Saying Farewell and Letting Go

Moon is going Home. As foster parents we are the conduit for these wonderful rescued ratties between possible death and their loving forever homes. We get attached to all of the dogs who's care is entrusted to us by New Rattitude and we don't feel we have favorites as each one is a song in the making. The dogs who come to us with little baggage are easy to let go of when it is time. We know they will forget all about their short stint with us and be happy as clams when they are united with their adopters and begin their happy new life. Then there are those dogs who needed more from us than a place to hang out until the right family comes along. Moon is one of those dogs. When she first arrived and was so terrified of everything new we weren't exactly sure how things would turn out. As you have read in previous posts, things are turning out just wonderfully for Moon. We also know she is bonded to us and she will be making one more transition that will rock her little world for just a bit. That is the hardest part. We have to let go and keep in our hearts and minds the fact that she will succeed. She will be ok. She will go even further with her forever mom that she even went with us! How exciting for her and we can't wait for the updates on all the cute things she does.

People often ask me "how can you foster dogs then let them go?". Believe me it isn't because we are heartless or have no feeling or emotion, it is because we believe in what we are doing. That we are a safe and calm channel for these scared and thrown away dogs to rest and get their bearings. We are that soft spot for them to be, and we have the home and time to give. I let people know that we do keep a piece of every dog with us in our hearts. And when one is adopted and goes "home" it opens up a spot for another dog to take a rest, to pause for a bit and catch her breath, to get cleaned up and some decent food in her belly, and some time to walk out doors and just be.

Because of a sundry of reasons there are many many ratties (and every other breed of dog) who are on death row right now. They are scared and dirty and hurting either physically, emotionally, or both. This knowledge is what keeps us going. This is how we can let go of these little beings of pure potential with a kiss on the mouth and a smile on our face. Seeing how happy the adopters are is also a wonderful joy. Many of them have lost dogs and are craving to have that companionship once again. Others are adopting a dog for the first time and are nervous and excited at the same time. I love to get the report from adopters who never had a dog before and how in love they are with their new family member and can't imagine a life without their new baby. Will we feel it when we say goodbye to Moon? Of course! Is it worth it to have fostered her even if it hurts to let go? Absolutely! And we will do it again and again and again.........

Moon scores with some of her favorite things to take "home" with her.

She loves the Fish toy with the eggs inside, she is the only one who gets the eggs out so she gets to take it home with her. What a rich personality this girl turned out to have.

Moon, New Rattitude tag #1085, that is, she is the 1085 rescued dog since NR began 4 years ago.

We love Moon's new found confidence. Love you baby girl, you're gonna do great!