That Old Adoption Magic…

I’ve been fostering for over ten years now, and more than 300 dogs and puppies (and a few cats and kittens) have come through our home. So, by now, I shouldn’t be surprised at the adoption magic.

When I picked up my puppies at the airport in May, I noticed Pinto Bean right away and thought – ‘he’ll be the first to go’. With his dramatic eye makeup, funny nose, and gorgeous coloring, surely he’d be in high demand from adopters.

And yet, he was here for over four months! The last Bean to find a family.

I had to remind myself multiple times that often dogs linger, not because they aren’t highly adoptable, but because their family isn’t ready to adopt yet.

That happened for Pinto Bean. He hit the lottery in terms of adopters. His new dad has been following and commenting all along, but with two large older golden retrievers (one with significant health issues) at home, he (or at least his wife) was pretty sure adding a puppy right now wasn’t the best idea.

But then Derald fell in love with Pinto Bean, and last week on their 56^th wedding anniversary, his wife told him he could adopt Pinto Bean as an anniversary present. Derald wasted no time filling out the app, and we made arrangements for them to meet Pinto Bean.

Meanwhile, Pinto Bean had hit that stage of puppyhood where things that used to be exciting now seem scary – like strange dogs. On Monday, when I took him on an adventure in downtown Woodstock, he was startled by his reflection in shop windows, doors, and the shiny outside of cars. He barked and growled at that lookalike puppy that seemed to be following us.

Suddenly, new dogs frightened him. His initial introduction to Derald’s older male dog (who has health issues) took a little time because, clearly, Pinto Bean was scared. But patient Bo, didn’t push him and let him approach multiple times until he finally relaxed. After that, Pinto Bean happily met his new big sis, and by that night, I got a text that the three of them were fast friends.

Many puppies go through stages where new things are more scary than interesting (much like toddlers) and things that used to delight them now terrify them. I think Pinto Bean landed right where he was meant to be. He’ll have a big brother and sister to help him see that the world is not so dangerous, and show him the ropes. He’s got a new human family who are experienced dog people who have a beautiful country home and the patience and warmth to raise a good dog.

The latest report is that Pinto Bean has earned a new name – Bandit. He found the kibble container and broke into it on his first afternoon in his new home. It also fits since the markings around his eyes look like a mask.

Lima Bean left on a trial adoption this week. I’ll share how that is working out in my next post!

The cottage isn’t empty, though. Huey, Dewey, and Lewey are 10-week-old puppies from Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA. This is my first experience fostering for a shelter, not a rescue. I’ll share more soon!

And on Sunday, we’ll be picking up a new foster for another local foster-based rescue, Fierce Love Rescue. Stayed tuned!

Until Each One Has a Home,

Cara

For information on 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.

My newest book, Who Will Let the Dogs Out: Stories and Solutions for Shelters and Rescues is a primer for those new to the cause, an invitation to get involved, and a source of inspiration for those already working tirelessly to save lives. With stories of successful shelters, innovative strategies, and the key ingredients for success—strong leadership, veterinary access, and community engagement—it’s a celebration of what’s working and a call to scale those solutions nationwide. Learn more and get your copy and/or send one to a shelter or rescue on our website. Also available in paperback and e-book on Amazon.

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 it’s a 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. We are currently in need of treats, dog vitamins and probiotics (we have puppy), size large martingale collars, and tough-chewer toys.

If you’d like to take a vacation with your whole pack, consider visiting one of our two dog-WELCOMING vacation rentals. Visit BringDogs.com to learn more.