It’s funny how things happen. First it was a request to transport a dog from northeastern Connecticut to southwestern Connecticut - a dog that was going from a rescue to a potential home in New Jersey. The rescue involved is one I had never worked with, but apparently someone knew that I lived along the transport route. As it turns out, the placement did not work out and the dog wound up going back to the rescue. He seemed like a very nice dog and I considered fostering him but the rescue felt that he would be better off in his previous foster home with people he knew.
That was the end of it, or so I thought. A week or so later, the rescue contacted me again. This time a home visit was needed about 30 miles from where I live. That was an easy request to fulfill, especially when I met the potential adopters. I felt very confident that they would give the dog they wanted to adopt a very loving and wonderful home. The adoption proceeded as planned and now one more unwanted dog has a home – exactly as it should be.
That was the end of it, or so I thought. A week or so later, the rescue contacted me again. This time a home visit was needed about 30 miles from where I live. That was an easy request to fulfill, especially when I met the potential adopters. I felt very confident that they would give the dog they wanted to adopt a very loving and wonderful home. The adoption proceeded as planned and now one more unwanted dog has a home – exactly as it should be.
Again, that was not the last I would hear from this particular rescue. That is often how it is when you volunteer. You just never know what will happen next and that is part of the fun! About ten days ago, the rescue contacted me for a third time. This time I was asked if I would consider fostering a dog they had pulled from a kill shelter for a family that quickly decided she was a little more work than originally expected.
Unfortunately this is all too common, as many times people do not realize what some of these animals have been through and are not willing to spend the time or put in the work to make them whole again. After checking with my boyfriend Matt who would be called upon to help me now and then and being told I had his support, I said yes. I would be a first time foster for a girl named Gorda which means “fat” in Spanish. I really do not like the name but she looked pretty cute and I was told she likes other dogs. The way her temperament was described, I thought she would be compatible with Mickey so I decided to give it a try.
Unfortunately this is all too common, as many times people do not realize what some of these animals have been through and are not willing to spend the time or put in the work to make them whole again. After checking with my boyfriend Matt who would be called upon to help me now and then and being told I had his support, I said yes. I would be a first time foster for a girl named Gorda which means “fat” in Spanish. I really do not like the name but she looked pretty cute and I was told she likes other dogs. The way her temperament was described, I thought she would be compatible with Mickey so I decided to give it a try.
I picked her up this past Sunday from an adoption event that the rescue had brought her to. I spent the afternoon volunteering at the event, walking my would-be foster around and getting to know her. The name totally does not fit her – in fact she is way too thin and is a bit timid but quite friendly. It remains to be seen how this all will turn out but the first introduction with Mickey went pretty well and, although I am being cautious and taking things slowly they seem to be doing okay. Gorda is understandably frightened having gone from a home to a kill shelter to another home to a boarding kennel to me in a matter of only a few weeks, but I have learned that animals are pretty resilient and in time they can usually adapt and figure out where they fit in..
In less than two days I have discovered that she does not like being crated and she will growl a bit at Mickey when he does something that displeases her but she is doing well considering all she has been through. I have had to share a couch with her at night because she cries in her crate so we will be using the crate in smaller time increments to start.
I have also discovered that she is already very attached to me. She stays right by my side, seemingly happy to have a comfortable place to sleep, regular meals, treats, a yard to hang out in and even a foster brother that annoys her sometimes.
I am excited for this new adventure into fostering, I have no idea how it will turn out, but I am optimistic that the experience will be a positive one and that there will be other foster dogs in my future. I know it can make a big difference in the life of a dog to be in a home as opposed to a boarding kennel, or worse. I hope I will make a difference in this dog’s life and that she will be happy here.
I have also discovered that she is already very attached to me. She stays right by my side, seemingly happy to have a comfortable place to sleep, regular meals, treats, a yard to hang out in and even a foster brother that annoys her sometimes.
I am excited for this new adventure into fostering, I have no idea how it will turn out, but I am optimistic that the experience will be a positive one and that there will be other foster dogs in my future. I know it can make a big difference in the life of a dog to be in a home as opposed to a boarding kennel, or worse. I hope I will make a difference in this dog’s life and that she will be happy here.
Now the question is what to call her. I cannot in good conscience keep the name Gorda, but I have yet to come up with a name that suits her and one that I like. Stay tuned to find out what happens going forward and please feel free to suggest a name for her. Gorda just will not do!
And if you or anyone you know is looking for a sweet dog that will love you with all her heart, I have one right here. I would be more than happy to introduce her to you.
And if you or anyone you know is looking for a sweet dog that will love you with all her heart, I have one right here. I would be more than happy to introduce her to you.
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