Cast of Characters

Our life with foster animals is an ever-changing cast of characters. I’ve been reading a lot about character as I dig deep into a rewrite of my latest novel. I love my characters, but the story needs so much work. Story depends on characters though, just like life, I suppose. I know if I get my characters right, the story is much easier.

Nice little metaphor for fostering, right? If I can help these furry characters develop, get to know them well, I can set them up for a great story.

Take Argus, he is the quintessential insecure, nerdy sweet guy who has a heart of gold, only the average person doesn’t see that. Think Michael Cera or Jeff Goldblum.

Argus has been in rescue over a year, never being the one picked. Most people looking for a dog or puppy, have something in mind. It’s not usually an anxious dog who worries, chews up his bed, and barks at men. There’s only so much I can do to help him with his nerves, but giving him a regular, dependable schedule and consistent love and care, has certainly helped.

What people miss when they dismiss him because of his quirks, is that he is an absolute lover who adores his person, and waggles his whole body with happiness every time I come in (even if I’ve only been in the kitchen working with the kittens). They don’t get the chance to see how incredibly good he is on the leash, happy to walk for miles and miles, never pulling, never fussing. They don’t get to snuggle with him on the couch and here him sigh with contentment when he finally relaxes, his tongue hanging out of the gap in his teeth (he is from Mississippi, after all. Oh wait, that was probably not fair!). They never meet his gentle soul hungry to love someone.

As a foster, Argus is super easy. He could stay here forever and never stress me out like some fosters can. He runs in his crate when I point to it. He’s quiet in his crate. He happily chews a bone or toy quietly while I work. He gets along with the other foster dogs who come and go. He doesn’t bark at the kittens when one gets loose and wanders within eyesight.

He’s as ready as I can make him. Now what he needs is someone to give him a chance. Just like in the story—when a princess finally decides to kiss this toad, that love will transform him. I just know it.

And then there’s Stelaluna, the steady, loving, wise, mama. Now that her pups have all been adopted (more on this in a minute), she is spreading her wings. Like that character in so many novels who gets a new life on her own terms once she’s set free, Stela’s funny, quirky personality is starting to shine through. Think Sandra Bullock in the Blind Side (Stela is certainly coaching her two young roommates) or the mom in the Incredibles.

She can play all day with Argus (and now Darla). The other two dogs are younger, but it’s Stela who won’t quit, as if she’s making up for lost time.

Stela gets stronger, healthier, and funnier, every day, but she’s still that kind, smart, obedient girl who is easy to foster. She goes in her crate happily (although she recently tore up her bed, something she hasn’t done in the month she’s been here), and is quiet there, understanding it’s part of the deal of living here. Her big shepherd smile is clear every time I take her out for a walk. Her leash manners near perfect.

Every day her sunny character – so evident in her pups – becomes clearer.

Enter Darla – the newest character in our cast. She is the young, beautiful, wild spirit. She gets ahead of herself and has yet to master self control. Think Scarlet O’Hara.

She’s too smart for her own good—which lands her in trouble (she ALSO tore up her bed – if you’re keeping count, that’s THREE dog beds destroyed this month). When she applies those smarts in the right way—sitting nicely before being allowed out, not whining in her crate, she is learning that it makes life better.

Darla will need an adopter who is a strong handler – not meaning rough or tough, but someone who is patient and knowledgeable in handling dogs. Someone who will see the potential and not just her good looks. She is so much more than her beauty—but it will take the right person to make her really shine.

Enough literary comparisons, let me share a little great news – all the Cannon Character puppies were adopted!

I’ve already been getting great reports of how well these puppies are adjusting to their new homes.

Only one of my foster kittens has an adopter, so the other six are headed to the Cat Café in Harrisonburg this Saturday for a Kitten Extravaganza. They’ll be there from 9-11, but there will be batches of kittens available for adoption there all day long. If you’re in the area, stop by for a snuggle. Even if you aren’t looking to adopt, you can get information on how to help the Humane Society of Shenandoah County and/or make a donation.

If you’re interested in adopting any of my foster darlings, feel free to reach out with questions. Stela and Argus are available for adoption through Operation Paws For Homes. Darla and the kittens are available through the Humane Society of Shenandoah County.

Until Each One Has a Home,

Cara

For information on me, my writing, and books, visit CaraWrites.com.

If you’d like regular updates of all our foster dogs past and present, plus occasional dog care/training tips, and occasional foster cat updates (!) be sure to join the Facebook group, Another Good Dog.

And if you’d like to know where all these dogs come from and how you can help solve the crisis of too many unwanted dogs in our shelters, visit WhoWillLetTheDogsOut.org and subscribe to our blog where we share stories of our travels to shelters, rescues, and dog pounds.

If you can’t get enough foster dog stories, check out my book: Another Good Dog: One Family and Fifty Foster Dogs . Or its follow up that takes you to the shelters in the south One Hundred Dogs & Counting: One Woman, Ten Thousand Miles, and a Journey Into the Heart of Shelters and Rescues.

I love to hear from readers and dog-hearted people! Email me at carasueachterberg@gmail.com.

If you’d like to support the work we do (and save the rescue and me some money), shop our Amazon wishlist.