Foster Dog Buffy After Two Weeks - Getting Better Every Day

Fostering has been an education for me. Each dog is a bit different but every one of the dogs I have had the privilege of fostering has taught me something new. My current foster Buffy has a wealth of information to teach and just as much to learn. Probably the most important thing she has taught me is that my job is to make her feel safe and secure. My guess is that outside of the last foster home she was in, she has not experienced much security in her short life. She was found wandering the streets in New York City, but she is quickly learning what it means to live in a home where she is wanted, safe and loved.

Here are some of the things I have learned about Buffy in the first two weeks:

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She adores my dog Mickey and other dogs she has met. She also enjoys the companionship of any human who is willing to give her even the smallest amount of attention. 

Buffy does not yet fully understand boundaries. Since Mickey is older, he is far less playful and Buffy does not seem to get that sometimes he just wants to be left alone. Her heart, though, is always in the right place as evidenced by Mickey having a bad dream and Buffy, immediately going to him, licking his face and staying with him until things returned to normal. In observing the interaction, Mickey seemed to appreciate and be soothed by the attention of another dog. As much as I adore him and want him to always feel safe, I think Buffy was able to make him feel better in a way that I could not.

Buffy has not learned to share her toys and does not particularly care to be in her crate for any length of time. She will instinctively revert to her "street dog" ways if not consistently corrected. these are all things we continue to work on.

Buffy is fearless. We already had a meet and greet with a very nice family with three small children and a big one year old dog. Buffy is wonderful with kids and had a great time playing with the dog. Even though he was probably double her size and weight she was unfazed. This caring family felt that they would like to wait for better weather and a chance to fence their yard to keep the dogs safe, and hope she is still available at that point – a good decision, I think. I applaud the family for putting the safety and well-being of both Buffy and their own dog first. If it was meant to be, it will be. For now she is safe and she is thriving.

Buffy bonds very quickly with her humans. She has not left my side. She sleeps with me at night and stays close to me when I am home. She will lie against me at night and when we are on the couch watching TV. I guess she needs the security of another body next to hers. If she can not be with me, she always has Mickey to fill the void.

She is very smart, learns quickly and is eager to please. We have started using a puzzle toy to help with her crate training and she loves it. We are also working daily on different commands in fun ways. I am having a good time working with her and continuing her training. We both look forward to nicer weather when we can spend more time outside.

Buffy is a survivor. She was found running on a busy city street. She was emaciated. Still she is the happiest little dog you will ever meet. She has already put on some weight and is looking better every day. 

She is a work in progress but whoever is lucky enough to adopt her will have a wonderful companion and best friend for years to come!

Buffy is one great dog who proves once again that there are many amazing dogs in shelters and rescues that are in need of homes. Both Buffy and Mickey are shelter survivors who demonstrate every day the true meaning of unconditional love. Despite what many rescue dogs have endured at the hands of humans, they do not hold it against us. All they want is to love and be loved in return. Please consider opening your home and heart to one of them – don’t shop, adopt!

Buffy is currently being fostered here in Connecticut and is available through Red Hook Dog Rescue of Brooklyn, NY.