Tag: dog

adopters, fosterdogs

Diamond is a Diamond

Cara Achterberg

Many of you remember when Diamond came to stay with us last summer after a few traumatic months while her mom was homeless. She was in rough shape, and we agreed to house her while her mom accepted a spot in a homeless shelter for pregnant women.

We had Diamond spayed and addressed all her health and skin issues. It took me a few months to figure out the right diet to keep her allergies in check, but she’s been doing great for the last six months since we eliminated all chicken products from her diet.

The plan was for Diamond to go back with her mom once she got on her feet. That plan has been delayed repeatedly while her mom faced set back after set back. And now, finding affordable housing with a toddler and infant and 50 pound bulldog has proved elusive.

Continue reading “Diamond is a Diamond” →
Uncategorized

Sometimes Fostering is Hard on the Heart

Cara Achterberg

Fostering is often a lot of work, and always rewarding, but sometimes it’s also just plain heartbreaking.

Every time we welcome foster dogs or puppies, they are a mystery. They are most often strays, and lately, most have been pulled from the euthanasia list at an overcrowded shelter.

We don’t know their medical histories before the day of their intake at the shelter, but we do know they have often been subjected to neglect and rarely have had good nutrition, medical attention, or even basic care. They suffer physically, but emotionally as well.

Continue reading “Sometimes Fostering is Hard on the Heart” →
Uncategorized

Have I Gotten Myself in Over My Head?

Cara Achterberg

Have I gotten myself in over my head? This is the question that rolled across my mind early this morning when I couldn’t sleep.

The last time I had this many dogs in the foster cottage, I was overwhelmed.

In fact, it was also four dogs and four puppies. Of course, those were basically feral dogs and worm-riddled puppies, so the physical work was overwhelming. After the seventh or eighth poopified crate, I’d come pretty close to quitting this whole foster gig.

Continue reading “Have I Gotten Myself in Over My Head?” →
adopters, dog rescue, fosterdogs, heartworms, puppies

Rescue is a Roller Coaster

Cara Achterberg

Rescue is always a roller coaster. But I tend to go with the most death-defying coasters (at least when it comes to rescuing, definitely not on real coasters!).

Lately, there have been too many situations that have made me angry, sad, and/or heart-broken because I am powerless to do anything about them. I wallow briefly, but then rally and look for situations where I can have an impact.

So, as weeks have gone by in which the news in my world and the larger world has kept me awake, twisting my insides, or leaving me emotionally spent, I started casting around for a dog to save. Maybe I can’t fix the world, but I can rescue a dog! (or maybe six…)

Continue reading “Rescue is a Roller Coaster” →
foster dogs, fostering

Jolly Jack is here! And Oh Boy is He Jolly!

Cara Achterberg

Jolly Jack arrived on a transport from Memphis earlier this week. Through sheer timing and luck, we were able to get him into Anicira to be neutered on Wednesday, thanks to a little help from the Humane Society of Shenandoah County.

This pup is pretty much turn-key. JJ is already solidly housebroken (sigh of relief here), walks pretty well on a leash (considering he is still young and excitable), and is quiet in his crate (and kind of getting used to having to go in it).

Mostly, he is just a JOYFUL pup. His name is perfect.

Continue reading “Jolly Jack is here! And Oh Boy is He Jolly!” →
adopters, puppies, returned dogs

The Leftover Puppy

Cara Achterberg

Nick keeps referring to Alex as the ‘leftover puppy’.

In my last post, I told you about Becca, who I thought was my ‘last puppy.’ But as is too often the case in puppy adoptions, there was another shuffle, and in the end, I still have one puppy. Just not Becca.

Alex was briefly adopted (for just over 24 hours) but it was not a good fit for the other dogs in the household, so he is back.

To be honest, I’m not a fan of the name Alex, but Leftover Puppy isn’t any better.

Continue reading “The Leftover Puppy” →
Uncategorized

Confessions of a Terrible Foster Mom

Cara Achterberg

Okay, I don’t really think I’m a terrible foster mom.

But I want to share the mishaps/mistakes that I made in this last week fostering. Basically, to show you that we are all learning as we go and that no matter how long you’ve been doing this, you still mess up.

And that’s okay.

My worst day saving dogs is better than someone else’s best day wishing they could save them.

Continue reading “Confessions of a Terrible Foster Mom” →
adopters, euthanasia, fosterdogs, fostering, fostering dogs, Husky, oph, puppies, shelters

Last one left is a….wonderful puppy.

Cara Achterberg

Last one left is a….wonderful puppy.

I never really know why a person picks one puppy instead of another. I suppose it’s kismet or karma or whim. What I tend to believe is that there is almost always adoption magic afoot. People tend to find the dog they need (and vice versa).

I have only one foster puppy left looking for her forever family. And she is a gem. Becca is crazy smart but eager to please and VERY food motivated, so training this baby will be fun. The sky’s the limit. With her long legs and athletic body, I’d bet she’d be an ace at agility.

Continue reading “Last one left is a….wonderful puppy.” →
fostering, puppies

Christmas Puppy Anyone?

Cara Achterberg

Who is hoping to find a puppy under the Christmas tree?

I’ve got some pretty adorable puppies looking for a home of their own. The ABC pups – Alex, Becca, and Cassie – arrived this past week from Mississippi.

Continue reading “Christmas Puppy Anyone?” →
dog rescue, foster dogs

Almost-Adoptions

Cara Achterberg

Leche is still here. She’s had two almost-adoptions in which her status changed to ‘adoption pending’ for nearly a week, and then the adopter never followed through (or even came to meet her). This is why, people, if you see a dog you want to adopt and it’s listed as ‘adoption pending,’ you should still apply. Adoption pending can, too often, never finish pending.

Many potential adopters are looking on multiple sites and often have multiple applications submitted at the same time. That’s normal. And on occasion, people apply on impulse, but in the cold gray light of day, they think, Maybe I really can’t handle a gorgeous Husky dog who is probably smarter than me.

Continue reading “Almost-Adoptions” →