Heart-felt letter from a foster dog
I am the homeless dog you temporarily brought into your home.
You fostered me until you knew I was ready for a forever home. You generously opened your home and your heart for me. You made me part of your family, knowing one day I would be moving on.
I may have been picked up by animal control if they found me wondering, without a collar or microchip. I would have been petrified. You would not know how long I was alone on the streets or on that country road. I was most likely looking for the people who dumped me. Thankfully, I ended up in your home.
I may have come from an elderly family. My owners may have passed away, and you, of course, did not know how much I was missing them. I probably refused to eat for a few days because I missed my family. Thankfully you didn’t give up on me.
My previous owners may have surrendered me. Maybe they bought me as a puppy but tired of me after a few months. Maybe my family fell on hard economic times and could not afford to keep me. You gently coached me along and now I am confident I’ll find a forever home.
I may have spent my life tied outside. Moving to your house was very scary for me. I did not understand the sounds coming from the blow dryer, microwave or dishwasher.
I ate your cat’s food and ran around on your bed at 3 a.m. You taught me how to live inside and become a cherished family member.
I may have been a moneymaking machine for a breeder.
I most likely spent my life in a kennel or a barn. When I could no longer produce money for them, they gave me away. I arrived on your doorstep untrusting of people. You spent all your time talking to me, brushing my fur, taking me for walks and helping me become more confident.
It doesn’t matter where I came from because the essential point is you opened your home for me. You took me in even though you had a busy life. I want to thank you because, without foster families, rescue organizations would not survive.
I also know how heartbroken you are when you see us leave your home. Please know I will never forget you and all the sacrifices you made on my behalf. You not only saved my life but you also saved my soul. You taught me how to trust people again. I will never forget you. Not ever.
Please be kind to animals.