Our Family Fostering Experience...

I received a call on a summer Saturday asking if I could foster a pug or two (out of 20 something) that needed a lot of help. Our family had joined OPR earlier that spring and adopted a little boy we call Frankie. At the time we had two pugs and several other animals. Of course my answer was yes. I showed up the next day to help unload caravan after caravan of pugs. They were all very sweet. All needed medical attention, but immediately demonstrated that they would be loving and devoted pets. It was very well organized chaos, and after several hours I left very late Sunday night with my foster pug. We arrived home after midnight and after a little introduction to the house and family of pets, I decided to gate her in a safe area for the night. Knowing that she had lived in a barn, I was sure that she was not used to sleeping with people. I was not sure was illnesses she might have or if she would be OK with my other dogs, cats and kids. She cried and cried until I went to get her. I was so tired that I fell asleep holding her in bed. She never left the bed. Ever.

The next several weeks included a lot of vet visits, socializing her with other dogs, potty training, and teaching her to eat from a bowl instead of off of the floor. She learned quickly, and loved even quicker. The kids knew that we were "babysitting" her until she was well enough to be adopted. They took great pride in their job and took it very seriously. All of our pets took to her and she just fit right in. Sure it was a little extra work, but not much. She gave back so much more than she took. She was very gentle, sweet and loving. I had to put together a behavioral analysis on our foster to send to the adoption coordinators. One of the questions asked, "What would the ideal family/person and situation be that might adopt her." The family I described I was just sure they would never find. I said that it would be best if they were willing to hold her- all of the time. I went on and on and on describing the ideal family for our foster. As a family we had decided not to adopt the first foster that we had, or we might not be able to continue fostering, as a pattern would be set. Even with the description that I gave, the adoption coordinators were able to find a perfect, loving family for our little foster girl. I went on the formal adoption to meet them and to introduce our little foster to her new forever family. They clicked right away and I knew that it was all worth it. Every second.

We continue to foster and adopt for Ohio Pug Rescue. Our young children are very involved in the rescue efforts, fundraising and socializing our fosters. We all get much more from the pugs than they could ever take from us. It is a wonderful family affair and we have been lucky in forming many special bonds with new friends, both 2 and 4 legged.

Oh yeah, we also adopted one of the dogs from the puppy mill. She is another perfect little princess. We are so very lucky!

Sincerely,
Kami