My First Foster

Gracie was my first foster dog, whom I agreed to watch over the weekend until a new foster home could be found. Well the weekend turned into two and a half months.

Gracie was picked up by the county dog catcher when her time was up the rescue took her in. A horribly matted, dirty, scared mess. She would not walk on a leash, just sunk to the ground and would lay there not sure what to do, loud noises made her cringe and was desperate for affection. She loved to jump up and give you hugs.

Within a day or two she was okay with walking on the leash, but refused to go to the bathroom while on it. Terrified she would run away on me we kept trying to go out on the leash for bathroom breaks, still nothing, tied several leashes together thinking maybe I was too close, still nothing. After two days I started to worry, having already had a Great Pyrenees I knew they could hold it for a long time, but two days!!! Well she finally went.... in the middle of the living room with a look or relief/shame on her face, I felt so bad for the poor girl. So I made sure the goat pen was secure and would let her off leash there to go, plus she like to bug the goats so there was some exercise too.

So eventually the day came and it was Gracie's time to go, I struggled with it, wanting to keep her but when told about the new home I knew she would be treated like a princess. So I said my goodbyes one Sunday morning and Gracie was off to the states to meet her new family, I cried for about a week. Having had her for that long you really do become attached, and if you are me you become really attached. Shortly there after I got an email with photos of Gracie's first day in her new home and I knew she was happy and it was all worth it. That was over a year ago and then yesterday morning I received an update from Gracie's new mom Laurie and it reminded me why I love being a part of dog rescue.

Hi Bobbi.

I came across your email address and thought I would give you another update. Gracie loves life here. I run with her often and she loves the extra exercise since we have nothing really for her to herd. She always has a happy smile and all our neighbors love her when she does not bark. She guards and protects the house well. We have a gated yard and she has made many friends through the gate. People stop with their dogs or feed her treats. Everybody knows and loves Gracie. We added a little 5lb Maltese to our family and Gracie and Bella get along great. They sleep together, play together, etc.. very cute. I have attached a photo of the two of them for you to see and one of my daughter with both dogs. Just wanted you to know that we love Gracie and she is great. Oh, I got her to pee now on a leash. No pooping b/c she is so private but she pees several times now when we go for walks/runs. Take care and thank you for taking her in when she needed a home. We feel so blessed to have gotten her.

Warm regards,

Laurie (Gracie's mom)