In January, this was Bear.
He and his brother were three months old, rescued from a kill shelter. We took them in for almost three weeks, introducing them to a warm home with people who treat dogs with care and compassion. Both puppies thrived, despite their pitiful appearance. The mange they contracted from their mother left their ears, feet and tails scrawny, but hair grows back.
In early February, Bear and his brother went their separate ways to their forever homes, or so we thought. In mid-July, I saw an Instagram post from the rescue we foster for, and it was a photo of Bear at the rescue. Numerous emails later, I learned that his adoptive family had returned him to the rescue.
There are details, of course, and most are not mine to tell. Bear was exhibiting some undesirable behaviors and the family felt it was best to return him. At the rescue, he was anxious, scared, and nothing like the bundle of fun we knew five months ago. We offered to foster him again, so he could return to a place he remembers.
This is Bear now.
We have been fostering him again for a month, and he is a beautiful, sweet boy. His fur is thick and soft, and those eyes still gaze into mine with adoration and trust. He loves our dog Hazel, and I think the feeling is mutual.
There is work to do, for sure. With medication, training, and patience, the rescue staff and our family are determined to find Bear his new forever home. I don’t know if that home will be ours, but we don’t have to decide yet. For now, we are enjoying our foster pup, and Hazel has a BFF who wears her out.
My babies turned 17 and 20 this month. They aren’t keen on snuggling anymore, but Bear is. For now, at least, we need each other.
Dana! You are such a sweet soul. And oh my goodness the picture of those two at the end.
Thanks, Nina. And I absolutely adore that photo!
Bear is absolutely adorable. I had a chocolate lab with eyes like his for my very first dog. You are doing wonderful work. Keep it up. (So, what you’re saying is when child #4 is preparing to launch, I need to take care of dogs. I can see that. Sometimes they are more appreciative than children!!)
Yes, you should foster dogs! Or volunteer at a shelter if you’re a dog person. They are a wonderful outlet for my nurturing needs.
It sounds like both Bear and you are lucky to be back in each other’s lives.
I think you’re right, Debbie!
Wow Dana! I’m so glad you saw he was returned and you were able to step in again and help. This is really great and important work you are doing with these dogs and I know that is no easy task!! Looking forward to seeing what happens with Bear and if you “get” to keep him 🙂
And OMG to your kids ages!? How does that happen??? I can’t even deal with 4th grade!
I know, right? I can’t believe I have a 20 year old. And two (at least for now) dogs.
How sweet of you to take Bear back so he could recover. Hope he finds his forever home soon!
Me too!
Bear is a cutie! He obviously thrives in your home, Dana!
He is certainly getting tons of love for all of us!
What a beautiful post! I’m glad he is back with you in attempt to calm him and help him adjust. He went through some trauma, so it may take a while for him to feel safe.
Very true, Pat! He’s certainly feeling more comfortable in our home now that he’s been here for over a month, and it’s wonderful to see that.
This post makes me want him right now! But I know it’s bad timing for Ryan and me to have a dog, and we don’t want to get a dog until we’re ready to give him or her a forever home. I’m so glad you brought Bear back and he’s safe with you all – whether it be temporary or not. 😉
Thank you Sarah! If you’re feeling like you need some puppy snuggles, you could always consider fostering for a local rescue. For puppies it’s only a few weeks!
Ohhhhh so glad you saw the post and brought him back to your home. I hope he finds his forever home and it is forever this time.<3
So do I, Vickie!
Our cats, Lydia and Lazarus, are rescues as well. I applaud you for fostering…my family won’t let me, because they know that I could never give any cat up…and I would rapidly become the Crazy Cat Lady of Anchorage. There are plenty enough of those, sadly. Bear is gorgeous…and so is Hazel!
Thank you! I’ve managed to resist adopting many fosters, but if I ever foster fail, it would be with Bear.
Aw.. Bear. So glad he came back into your home for the time being. I just adore his face.
Me too. He’s a heartbreaker, that’s for sure.
He’s such a pretty guy! Those eyes! So…. we’ve been talking about getting a dog and I’m ready finally (I think). But some of the behavior stuff, yikes. My dog Chief was soooooo good. I didn’t really even have to try with him. He never barked, he was awesome. My dog before that? OMG I loved him but wow, he was a handful. Aggressive, barked at everything… and so we wait. Sad that Bear got returned but I’m glad you found out and went back for him! I vote you keep him. Or, make him not bark and stuff and then I’ll take him 🙂
Funny, that’s part of the issue…if we spend so much time and effort helping him get over some of these behaviors, it’s going to be hard to give him up. But we’re empty nesters next year…I just don’t know yet. Maybe you could rescue a dog who is a few years old? Then you’d have a better idea about his quirks and behavior.
We’re thinking about finally getting a dog. I’m soooooo nervous! And from your pictures, and the fact you went back for Bear:)., I’m thinking he’s home. Just saying…
Lol – thanks for weighing in Allie! Don’t be nervous – dogs are easier then kids 😉
Aw, Bear is gorgeous and I honestly hope you end up keeping him as I think he is a perfect fit for you and your home. Just my opinion. Still just seeing him here and hearing you talk of him I can’t help but thinking it was meant to be <3
It may be meant to be…but I just haven’t decided yet!