Fostering pets. What a wonderful way to help dogs, cats, and other critters as they adjust from life on the streets, or life in a noisy shelter, to a loving home, albeit a temporary one. Let me tell you a little bit about my foster dog Buster . . .
In fact, there is so much to share about Buster, who is literally a star in my neighborhood, that many have encouraged me to write a book about him. OK! But for now, I want to celebrate that this scruffy, one-eyed terrier, who has been through so much, has found his perfect forever home. And that home is not with me.
After sweet Sugar died in January (the day after my birthday), I knew that the heartbreak meant I could not adopt another dog right away. However, fostering a dog would be a win-win solution, for the dog as well as for me. That is when Buster came into my life. Unlike Sugar, who was officially a foster for about a day before I realized we were destined to be together, I felt that Buster was not my dog. Friends scolded me: how could I only foster Buster and not adopt him?! Isn't that cruel to Buster?! Even though I eventually needed to pass him to Foster Mom #2, and she to Foster Mom #3, I trusted that with each home, Buster was learning valuable lessons that (most) people are good and kind and want to love him.
Reader, Buster has found his forever home! His dreams have come true. Foster Mom #2 loved him from the start, and he loved her. She wanted him all along, but she had some life circumstances that had to be settled before she could adopt him. Circumstances settled, and now it is official: she adopted Buster. And guess what: I live in the same community as Buster and his fantastic family!
