A Foster Parent Speaks
Thank You for bringing this foster dog into
my life. Had I not made the decision to
participate in rescue, I would never have
had the chance to meet him. If I had sat
here comfortably in my home and said "I
already have four dogs and I know that I
couldn't take in another - even on a
temporary basis," I would never have met
this dog.
Yes, it takes time to rescue and foster...
but who gave me Time in the first place? And
why or what was the reason I was given Time?
To fill my own needs? Or was there another
reason ever so small and seemingly
insignificant, like rescuing this one dog,
that could make a difference in an other's
life? Perhaps to add joy, hope, help and
companionship to another who is in need?
With great sadness, I sat down on a
footstool in my kitchen this morning and
watched as this foster dog bounced back into
the house and skidded across the floor to
sit ever so perfectly in front of me. He was
the picture of health, finally. He was all
smiles for me.... and I smiled back at his
happy face. Deep in his eyes, the storm
clouds of illness and generalized poor
health had blown away, and the clear light
of his perfection radiated out from his
beautiful soul. He holds no ill will toward
man. He forgives us all.
I thought to myself as I impressed this one
last long look of him into my heart, what a
very fine creature you have created. Tears
slowly pooled and spilled over my cheekbones
as the deeper realization of how wonderful
this dog is sank into my internal file
cabinet of Needful Things to Remember. Lord,
he's a dog - but he's a better human being
than I am.
He has forgiven quickly. Would I do the
same? He passionately enjoys the simple
things in life. And I have often overlooked
them. He accepts change and gets on with his
life. I fuss and worry about change. He
lives today and loves today. And I often
dwell in the past or worry about the future.
He loves no matter what. I am not that free.
This very lovely dog has gone to his new
home today and already I miss him. Thank You
for bringing this dog into my life. And
Thank You for the beautiful and tender
lesson on how to be a better human.
Thank You for bringing this foster dog into
my life. Had I not made the decision to
participate in rescue, I would never have
had the chance to meet him. If I had sat
here comfortably in my home and said "I
already have four dogs and I know that I
couldn't take in another - even on a
temporary basis," I would never have met
this dog.
Yes, it takes time to rescue and foster...
but who gave me Time in the first place? And
why or what was the reason I was given Time?
To fill my own needs? Or was there another
reason ever so small and seemingly
insignificant, like rescuing this one dog,
that could make a difference in an other's
life? Perhaps to add joy, hope, help and
companionship to another who is in need?
With great sadness, I sat down on a
footstool in my kitchen this morning and
watched as this foster dog bounced back into
the house and skidded across the floor to
sit ever so perfectly in front of me. He was
the picture of health, finally. He was all
smiles for me.... and I smiled back at his
happy face. Deep in his eyes, the storm
clouds of illness and generalized poor
health had blown away, and the clear light
of his perfection radiated out from his
beautiful soul. He holds no ill will toward
man. He forgives us all.
I thought to myself as I impressed this one
last long look of him into my heart, what a
very fine creature you have created. Tears
slowly pooled and spilled over my cheekbones
as the deeper realization of how wonderful
this dog is sank into my internal file
cabinet of Needful Things to Remember. Lord,
he's a dog - but he's a better human being
than I am.
He has forgiven quickly. Would I do the
same? He passionately enjoys the simple
things in life. And I have often overlooked
them. He accepts change and gets on with his
life. I fuss and worry about change. He
lives today and loves today. And I often
dwell in the past or worry about the future.
He loves no matter what. I am not that free.
This very lovely dog has gone to his new
home today and already I miss him. Thank You
for bringing this dog into my life. And
Thank You for the beautiful and tender
lesson on how to be a better human.