I planned on writing something else this morning. But then I got a call. Could I foster a shy beagle? So instead of writing a fluid, insightful, witty, and humorous (or disjointed, dense, imbecilic, and funny like a toothache, depending on your opinion) post, I’m going to tell you how I get ready to host …
Fostering
When a Foster Dog Goes Home…
When a foster dog goes home from our house, we: go somewhere because it sounds and feels too empty with one dog missing sigh in relief because we’ve just uncomplicated our upcoming trip out-of-town keep looking at our dog to see if she feels as sad as we do bring out the high value …
When A Less Adoptable Dog is More Adoptable
The Less Adoptable Dog If Chérie, our foster pup, had found herself in a shelter making tough decisions about how to use their resources, she would not have made it out alive. She had a few strikes against her. Chérie was in heat, necessitating a more challenging spaying surgery feared everyone and everything and was nearly …
Fostering Dogs – It’s About the Love, Not the Loss
[This post has its own soundtrack. Let it play in the background.] Falling in Love Again Do you remember the first time you fell in love? You were happy just to sit and think about the object of your affections. And when he walked into the room, your world lit up. Who wouldn’t want that …
Supporting Change for Companion Animals
I’ve changed a lot since I first brought Agatha and Christie home from the Philadelphia SPCA in 1991. Yes, I’m fatter and older. But not just that. I’ve learned so much about building a relationship with my dog. It’s made living with dogs one of the most satisfying aspects of my life. But the reason …
On a Roller Coaster With the Dog: The Ups and Downs of Every Day Life
I have nothing witty or insightful to write. I’m just tired. Good Days and Bad Days Everyone who has ever worked with dogs will tell you progress isn’t linear. You have growth. You have setbacks. And yet every setback is a surprise. After several days of being less fearful on her walk, Chérie, our foster …
What Motivates Your Dog?
Rewarding Your Dog You can train a dog without treats. But you can’t train a dog without knowing what makes her willing to do what you ask. Honey is easy. A morsel of turkey hot dog, a piece of cheese, or even a sliver of apple are a terrific reward for walking by my …
9 Things You Must Have to Foster a Dog
Today I planned to post my first home shot video. But I didn’t have time to edit it. You see, we have a new foster dog in the house. And a foster dog trumps professional-looking video. I thought you’d agree. Never Foster a Dog Without… 1. Paper towels and rags. Lots and lots of paper …
…To a Good Home
You’ve seen the ads on Craigslist or signs on store windows: “Dog. Free to a good home.” But what’s a good home? Predicting the Future. Rescue organizations, shelters, and responsible breeders all have the job of making sure the animals in their care end up in good homes. They use questionnaires, references, and home visits …
Adoptable Eddie – Latest Foster Puppy at Casa de Honey
I mentioned on Facebook that I was disappointed when the volunteer coordinator at the SPCA left a message asking me to foster a puppy and then left another message telling me her family had decided to foster the pup themselves. And I don’t blame them a bit. He’s irresistible. Well, I’ve gotten my chance. Meet …