I never, ever thought I'd even adopt a dog, much less two, but one March afternoon changed everything. I truly believe nobody "sets out" to become a foster failure. They likely have good intentions, are curious about fostering and seeing what it's like, and ultimately cave after spending just a few weeks, or even days, with their foster pet.
I spotted them basking in the sun, nestled in a small enclosure, just leaning on one another and sleeping. They were clearly brothers, and just the cutest, most adorable dogs I had ever seen.
After speaking with the owner of the rescue, I walked home with little "info" sheets on them, while my mind was abuzz. I couldn't stop thinking about them, but I had never had a dog before, much less a puppy. I went on their website and that's where I learned about fostering. I didn't even know that fostering was a thing!
If you're not familiar with how fostering works, I'll provide a quick background. You agree to take care of a rescued dog in your home, for FREE, giving them a safe place to stay and lots of love. Meanwhile, the rescue will cover their food costs, supplies, and any medical bills. It helps rescues tremendously, since it alleviates them from having to care for this dog, and then they can set out to rescue another one! And there are always more dogs to be rescued.
Within hours of seeing the pups, I contacted the owner of the rescue and we had a great conversation. I didn't even know if I could choose to foster them, but I told her how much I loved them and was interested in helping out. She immediately was on board. I only got just a teeny bit nervous when she mentioned they would need help learning to walk on a leash, and weren't potty-trained!
A few days later, they were in our home, running around, having multiple accidents a day (the joys of having an untrained puppy!), and quickly bonding with us. One of them gravitated to me from the start and to this day, we have a pretty tight relationship. He'd curl up in my lap and just lay there.
Meanwhile, the rescue was continuing to promote them as being available for adoption, and one week into their stay with us, we had to drop them off at an adoption event. It was really hard bringing them. I was already starting to feel so attached and hated the thought of someone else taking them.
Although my lifestyle was changing (bringing two dogs into your home can definitely shake things up), I was really beginning to love them, and couldn't imagine not having them in my life. My boyfriend and I had been taking them on hikes, to the local dog parks, and I had been secretly spoiling them with store-bought treats, paying for them out of my own pocket.
About two months later, we realized these two dogs were here to stay... with us. Fortunately, it was meant to be. Nobody had adopted them or shown interest in them, and most people who had in the past, only wanted to keep one of them. Since these guys were bonded at the hip, the owner of the rescue didn't want to split them up. She was grateful when we let her know we wanted them to be ours.
It's been two years now and they have been such an amazing source of joy in my life. I used to be "pro-cat" until I got them. We travel together, go on several walks a day, play, teach them tricks, and love them to pieces. I can proudly say I'm a foster failure!
Have you ever fostered before? I'd love to hear about your experience in the comments section.
