The laws of the Lombardo household, as dictated by the husband, state that at any one time there may only be 3 canine residents that live with us. I am actively trying to change this law, as I feel that our max out # should be more like 5, but I digress. With 2 permanent fur kids, that means there is only one open spot. So if I were to adopt a foster dog, that would mean I couldn't save any other dogs for some time. It’s simple math really: I can keep this one particular foster or I can save countless more. It also helps knowing that each dog is going to a great home that will fit its personality and be loved forever. Let me tell you, the most satisfying moment in the entire process is when the new family of your foster dog sends you an update about how much they love their newly adopted family member. It’s an indescribable feeling that enlivens my entire being. Simply put, fostering is the most rewarding thing I've ever done.
Fostering can also be stressful. It requires commitment, patience, understanding, and a lot of carpet cleaner. Both my car and my couch are usually covered in dog hair and my hardwood floors are scratched in places. And I’ll be honest, when you come home and find a shoe has been chewed or there is pee on your new curtains (Frankie), you may be frustrated. That’s okay, no one said it would be easy. Saving a life is hard work. But consider this: when you look back on your life in 40 years, will you remember how clean your car was? Nope, but what you will know with absolute certainty is that you helped an abandoned, voiceless creature that desperately needed you. One of my favorite quotes is from Ralph Waldo Emerson, "...to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived—this is to have succeeded." I couldn't agree more.
So give it a try! Fostering is a way to help an animal that so badly wants to be saved. And if you do happen to fall in love and want to adopt your foster, well what’s the harm in that? You rescued a beating heart that will be eternally thankful for you. And there is no failure in that.
Check out a few of dogs that have crashed at our pad in the past few years...