Month: June 2020

Dogs with Issues, Fanny, former foster dogs, training

Living With a Shy Dog

Cara Achterberg

It’s been a week.

Having no foster dog feels awfully strange, and I wondered if I would even post this week. This blog, though, has become habit. Plus, there is an extra dog here beyond Fanny and Gracie.

Beau is here until July 12; he’s a former-foster we’re babysitting. Since he arrived last week, we’ve said on more than one occasion—why didn’t we adopt him? He and Fanny are the perfect playmates. He’s proving what I’ve suspected for some time: Fanny could use an emotional support dog.

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Fanny is a shy dog. Anyone who has ever adopted a shy dog knows Continue reading “Living With a Shy Dog” →

dog rescue, fosterdogs, fostering

Sheep Fostering

Cara Achterberg

I have now fostered 177 dogs, 7 cats, and 1 sheep.

No, really.

Last night, as I was putting the final touches on a pizza and the grill was heating up on the deck, my oldest son yelled, “Hey, there’s a sheep or goat or something outside.” Continue reading “Sheep Fostering” →

adopters, dog books, dog rescue, foster dogs, foster fail, fostering, oph, shelters, transport

We CAN Rescue These Dogs

Cara Achterberg

Our foster world is pretty quiet these days. And that’s a good thing.

100 dogs coverI’m busy getting ready for the release of my new book, 100 Dogs & Counting: One Woman, Ten Thousand Miles, and a Journey Into the Heart of Shelter and Rescue. It’s a strange time for all of us, dogs included.

OPH has been saving dogs in record numbers with Continue reading “We CAN Rescue These Dogs” →

dog rescue, fostering, heartworms, shelters, writing

A Little Help from My Friends

Cara Achterberg

Hey friends, today’s post is a little different.

I am in serious crunchtime trying to get word out about my book, 100 Dogs & Counting, which releases on July 7. I received word that the actual books made it to the Simon&Schuster warehouse for distribution this week, so I can finally let out the breath I’ve been holding, and work like crazy to get review copies out.

This means every spare second (besides this one) I have is being spent writing articles, pitching reviewers, and preparing launch events (alas, all online).

There isn’t time for fostering, although the foster who should have been adopted by us or out the door by now, has had his stay with us extended because he tested positive for Heartworm. (Readers of this blog are familiar with my record on best-laid-plans.)

This morning, I drove Tito Continue reading “A Little Help from My Friends” →

adopters, dog rescue, Fanny, foster dogs, foster fail, fostering, Gracie

The Adoption Decision

Cara Achterberg

Adopting a dog is not something anyone should do on a whim. Yes, there are many times when you get that ‘feeling’ or ‘connection’ or ‘moment’ that tells you that this is the one.

But when you are a part of a family—human and canine (and feline)—adopting a dog has to be a family decision.

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In this family, the opinions of the kids are important, but as far as the adoption decision, Continue reading “The Adoption Decision” →