My new role.

I have some exciting news!  Starting in March, I will play a bigger role at the rescue that I foster for.  I have been asked to be an adoption coordinator!! (the main coordinator of  like15 years parted ways, suddenly, with the group, leaving a huge void to fill)  Now instead of helping only my current foster dog, I'll will be able to constantly be helping find forever homes for the dogs in all of the foster homes!  It comes with major commitment, and plenty of stress, I'm sure, as a lot goes into finding homes for these guys.  When these dogs come to us (as my past fosters have clearly shown), they have usually had hard lives.  It is our goal to make sure that they never have to suffer again.

It will entail screening adoption applications, calling veterinary and personal references, setting up home inspection visits, and arranging meet and greets between foster families and potential adopters.  Most importantly though, it will be matching the right people with the right dogs.  There is a dog for everyone, but not every dog is for just anyone...make sense?  Some of our dogs are dog-aggressive, or can jump fences or are too rough for little kids, or absolutely adore kids!  Does the family need an active young dog or a more laid back, mature dog?  It's all about finding the right "fit."

I think this is the right "fit" for me:-) 

One By One

 

This is a poem that is displayed on our rescues website.  It is about giving senior dogs a second chance.  It amazes me how people can abandon dogs that they have had for years simply because they are "too old."  I have a soft spot for old dogs.  They have a certain "something" that I can't quite describe.  A kind of dignity or wisdom that dogs don't possess until they reach a certain age.  It makes me cry every time one of these grandma or grandpa dogs shows up in a shelter.  They are so confused and sad.  You can see it in their eyes.  They are usually listed as "urgent"  because unfortunately, most elderly dogs don't do well in shelters.  It's too stressful and it wears on them quickly.  It takes a special person to adopt a dog that may only have a short time left.  I think this poem says it all when it comes to why it's so worth it.  (warning...it's a tear-jerker!)

 

 

 

One By One

One by one, they pass by my cage,
Too old, too worn, too broken, no way.
Way past his time, he can't run and play.
Then they shake their heads slowly and go on their way.
A little old man, arthritic and sore,
It seems I am not wanted anymore.
I once had a home, I once had a bed,
A place that was warm, and where I was fed.
Now my muzzle is grey, and my eyes slowly fail.
Who wants a dog so old and so frail?
My family decided I didn't belong,

 I got in their way, my attitude was wrong.
Whatever excuse they made in their head,1
Can't justify how they left me for dead.
Now I sit in this cage, where day after day,
The younger dogs get adopted away.
When I had almost come to the end of my rope,
You saw my face, and I finally had hope.
You saw thru the grey, and the legs bent with age,
And felt I still had life beyond this cage.
You took me home, gave me food and a bed,
And shared your own pillow with my poor tired head.
We snuggle and play, and you talk to me low,
You love me so dearly, you want me to know.
I may have lived most of my life with another,

But you outshine them with a love so much stronger.
And I promise to return all the love I can give,
To you, my dear person, as long as I live.

I may be with you for a week, or for years,
We will share many smiles, you will no doubt shed tears.
And when the time comes that God deems I must leave,
I know you will cry and your heart, it will grieve.
And when I arrive at the Bridge, all brand new,
My thoughts and my heart will still be with you.
 And I will brag to all who will hear,
Of the person who made my last days so dear.

 - Author Unknown

Moving on.

Great news!!!  After five long months with us, Calista has found her forever home!  I am both overjoyed and broken hearted at the same time.   She will definitely take a piece of my heart with her when she goes.  She has fought so hard to become the dog that she is today and I couldn't be happier to have been a part of her battle to survive. 

She will be moving to her new home on Sunday.   Her new family has an acreage about an hour from Little Rock, where she will have plenty of room to run and play with her new doggy siblings.  Denise, her future "mom," told me that she did great with her two little dogs.  I wasn't surprised, as Callie doesn't seem to have a mean bone in her body.  I'm sure she will adjust quickly and be very happy there for the rest of her life. 

Until then, I will treasure her last days with us.  I know that it will be very hard to say goodbye, but she is ready to move on.  I will never forget her.

Two good things...

Calista was spayed last week and is recovering well.  It was a very good thing that she had the surgery when she did.  As if the poor dog didn't have enough issues, she also had a very icky uterus.  According to the doctor, it was close to becoming a pyometra (which is basically an infected uterus).  This condition is rarely diagnosed until it is showing symptoms at which point it is extremely serious.  It can certainly be fatal if not treated immediately with an emergency hysterectomy.  Finally, a lucky break for Callie! 

More good news!  I found out today that there has been another application put in for her adoption!  I have not spoken to the lady myself yet, but she is aware of Callie's hip problem and the heart murmur and is fine with both issues.  I am hoping to set up a meet and greet and then hopefully a home trial as soon as her incision is completely healed. 

I am so praying that this is Calista's forever home!   Lately there are so many dogs listed as "urgent" meaning that they are on death row.   If Callie moves on, although I will miss her like crazy, it will open up our home to a dog that might otherwise live it's last hours in a crowded shelter.