We hear it at least once at every adoption event: "Isn't it hard to give them up?" The answer? Well of course it is! But at the same time it is also really easy...
September 1st an email was sent to our group:
"Pregnant dog. Has milk. She is at pound. Can anyone help?"
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| Momma at the Pound |
We all became frantic. Milk means puppies soon and we hate seeing puppies born at the pound when they could be born in one of our loving foster homes instead. Being in a home means less exposure to harmful pathogens, more hands-on care and better socialization as they continue to grow. Unfortunately, the pound just does not have the same resources for a puppy that a home can provide. Especially in terms of around the clock snuggling!
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| Momma and I having a heat-to-heart |
My foster had just been adopted out the night before so I was browsing the list of dogs that needed pulled when the email came through. "Well," I thought. "I've whelped a litter before... I'm sure it's just like riding a bike." A big, stupid grin flooded my face at the thought of canoodling some adorable newborn pups for the first time in a long time. I replied to the email letting them know I would be more than happy to have the mom-to-be in my home... And then reluctantly emailed my fiance so he wouldn't be so surprised when he came home from work to see what I had done.
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My fiance, Cory, has been diligently at my side through all of our fosters, which at that point, had broken sixty. He loves helping the animals but also wants to take breaks here and there. The only problem with that is that unfortunately, irresponsible owners NEVER take breaks so there is always a constant influx of dogs and cats at the local pounds. One trick that I've learned that you are more than welcome to use if you are fostering or plan to foster: let him name the dog. :P
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| Such a happy Momma! |
Cory has always had a fascination with Halloween and horror stories so once I told him the pups should be ready to go home around Halloween, he was sold. A chance to name a whole litter? Of course, we know that very few of our names stick after adoption but it is always still exciting to name them, even just for the short term. Our Momma dog had become "Mary Shelley" as the mother of horror although we could find no name that fit her better than "Momma."
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| Trick, just a few minute old |
We had Momma for 19 days before those beautiful puppies had dropped. It really was like riding a bike! When all was said and done, we had six stunningly handsome males and two sweet females. We called them our Monster Mash litter. I was fascinated with them. Every two weeks I set up a photo shoot (yes, I am that lame) so that I could share photos with potential adopters, but also, so that I could have a TON of photos for my own memories. These puppies were amazing. Well mannered, slept through the night, very quiet and always eliminated on the paper rather than on bedding or the regular floor. They really were perfect pups.
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| Jekyll/ Hyde, 2 weeks old |
At the eight week mark, they were all ready to go home. I emailed each family lined up to adopt one of the babes and made appointments so they could each spend time with the puppy and ask any questions they may have before leaving my home with their new addition. I had to pry the puppy from each and every family's arms to get the paperwork done, but I knew it was only because they were going to love that little furry beast with everything that they have got! By the time the families had left my home, I felt that I knew them personally and that they had just become an extension of my own family. All were wonderful, all had beautiful gifts they could offer my puppies.
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| Ichabod, 4 weeks old |
After all of the puppies had gone to their respective homes it was time for Momma to meet her new family. Her future mom and dad sat on my couch and Momma made a bee line for their laps. As soon as she was all snuggled in, she began kissing their faces and remained that way while they got to know her through interacting with her and asking me questions from their smiling lips. It was an immediate love and I knew it would be an enduring love.
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| Elvira, 6 weeks old |
In just three days I had gone from caretaker and lover of eight puppies and their amazing mother to my normal life filled with an amazing fiance and a much quieter home. The only difference? In my "new" normal life, I now have nine new families that have become my own and nine new sets of paw prints that have danced around my heart.
So is it hard to see them go? You bet! But I am happy to see them through to their new life and even more happy to know that now I can open my home again to help out the next dog that is down on their luck. It's a rescue "Circle of Life" that I am happy to be a part of, no matter how bittersweet it may be.
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| Frankenstein, now Jack, 8 weeks old in his forever home! |
4 comments:
Beautiful story and gorgeous dogs! You and your fiance are doing something that not everyone could or would do, and I for one am very grateful for both of you and what you do for the many dogs and cats that grace your door. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and Blessed holiday season!
Wow Alecia !! How well said! You and Corey are fabulous. I am so glad you took on this task. What a wonderful experience!!
@Debby- Thank you so much! We (Cory, the rescue and myself) are just grateful to have such wonderful people backing us. If we didn't have an open heart and home for each dog we brought in, we wouldn't have room to save another. You also have a wonderful holiday and give your furbabies an extra snuggle from us! :)
@Chariti- Where would I be without my bestest rescue friend by my side? Much love! :*
To everyone - Thank you very much for the kind comments. I never thought that I would one day be doing something this meaningful and helping so many in need. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and god bless.
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