Diary of a foster dog named Walla

So today I got another update of one of my previous foster dogs. The photos made me smile.

Anyone looking at the photos I shared of him on my social media would think- wow- that must have been an easy foster. The dog looks pretty perfect. People must have been waiting in line to adopt him- I'm sure he had lots of applications to adopt him.

Yup... that’s what you’d think.

But that’s not at all what happened.

When I first saw the dog- I too thought “this dog will be adopted quickly”... He’s a popular breed- handsome- friendly- I'm sure he’ll get out soon.

Day after day... week after week... he sat there in the shelter. A handful of people would ask to meet him but he was very aloof in the play yard... and after a few minutes... each and every one said... nope... he’s not for us... and back he’d go into his kennel... a little sadder and a little more stressed each time.

The other volunteers and I tried to tell everyone what a good dog he was. We tried to tell them that he just needed time... but no one gave him a chance.

Then one day I got to the shelter and he was gone!! He had gone to a home. I wanted to have a party!! Yay!!!!!!! This was great!!

Next day... he was back at the shelter. I went to see him and he was more stressed than ever. He was leaping back and forth in his kennel. You could see how upset he was. Come to find out the person that took him home had tried to train him to their invisible fence on the first day and the dog didn’t understand. He didn’t respond as they wanted- so they brought him back... and he was so upset and so confused.

Knowing time was quickly running out for this dog... I brought him home to foster him.

It wasn’t perfect at first. He’d be out in the yard with me and act like I wasn’t there. He wouldn't come over to me- wouldn't come when he was called- knew no commands- not even a few basic ones- he was like an ox in the house- he saw the cats and wanted to “see” them soooo bad... he even springboarded over the coffee table the second day when the one cat approached. As optimistic as I am- I doubted he was going to be good with cats at first...

BUT... this is what counts.

We gave him a chance. I showed him what I wanted. He was actually on a leash in the house attached to me for the first 2 weeks. I let him see the cats. Taught him to sit and wait. My husband spent ages outside with him- showing him about playing... and then one exciting day... the dog actually chased a ball- and after another few days he learned to bring the ball back! He learned to play tug of war with us... he learned to come when we called him... he learned we were fun and he started to interact with us outside... he learned to go to his crate when you asked him to... he learned new commands...he learned to be good with the cats... it was so amazing to see him open up and turn into the dog we (and the other volunteers at the shelter) knew he could be.

It took almost 4 months ... the dog got better and more amazing all the time... we started considering keeping him we loved him so much. But then one day I go a message from a young woman who had been watching him online and seeing his pictures and videos... she and her family came to meet him and as they say- the rest his history!! He truly found the best home ever!!!!

So what’s my point of this post?

When you foster or adopt a dog- give them time.

Set realistic expectations.

Be patient.

If you are in over your head- ASK FOR HELP!! Many issues are easily remedied with the right actions.

Consider options like Rescue Remedy or CBD to help them settle in.

I see so many dogs in the shelter... that if they just got the chance... they too could be that

“awesome dog everyone would want to adopt”

So you can be that person that makes this happen... you can help a shelter dog become its best self. Put a little time and effort in ... and the results will be sooooooooooooooo worth it!!

There are so many dogs just waiting for this opportunity... research some breeds to see what ones are best for your lifestyle... coach potato or avid hiker... kids...no kids... know what is a fit for your home... then head to your local shelter... talk to staff and volunteers... meet the dogs... and then let the fun begin!

Tip Don't overlook dogs in foster. Especially if you are a less experienced dog owner or have certain issues like living in an apt and need to know a dog isn't a barker etc... consider one from foster as they will be more settled and might be an easier adjustment. The foster will be able to tell you a lot about the dog.