Riley got a new home today- so what is it like to watch her go?

 Me and Riley before she heads to VA with her new family . Bittersweet.

When you hear someone is interested in your foster dog you are filled with emotions.  (I had Riley 14 months and she was the most like me of any dog I ever owned. I could not keep her as my alpha Shanti of six years became very aggressive toward her and vice versa over time).  You are happy that the time has come for her, yet you know your heart will tear into pieces when your baby, the one you cared for, heads off on her new life without you. Forever.

So you set up a time and place to meet with the new potential adoptive family:
You pace waiting for the new potential family to arrive.  You constantly look outside and check your watch. They always seem to be late but then you remember you are in no hurry to have the goodbye heartbreak.
You don't want to force a fit but you do want to talk your dog up, but your are talking her up to give her away.
You get nervous.
You hope they will be everything you are and more to you dog- love the dog like you do.
You cry.
You don't sleep.
You spend time doing all their favorite things- rides, walks, treats, food, love, naps.
You cry.
You get a million pics of them doing everything, even peeing.
You get a picture of the new family and ask them to keep in touch, let you know how your dog is doing without interfering with the new leader(s) of her pack.
You get a little depressed. You know it is a GOOD thing happening but the heart still hurts. It aches really and you cannot help it.

This is why there are so many foster failures (from my blog you will note - Harley, Maisy, Shanti, Samson, and Buddy as foster failures that I kept as my very own to have, to hold, to love).  You fall in love and can't manage to let go.  You know many dogs have been through hell and you want the best for them here on out. You can't take the pain of letting go and wonder if the dog will adjust without you.

Riley leaving in her new SUV. She loves rides.

When the new parents leave with your foster dog,  you bawl.  You try not to do it in front of the new family so they do not feel bad "stealing" one of your family members. Almost always they have kids in the car with them so you try to be tough.  I wave as they drive off with tears streaming down my face that they cannot see.  I always tear up when I hug my fosters goodbye, even if I only had them a few days, because I know goodbye is probably forever.

It is harder the longer you have the dog at your home. I had Riley 14 months and she was my best exercise partner. And best kisser. Softest lips, tongue and belly EVER.  Spoken like a mom in love with her dog. She always had good puppy breath too. It's the small things you notice and hope others will too.

You want her happier than when she was with you even (and I know she loved me).  You don't want her to get anxiety, miss you, act up, destroy anything, have an accident, etc. I plan for this by taking my dogs to different homes, overnights, rides, etc. We do all we can to love them and prepare them for the day they leave our homes.

I often take dogs that are the most desperate for homes (their energy level, aggression, age, mix, size).  I train them, clean them up, take care of their medical needs, emotionally love the hell out of them, teach them to be a good member of my pack, etc.  I work with many dogs on my own (word of mouth) but also with four wonderful rescues. Shout out to BTRTOC for really stepping up to help Riley for all these months and never giving up that we WOULD find her a great home. Sometimes for no rhyme or reason it takes forever to find some dogs a home but you must keep the faith. Keep trying. Keep marketing. Keep smiling and keep loving the dog no matter what.

I foster because it keeps dogs from being killed, abused, etc.  I know that.  And I help them find really good loving homes so both sides win. With an adoption, space then opens up in my home so I can do it all over again. And let me tell you this, it rips your heart out. When you love them all, big and small, you care for them like family.  Dogs cannot call you, write you and so far, none of them have hit me up on Facebook. So if you are lucky you may hear from new family for a year or two but eventually (if not right away) the communication is gone and you trust the dog universe that the family is everything they said they would be and your foster dog is happy and healthy.  You pray for it.

So Riley, momma loves you.  Grandma too (she reads this). And so many of my friends. Thank you for the kisses, making me smile, teaching me patience, keeping me athletic, pushing me on the trails, loving me with affection/snuggles, being so damn smart and cute, and sleeping under the covers with me when I needed it most.  You are an awesome dog. I saw it day one, and today I saw it day 389.  BE WELL AND BE LOVED.

Karla

Riley playing in my yard one last time

Riley chewing on her rawhide 

Riley sitting on my bed with me. I was sad. She was hunting through the windows.

 Riley chillaxin on my bed, middle of the day. We did, just because...

 Hanging out in the driveway waiting for her new humans to arrive. She is gorgeous right?!

(As a side note, I have heard from the new family and Riley made it to VA without any problems and slept with their daughter last night.  She attracted a wonderful, loving family with her good looks and personality and for that I am thankful)