Months into Fostering Dogs, Here's How I Feel

As the sun bathes the room in its warm, golden glow, I find solace in the gentle embrace of a dog nestled against me, resting its head on my leg while I stroke its soft fur. Yet, what might seem like an enduring bond with a long-term companion is, surprisingly, only a foster dog I welcomed home yesterday. This connection echoes the experiences I've had with several foster dogs over the past few months, each bringing their love, mischief, and warmth that have effortlessly transformed my temporary apartment into a place that undeniably feels like home.

Fostering dogs wasn't what I expected—I admit I had reservations, stemming from my struggles with the first dog I rescued, a Border Collie, one of my favorite breeds, who had strayed before I brought him home. It felt like a dream come true when he crawled over and rested both his paws on my legs while I sat on the sofa until he started shaking his waist and waving his willy toward me. I always enjoyed cuddling with my dog in bed, but I had to decide to ban him from my bed to ensure my sanity. However, that wasn't all; numerous issues emerged; he wasn't potty trained and had some food-related aggression. It was an uphill battle to fix all his misbehavior, testing my patience and resilience.

However, my recent fostering experiences completely changed my view of rescue dogs. While some do have their challenges, they're often tiny bumps in the road—think the usual puppy antics like learning where to potty. Some start off a bit shy, but with a bit of time and patience, they blossom into the most wonderful companions. And then, there are the hidden treasures, like Lefty, a magnificent Collie. Lefty's the epitome of grace—well-behaved, charmingly polite, and an absolute joy to hike with. He gracefully makes space for fellow adventurers on the trails and always checks on me, even though he could do it much faster. Instead of struggling to fix problems, I had enjoyed having their company.

 

During our hike along the Herman Gulch Trail in Clear Creek County, Colorado, Lefty and I paused atop a hill, where he casually rested his arm on mine, taking in the scenery.

Reflecting on these experiences, I discovered that fostering dogs not only reshaped my perceptions but also opened my heart to unexpected joys. Being a huge fan of larger breeds, especially the magnificent German Shepherds, I'll admit I was a tad disappointed when the rescue assigned me a terrier as my first foster. As an introvert, I didn't vocalize my preference for larger dogs, yet I also didn’t want to get busted as a 'breedist' right from the start. So, I decided to give it a chance and brought her home. To my surprise, she quickly captured my heart with her endearing companionship. Despite her initial shyness, she swiftly formed a strong bond with me.

One particular moment stands out vividly: it was a quiet afternoon, and she, with her cautious steps, approached me as I worked at my desk. With a gentle nudge, she asked for attention, and from that moment on, she became my steadfast shadow wherever I went. Whether I was in the shower, the kitchen, or glued to my desk working, she was right there beside me, a constant source of love and loyalty. It instantly brought back memories of my first dog, a wonderful companion who shared countless adventures and explorations with me.

The months of fostering experience made me realize that a dog's value isn't defined by its breed and where it comes from; it's gaining a friend, a companion, and a source of unconditional love. Each dog, with its quirks and charms, adds something special to our lives. The joy of watching them grow, the transformation they undergo—it's pure magic.

I'm incredibly grateful to organizations like the Colorado Puppy Rescue, which have afforded me the incredible opportunity to foster these beautiful souls. Their tireless efforts in rehabilitating dogs in need, ensuring their health and well-being before finding them new homes, have not only transformed the lives of these animals but also deeply enriched mine.