We ended up fostering a 2-year old chocolate lab for a short time here recently. We weren't looking to get a second dog or to foster with our current situation, but the group I volunteer for needed an immediate foster, and how could I say no to a lab?! Well, in that short time, I completely fell head over heels in love with this girl and connected with her instantly. She was one of the sweetest, most gentle natured dogs I have ever met. She was so well mannered and polite. I didn't have to scold her once, and her only demand was to be close to me at all times. My own lab is pretty much opposite of the foster, lol. Very high strung, high maintenance, demanding, complex, mischievous, and strong-willed. Of course I absolutely love her to death and love her big personality, but the foster's low-key demeanor was a nice change. I mean ...I thought all labs got into the trash, chewed up shoes, and tried to steal your dinner. Nope, not this igrl. The whole time we had her, I was thinking "We need to keep this dog. She's perfect for us and Rue" but at the same time, something was telling me to let her go and that it wasn't the right time. We just have too much going on right now. Yesterday, I dropped her off at her potential adopter's house, and I have been a wreck ever since. I can't help but think I made a mistake in letting such a wonderful dog go. I just want her to have the best life possible, she deserves it. It DID help that the adopter sent me a picture this morning of her cuddled up in bed with their own lab. I'm not sure I can foster another lab. I think I need to foster a breed I'm not so attached to! Anyway, here are a couple pictures of Moosey girl. Have a great life, sweet girl. Moosey4 by Ach Ach, on Flickr Moosey2 by Ach Ach, on Flickr Moose5 by Ach Ach, on Flickr Moosey3 by Ach Ach, on Flickr
Aw, she looks lovely... and Rue looks very mischievous in comparison in that last picture It sounds like you did the right thing, but it must have been very hard for you to come to that decision. I wish her a long and happy life in her new home.
She looks a lovely and very relaxed. I can totally understand why you considered keeping her, very hard to resist. You will know when the time is right for you to add another dog into your family, and they will be every bit as special as Moosey. You have already done something wonderful by offering her a home when she needed it most and I truly hope you continue to offer hope and safety to other dogs in need.
Moosey is a beauty that's for sure and sounds like she is inside too. If it had been the right time you wouldn't have let her go and nothing would have made you. The right dog at the right time will come along and you will know it. In the mean time you did a fantastic thing for Moosey showing her love and giving her a warm home life until she found her forever home. Well done you and Rue xxx There's nothing like a rescue dog to capture our hearts xxx
I have great admiration for anyone who fosters. It could be good, could be bad, but whichever, it is a valuable job. Sorry you are sad. But be proud of yourself x
Well done for stepping in and fostering Moosey. It must be hard to give her up, but she'll be well loved by new owners. Meanwhile, enjoy Rue's great personality and its challenges!
You did a great thing for Moosey. She's off to a flying start thanks to you. I'm sure it was very hard to let her go. Sounds really sensible to foster breeds that don't appeal to you as much. You did a really kind, selfless and generous thing, both in having her and letting her go.
I can understand how bereft you must feel, but you had that inner voice that told you this is not the right time and you listened to it. Always listen to your gut feeling
Thanks for the kind words, all. The adoption isn't finalized until later this week, as the family is taking a couple days to make sure it's the right fit, so I am trusting what's meant to be will happen. If the family were to decide not to take her and she came back to us, I would take that as a sign. Otherwise, I know she will have a full, wonderful life in her new home, even if my heart aches right now.
Rue truly is a little troublemaker, haha! She's my sweetie, but some days, she makes me damn near lose my mind .
Thanks for doing this. I've never fostered a dog, mostly because I don't believe I could give one up after living with him/her. (Unless they were nasty or could not get along with my dogs) Moose looks a lot like Cooper, which would make it even harder for me.
You people who foster, I don't know how you do it, but thank you so much. Is the new home close enough you could do some play dates?
It must be so hard but also so rewarding fostering dogs. Big hugs, take comfort that you made a difference xx
