Confessions of a Foster Failure

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

Yup, that would be me. I know you must be thinking “OMD! It can’t be true!” Ah, but I am happy to say that it is. Miss Lacey (formerly Lucy) has officially become one of the Whitefield Pack.

This poor, stoic girl has gone through so much in her short 3.5 years. First to be born in a puppy mill and then being bred every single time she came into heat just to line this a##&)*e’s pockets. Then to add insult to injury, once the puppy miller was done with her, he/she dumped this poor, HW positive girl in a local kill shelter and coolly walked out of her life.

Next after being rescued by DRC, Lace was in safe arms. But luck was not on her side. One evening while getting ready to go for a walk with a DRC foster aunt Lacey broke from her leash and bolted for the woods (hey, you would have too if your only experiences before DRC were people who treated you like chattel). Lacey (then known as Lucy) spent 2 weeks on the lam in Atlanta near busy streets and a major interstate nearby. Droves of local people and volunteer organizations keep searching for Lacey. She would be spotted but would run from anyone who tried to approach her (even with food in hand). Miraculously, after not being spotted for a week, Lacey was once again spotted near her foster aunt’s neighborhood. A large “life trap” was set and Aunt Frannie fried up a batch of pork sausage. The smell of the sausage was just too tempting for poor Lace (who had lost 15 pounds during her time on the run) and she was caught.

Lacey came to live with us on July 11, 2011; we were her foster family. She would stay with us while she underwent HW treatment and then spaying. It broke my heart to see this beautiful girl cowering in the corner of our family room or our bedroom, trying to make herself as small a target as possible.

This Sunday, September 11 will be the 2 month anniversary of Lacey staying with us. It has been a long trek for her. She is now HW free and has gained back 12 of those 15 lost pounds. She is still very shy, backing away from people approaching her and still needs to be led outside on a leash. But she is now eating her breakfast and dinner with people in the same room as her. And she looks forward to her bedtime cookies & chew bone. This week she has even begun to come greet me (with small tail wags) when I get home from work.

Lacey didn’t mean to, nor did we, but she worked her way into our hearts so deep we just couldn’t imagine Lace not being part of our family. So this weekend we officially submitted our application to adopt Lacey. DRC graciously accepted our application and Lacey became Lacey Whitefield on Labor Day.

Please join me in welcoming Miss Lacey to the Whitefield family.

Now for your next question… “Now that you have adopted Miss Lacey will you continue to foster?” The answer is an emphatic YES!!!

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Congratulations! Best wishes for Lucy's continued healing and bless you for your kindness!!

[Bonnie and Kona]

I am so thrilled to hear what happened to Lacey. I have thought about her often. You are wonderful foster parents. No failure here at all. You fostered her until you adopted her! ;o)

[Susan and Sasha]

Congratulations Miss Lacey on finding your Forever Home!!

May the coming years be filled with peace...love and happiness for all of you...

[F, Calla & Luca]

I remember Lacey's trials and tribulations when Frannie and then you wrote about her. What a wonderful, very happy ending. Congratulations to all of you. She is one lucky doodle.

[Mimi Linna, Lilly and Lolly]

oh.. I am so happy for Lacey and for your family..hugs

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

Congratulations on your "failure"!  I have a big smile on my face!!!

[Linda, Webber and Seda]

I could not be happier to hear this news.  Lacey surely has grabbed the brass ring, and she so deserves it after the hard life she has had.  Thank you Nina, Phil, Harlow and Baxter for adding this sweet girl to your family.  This is a wonderful ending to a very sad story.  And, Thank You DRC.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Oh Nina :) Congratulations!   She is beautiful. 

Lacey, CONGRATULATIONS GIRL.   All your dreams have come true!  May you find fun and peace in your new life.  Something you so deserve. YOU HIT THE LOTTERY GIRL! 

[Donna K & Quincy]

Nina, you just gave me happy goosebumps. I remember scouring the site when Lacey went missing hoping for word that she had been found. I actually did a happy jump around the room dance when she was found. I saw her pic on the site and saw that her adoption was pending, that she is staying with you and your family is wonderful. Bless you.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Nina, I have had a rotten day, but you have just made my day wonderful. I was so worried about poor Lacey and I am now so happy that you found it in your awesome heart to make her a part of your family. Please continue to update us on her progress. I think you are a Foster Miracle Worker :) Thank you!!!