One Last Foster Dog
There have been quite a few foster dogs come and go through my home the past year. Plus the odd cat or two. Add a few boarders to the list. Ike, the parrot who kept me laughing, and the dogs jumping. All the while, my own sweet Maltese, Jasper has been an wonderful little gem. He's shared everything he had. He's also had one adventure after another. Yesterday, Miss Kitty, a fierce tiny stray cat left for her new home. She was adopted by a couple who have a bulldog. Their dog took one look at Miss Kitty and fell head over heels in love. I love watching animals meet each other. I would have sworn that cat would have a hissy fit when the saw the bulldog. With her tail held high in the air, she sauntered over to the dog, rubbing her head on him as if he were made of 100% pure catnip. When I left she was purring like mad, kneading him with those soft little paws that hide super sharp claws.
At home, because of the move I'll be making soon, Jasper looks lost. He's the only pet in the house now. Its easy to see he misses the company of other animals or perhaps he got hooked on all the crazy commotion that comes with taking in stray critters. There are packing boxes in every room, my home looks as if someone stirred the insides with a big spoon. Watching Jasper roam from room to room makes me wonder if I should have another small dog for him to have a pal. This is the first time in my life I have only had one pet, this is new for me, as well as for Jasper.
The house is very quiet. Teddy's little spirit lingers, the faint sounds of all the sweet dogs who have come and gone, are still in the air. Even the parrot who called me, "Lard butt." has left a shimmer of his personality behind. Just before bed, the phone rang. A foster home is desperately needed for a week. Other foster homes are stuffed to the brim. The dog is a female, a MM breed, in other words, a mish-mash, or a 'can't really tell.' This dog is a stray, has no special needs, other than a place to stay while another foster home readies a few of their dogs to go to forever homes.
What the heck, why not. I have a week. It will help Jasper get over his slump regarding the move. Just one last time, this little house will be a haven for a dog in need. I'm looking forward to my new guest!
