This is the story of Bella's adoption.
I started to write this post several times. I wanted to do a pre-home visit post and then a follow up. Each time, I got only a few sentences written and I stopped. It just wasn't working for me. I couldn't put into words exactly how I felt about Bella leaving me, because I didn't really know yet. My emotions were running high because I was so attached to her that I just broke down when I tried to write.
I knew that our girl was ready to face the world without us, but I couldn't say the same for myself. She had become such a big part of our family. I no longer saw her as a foster dog, but as one of us. She had become an ambassador to other temporary fosters that had come and gone while she was with us. And to be perfectly honest, there was a long time that I didn't think she would ever leave us this way. I thought that she would live out her last days in our home. I spoiled her rotten. She slept next to me in my bed for two months. I hand fed her not only her food, but meat, eggs, and even homemade doggy ice cream. I thought that she was dying and I wanted to give her the most pleasurable experience possible before that happened. Obviously her leaving us for a new home is a miracle and so much better than her leaving us for the rainbow bridge, but nevertheless, it was not something that I had prepared myself for.
The only thing that kept me from totally losing it was that the person applying to adopt Bella was already a part of my life. Jen! I knew that she had been considering a companion for her dog, Daisy, for quite a while so when I found out that she was planning to drive out to spend labor day with us, the wheels in my head started turning. When Jen arrived, there was an instant connection between the two of them. We talked casually about Bella possible joining Jen's family all weekend. I was not allowing myself to get excited. I didn't want Jen to feel any pressure and I didn't want to be disappointed myself. I think Jen was doing the same thing, for the same reasons. When she left, I told her to take some time and really consider it and how a second dog would change her life. A few days went by and I received a text from Jen. "Ok, I have thought a lot about it and talked to Daisy about it and we both think that Bella would be a great addition to our family!" And so it began.
I knew that I needed to be completely unbiased and treat this like any other adoption. I couldn't approve it for the selfish reason that I would be able to have Bella in my life forever and I couldn't approve it because I didn't want to hurt Jen's feelings either. Jen and I discussed everything and both agreed that there would be no hard feelings on either side if either of us decided it wasn't a perfect fit. Of course Bella and Daisy had to meet and be on board with becoming sisters too. The only way to know for sure if Bella would fit into their lives was to try it out. So, we planned a trip.
Three weeks later, on Thursday afternoon, Bella and I were on our way to Fort Worth, Texas to spend the weekend. I admit, I almost changed my mind before I was even out of the driveway. I had packed up all of Bella's stuff, including her crate, and loaded it into the car. As we pulled away, I could hear Dixie howling. It was a long, sad, pitiful howl. She had never done that for any other foster before. She too had come to think of Bella as one of us. It broke my heart.
The weekend was amazing. We laughed, we cried, we drank wine...lots of wine. The dogs, although hesitant at first, did wonderfully. My biggest worry going into this was that Bella would be too high energy or rough for Daisy (who is a 7lb Chihuahua X Dachshund). I didn't realize that Daisy was such a feisty little girl! She matches if not beats Bella's energy for sure! It was hilarious and adorable to watch them play. Jen's neighborhood is very dog friendly. Pretty much every house on her block has at least one dog and they all seem to get along and play at the fence lines with each other.
Saturday morning, we took a long walk over to Jen's work so I could get the tour. (Jen is pretty big stuff, by the way. So proud of you Jen!) Although Bella hadn't been exposed to much in her life, she acted as though walking through the city traffic and into a big fancy building was the norm. She stepped confidently into the elevator and after meeting some of Jen's employees, laid down and made herself comfortable at our feet. I was filled with pride. On the way home, we stopped for gelato at the Central Market (Some people have gelato for breakfast.) and my girl impressed me again. She sat quietly watching the hustle and bustle as we enjoyed ourselves. By the time we got home, Bella was exhausted. I think it was probably the most excitement she'd ever had in one day.
Jen and I were both crying when I left on Sunday morning. It was so hard leaving Bella. But, I didn't feel the same sad that I felt before. After spending a few days there, I could tell that she would fit in well. I knew that Jen was going to do whatever she could to give Bella the life that she deserves. Thank you for that, my dear friend.
Pictures to come!
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