Fostering

In my time volunteering at the Homeward Bound Memorial Garden and chronicling it in this blog, I have encountered just about every breed – but  to my mind, those who foster are a breed apart.

These are people who reserve a place in their homes – and hearts – to take in, train, love and heal dogs while they await, and prepare for, their forever homes. They do this knowing that their time together is too short and that their attachment will grow long.

Not everything is meant to last forever. Like this Lupine that bloomed well past its expectation,

but has finally departed in the baking heat of August. Withered though it is, it will have new life again next year.

At a blog I follow, Foster Tails, Zeedle is struggling with the impending adoption of her first foster, Sunny. While Aleks at Love and a Six Foot Leash,  has been through the process many times. She chronicles her family’s quest to “open minds, win hearts and save lives through fostering”.  For people who think they could never bear the loss, she writes beautifully about the heartache – and the rewards.

There are many ways to be a part of dog rescue.  All important and all valued.  But to my mind, fostering is one of the most noble because it involves such personal sacrifice. Wherever you live, if your home is right and your heart big enough, talk with your local rescue operation. People willing to foster are universally needed.

As they say…it’s the hardest job you’ll ever love. And to everything – there is a season.

“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”
– Dr. Seuss