desperately trying to jump onto the dinner table—absolutely obsessed with our food. For now, we’ve implemented a strict no table food policy, which may evolve later, but right now it’s necessary. The good news? He’s learning fast.

Just last night, I was able to sit on the couch with him in my lap, eating a snack while he slept. That’s huge progress in less than a week!

The Real Talk

I’m happy. I’m exhausted. I don’t regret getting this puppy—but I also knew better. I knew I didn’t want to start over with a puppy.

And yet… here I am.

The work is real. The fatigue is real. But the rewards? Absolutely worth it.

Let’s Hear Your Puppy Stories!

If you’ve brought home a puppy recently—or remember the chaos and cuteness from years ago—I’d love to hear your stories! What worked for you when it came to training, feeding, or just surviving those early days?

Also, if you’ve found a fresh dog food brand you love, especially one that’s puppy-appropriate and convenient, I’m all ears. Stanley and I are on the hunt for the right fit, and your recommendations could make a big difference.

Drop your stories, tips, and food recs in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!

He’s HERE!

After many sleepless nights filled with nerves and excitement, I finally picked up our new pup yesterday! The whole process was so smooth—huge thanks to Live Free Pet Rescue for the seamless transport and organization.

We had a 2.5-hour drive to the pickup location. The rescue gave us a four-hour pickup window, then texted a more exact ETA the morning of—earlier than expected, so we had to hustle! I met a friend partway, hopped in her car, and off we went. I was excited but also nervous. I’d never adopted a pet sight unseen before. What if he wasn’t a good fit? What if he didn’t like me? So many questions—but I trusted the rescue and what I already knew about this little guy.

At the meeting point, we checked in, finalized payment, and picked up his paperwork. While waiting in line, I chatted with other adopters and watched excited families meet their pups—it was so fun seeing names I recognized, including some of my pup’s siblings!

When it was finally our turn, I gave his rescue name—Henry—and handed over his new collar. The moment they brought him out, I got teary. He was so tiny. So skinny. But full of puppy kisses. The rescue snapped a photo of our first moments together, and then we were off.

He was a total angel in the car, curled up asleep in my lap. Later, as I switched cars for the final leg home, he gave my friend plenty of kisses to thank her for the ride, and settled quietly into his carrier.

At home, he greeted my husband and son with tail wags and cuddles. He played, explored, and climbed into everyone’s laps—he’s truly an equal opportunity napper.

He had a good dinner but wasn’t thrilled about the cold outdoors. Potty training will take some patience, but we’ll get there.

That night, he slept straight through in his crate. I checked on him a few times—he was out cold. At 7 a.m., I tried to wake him to go outside, but he just burrowed deeper and went back to sleep. I let him snooze another 90 minutes before he was ready to start his day.

He’s had a full day of snuggles, and we even made a quick trip to the pet store—carried the whole time, of course, until our vet clears him for dog interactions. I needed to fit him for a harness since his martingale collar was too big. No way was I risking a loose collar outside!

So far, he’s eating well, adjusting to outdoor potty trips, and using his indoor pads too. He loves his little sweatshirts and definitely needs some time to get used to New England weather.

Tonight, he’s already excelling as my work-from-home buddy—and we’re still working on choosing his forever name.

Vet check-up is tomorrow. Fingers crossed it all looks good!

Have you ever adopted or rescued a pet without meeting them first? I’d love to hear your stories—did it work out for you too?

Planning for “Henry”

Losing Cali has been incredibly hard. The past few weeks have felt like an emotional roller coaster—grief and sadness one day, joy and purpose the next. Taking care of a foster dog brought real happiness, even though saying goodbye when she was adopted came with a twinge of sadness too. I was thrilled for her to find her forever home, but part of me missed her already.

Now, I’m facing all the questions that come with opening your heart again: Am I ready for a new dog? What kind of dog is right for me? When is the right time? Male or female? Short hair or long hair?

A Familiar Face
I spent countless hours scrolling through adoptable pups, but one little face kept popping up—Henry. A tiny Chihuahua mix, around 8 months old and just 5 pounds, he showed up again and again in my social media feeds. It felt like a sign.

About ten days ago, I gave in to the feeling that I needed him in my life. I submitted my application late one night, and by the next morning, I got a call from the rescue—Henry was still available, and my application was pre-approved.

The rescue contacted my vet, called a reference, and asked for photos of my home and yard. If all went well, Henry would be arriving on a transport from the South in a couple of weeks. I’d need to head to Connecticut to pick him up—but I was all in.

A Change of Heart
But it was all just too much, too fast. I panicked and backed out. I told the adoption counselor I wasn’t ready—that it felt overwhelming and rushed.

A week went by. But Henry kept showing up. His little face was still everywhere. And the house? It felt so empty.

