"The greatest mistake is he who did nothing because he could only do a little." - Author Unknown
In the economic state we are in now, for some having a pet can be difficult and even out of the question. Many many dogs have been surrendered at my local no-kill shelter in the past few months. However, you can still help without making a life-long or expensive commitment. Volunteering a few hours a week or donating needed items are just 2 of the many things you can do to help. This past summer we started fostering pups in need. To the left is a picture of me and our first foster, Bubbles. Bubbles came to us at the age of 8 weeks with Demodex Mange and Rickets Disease. You can see a picture of when she first came to our home on the left as well. 
Bubble's joints were so badly malformed (due to Rickets), she could only walk for about 5 minutes before her legs became painfully sore, and she would scratch until she bled. But Bubbles wouldn't let any of that keep her from living life to it's fullest. She was the smartest puppy I had ever met. She was quickly housetrained, and within a months time she was a healthy, chubby puppy. I took Bubbles back to the shelter on August 7, 2008. I went home in tears. I already missed my sweet girl, the one who relied on me to take care of her, to comfort her. After returning home, I collected myself and typed up a description of Bubble's life at my home, and everything she was loved for. As I was putting the note on her kennel, the shelter manager approached me and offered me another foster pup. I was hesitant, how could I just replace Bubbles like that? What if I decided to come back and adopt her? I reluctantly went through the back kennels and saw the most miserable looking lab mix you have ever seen. He had a little hairloss on his head, but I think his real problem was his lack of training. Huddled in the back corner, he looked at me with sorrowful eyes. "Ok, ok. Let me have him." Harvey. Harvey, born in the streets, had never seen a home, didn't know what it was like to be loved, and I think quite honestly was afraid of knowing. I wrapped him in a towel and set him into the back of my car. I dont think I really knew what I was getting into! The next day he was somewhat settled in. He and Samson became best friends in no time. I let the dogs out to relieve themselves and checked my email to find that Bubbles had been adopted! After one day! I was ecstatic!As the weeks passed, Harvey's hairloss became worse as his disposition and knowledge improved. Below are pictures of what he looked like his first day, at the peak of his hairloss, and when Harvey was ready for adoption, he was Pet of the Week for the local news!
He had been tested for mange before I took him home, and was on medication, but as his health continued to plummet, I took him back for more testing. He was once again diagnosed with Demodex and I came home with more questions than answers. I took Harvey to another vet and he said that it was infact, Demodex. He gave me Ivermax, a medication used for cattle & swine. This time, Harvey was growing in a healthy coat and had now almost doubled in size. I returned him to the shelter on October 7, 2008. A few weeks went by and Harvey had still not been adopted. I began my search to find him a new home. I recieved an email, and eagerly opened it to find good news. The Shelter had invited me to take Harvey on the local news as Pet of the Week. They said he was sure to find a home, every pet taken before had found a home that week! I happily accepted and the next day I was on the news station watching Harvey ham it up. I contacted the shelter the following week in regards to Harvey's adoption status. He was still available. I shed a few tears but I became even more determined to find him a home. I began posting on websites, asking friends & family, but nothing. 2 weeks later I recieved another email. The shelter manager had taken Harvey to an off-site adoption where a woman fell in love with him! Her son stopped by the shelter the next day to take him home. I was filled with joy and couldn't believe that good ol' Harvey was now living the life of a normal dog! I will say, he was not an easy dog to foster, but allowing him to make a difference in someone else's life the way he did mine, it was so rewarding. I returned to the shelter in hopes of finding another foster, but they didn't have any dogs who were in desperate need of foster care. I ended up leaving with 2 kittens!!
So, again, no matter what your situation, please consider fostering and help your shelter out. I've heard the excuses. Yes, you have time. What's one more? YES you have the money! My shelter paid for EVERYTHING and even provided food. "It's too hard to let them go." It's ok to be a 'foster failure', go ahead and adopt him! ;)
DO I GO HOME TODAY?(Author Unknown)
My family brought me home cradled in their arms.
They cuddled me and smiled at me and said I was full of charm.
They played with me and laughed with me and showered me with toys.
I sure do love my family, especially the little girls and boys.
The children loved to feed me; they gave me special treats.
They even let me sleep with them - all snuggled in the sheets.
I used to go for walks, often several times a day.
They even fought to hold the leash, I'm very proud to say!
These are the things I'll not forget - a cherished memory.
I now live in the shelter - without my family.
They used to laugh and praise me when I played with that old shoe.
But I didn't know the difference between the old one and the new.
The kids and I would grab a rug, for hours we would tug.
So I thought I did the right thing when I chewed the bedroom rug.
They said I was out of control and would have to live outside.
This I didn't understand, although I tried and tried!
The walks stopped, one by one; they said they hadn't the time.
I wish that I could change things; I wish I knew my crime.
My life became so lonely in the backyard on a chain.
I barked and barked all day long to keep from going insane.
So they brought me to the shelter, but were embarrassed to say why.
They said I caused an allergy, and then each kissed me goodbye.
If I'd only had some training as a little pup,
I wouldn't have been so hard to handle when I was all grown up.
"You only have one day left", I heard a worker say.
Does that mean I have a second chance? Do I go home today?
Opt to Adopt!
