The day started out like any other day – got ready for work, fed my pups, got the kids off to school, made my lunch, looked at the clock then rushed out the door hoping for a quick commute to the office. Arrived at work, barely on time, and prepared for the first round of meetings.
Lunch time. Out of the office to enjoy a little sunshine and take a much needed break and return personal phone calls. The second voicemail message – a dog needed a foster home. Could I take her?
End of the day, rush out of the office, headed toward the shelter. I didn’t know much about her, which was typical. As I drove through rush hour traffic I wondered what I would find. I drove a little faster…
She smelled, her fur was thin and oily. She had calluses on her elbows. Her nails were far too long. Her collar was far too small. She shook. She cowered. She hid when men approached.
Once we got home, Darla met my dogs, toured the back yard, met the family, had a little water then found her cozy spot on her fluffy dog bed in the living room. Every day she got good food, love, and a little obedience training. My dogs taught her how to live in a pack, how to play, how to lounge in the sunshine and the house rules.The men in our life worked hard to earn her trust, using quiet, calm voices and offering yummy treats to her. Everyday we worked together to help Darla become a healthy, happy dog.
Over the next few weeks Lady Darla blossomed. Her medical needs were met (she was malnourished, full of parasites, and was diagnosed with with hypothyroidism – easily managed with inexpensive medicine). She never enjoyed baths or nail trimming, but she did enjoy the yummy treats my husband and sons gave her. She learned to live in the house, to sit, to down, come when called, and walk on a leash beautifully. She learned to enjoy people and dogs.
Lady Darla was my first foster. My heart ached when I first met her. She was such a mess, medically and emotionally. When she was ready for adoption, when my work was finished, she was a different dog. Success!
Crossroads Campus is currently in need of foster homes. We offer training and support for our foster homes. We take care of medical expenses, temperament test all dogs prior to placing in foster care, and make all arrangements for adoption. If you would like more information about fostering for Crossroads Camus, please contact our Foster Liaison at delores@crossroadscampus.org