I missed it all—the morning walks, the quiet companionship during the day, the routine of feeding a dog, the warmth of a snuggle on the couch. The absence was loud. And the feeling that maybe I was ready started creeping back in.

Back to Henry
By Wednesday, I’d had enough. The emptiness, the second-guessing—I was ready. It was time for a new dog.

That night, I talked to my husband, then messaged Henry’s adoption counselor: Any chance he’s still available?

She replied almost immediately—he had just become available again. She said she’d call me in the morning.

All In (and a Little Freaked Out)
Yesterday was chaos. I was making a video tour of the house, fielding rapid-fire questions about the dog, the adoption process, the costs, vet info, pick-up day and location. Sending the deposit. Confirming everything. It seemed crazy that Henry had been adopted, and then the people had to cancel, the very day that I reached out about him again.

And then—I panicked.
How can I adopt a dog I’ve never met? What if he hates me? What if he hates Dave? The stress hit hard. I made myself physically sick just trying to process it all.

Thankfully, my daughter and a few close friends talked me through the spiral. By last night, the panic had softened into something else—excitement. I was still nervous, but I felt that spark of joy and anticipation.

I made plans to pick him up. I ordered the martingale collar the rescue requires. I started a list of supplies to bring for the car ride—everything I could think of to make him feel safe and comfortable on his way home.

This Morning: Clarity
This morning, I woke up to two videos from Henry’s foster mom—and just like that, I knew. I’d made the right decision.

This little boy is perfect. His tiny paws, his dark eyes, that little face… I’m already in love.

We’ll figure it out together. He’ll learn our rhythm, and we’ll learn his. He’ll adjust to our home, and we’ll make space for each other. It’s all going to work out.

See you soon, little Henry.
(Or… whatever your new name will be!)

Has anyone adopted a dog without meeting it? Have you picked up from a transport? Send me your advice, thoughts, tips, etc.

The Hardest Part of Fostering

Today was Emory’s adoption day. Without question the hardest part of fostering is letting go. Cleaning up a messy crate, training, walking, feeding, it’s all easy compared to letting go.

So many people tell me they would love to foster, but it’s too hard. Letting go is hard, but I know I made a difference in this dog’s life. I gave her a chance to decompress after her transport from the South. I gave her the chance to be part of a home, to learn our routines, to ride in the car, to visit stores, to walk on a leash.

This girl was so sweet. The shyness she showed at first, quickly dissipated as she got used to the sites and smells of my home and yard. It’s hard to believe that when I brought her home two weeks ago, she was so scared she wouldn’t walk into my house. We spent half an hour together walking around the outside yard, smelling everything spooking at the wind, chewing up a stick, and then finally she was ready to check out the inside.

Why do I foster? I foster for so many reasons. Selfishly, I love dogs and I love the experience of working with them on such a close basis by fostering. I love the chance to get to know their different personalities. I also love animals in general, and I know that dog overpopulation is a continuing problem. I know that when I foster an animal, it helps make room for another one. I know that fostering helps the dog adjust to home life and makes it more adoptable.

I also volunteer at the shelter and love seeing all the new dogs and puppies that come through there. Friday I got to take care of a batch of puppies for a couple of hours. They ran and played in the mud. I made sure they didn’t escape the yard or get too rough with each other. I also gave the littlest one warm snuggles when she got cold.

I also sat with a shy little guy who wasn’t eating well. I patted him and encouraged him to eat his dinner. I walked him into the yard to sniff the air. I snuggled him up in his blankets and just sat with him while he ate.

Spending time with these dogs gives me a sense of peace. I do it for me as much as I do it for them.

The other night I met a woman who told me she used to have a dog, but lost him to old age several years ago, and didn’t get another. I asked her if she missed having a dog and she said she did, but that she couldn’t go through all the “end of life stuff” again. It seemed so sad to me that this person was missing out on the joy that having a dog can bring because dogs life spans are so much shorter than ours.

I can’t understand why she focussed on the last couple of months and how hard it was, rather than focussing on the joy the dog clearly brought her for so many years. She said she had the dog for almost thirteen years!

Every single day I miss Cali. Something will inevitably remind me of her, and I get sad, but I try to replace that sadness with a happy memory, maybe my daughter dressing her in cute clothes or cuddling her up in soft blankets. Maybe it is memories of Cali as a puppy chewing on our Yellow Lab, Cheese’s ears. I guess some people just chose to focus on the negative.

I’m going to focus on the positive. With fosters that means enjoying the time I have with them, being thankful to be a positive stop in their lives, and enjoying the joy of their new people when they get adopted.

And yes, I’m going to get another dog one day. Yes, it is a bit of a hassle to make arrangements for pet care when I travel, but it’s worth it. I miss the companionship. I miss the walks, and I definitely miss the cuddles. I’m not in a rush. I know my next best friend will find me when the time is right, and I’m keeping my eyes open so I don’t miss him or her!