I fostered a dog who was victim to a hoarder Southeast of Reno, NV. When I got Gabbs, he was considered feral and so afraid that he would only go a couple of steps then cower. Once I got him home he beelined to the dog igloo that I had in my living room for my own dog and stayed there. Slowly but surely over the next 3 and 1/2 months he got to the point where he would eat from my hand, lay on the bed during the night and take walks without protest. I bought a collar and leash for him that matched and told him that these were his because such a beautiful dog needed the proper accutrements. He even got to the point where he would come to me when it was time to leave the doggie park and I ddi not have to chase him down. The last two times we went to the doggie park he actually romped and ran with the other dogs and would lay down under the picnic table if I was sitting down. Gabbs is a wonderful dog with lots of potential and I wanted to and felt it was time for training. I found out that the only way he could get trained would be to go into a sanctuary or Pups Up for Parole in which he would go to the state penitentiary and live with some of the trustee inmates. I was very sad at the fact that I was going to have to give him up and I cried many tears. The day I gave him up I cried copiously. I left with the dog that I had wanted to adopt the 3-1/2 months before but she was in the Pups up for Parole program. The timing seemed good for me and my newly adopted dog but I grieved for Gabbs. So I did the only thing that I could do for Gabbs - I prayed long and hard. Well sometimes stories have a good ending and this one did. Within nine days Gabbs had been adopted into a forever home. The guy knew much about dogs and now Gabbs is living in the Bay Area and has an owner who will be able to give him what he needs. This experience was a blessing and I am happy with the results. Would I do it again? Yes, if I ever move into something bigger than a one bedroom apartment, I will. I would recommend fostering for anyone as a way of giving back to the community and the world. |