Our Hearts Are So Sad/But She Will Be So Happy

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Our hearts are so full, exhausted, and empty today.
For weeks I have talked with a woman in Wisconsin about Lace. Each day she would apologize for calling and writing so often. I told her she needed to call me this much. She needed to hear all that was going on. I would tell her the worst--holding back the good. I didn't want anyone to know what an angel I really had. I wanted to keep her all to myself. She was a great dog, a wonderful girl, with a broken heart and a lost soul. I also wanted an adopter to know what might take place during her regression into a new home. The family that has her--well they are just meant to be. They knew it before I did.

During the holidays she warmed up to everyone who entered our home. She cuddled with anyone who would cuddle with her. She was absolutely loving, happy, and irresistible. She played at the park each day and took her walks. She became strong very fast.

I also learned I had a very dominant puppy--Spud. He would not let her walk or eat. He just wanted to play with her so much. With his dominance and her extreme submissiveness she was not going to progress in our home.

It is hard to know someone else would be better for my foster. I was so strict and unyielding to anyone who would adopt this brittle girl. I thought she needed another two weeks but it could only happen now. I am confident she will continue to progress. This couple took in a dog several years ago with the exact situation. She thrived with them until she lost her battle to cancer in September. They were experienced and knew what to expect. They wanted to give her everything she needs. They need her too. They wanted her so much. To get past my protectiveness they worked very hard. I thought I was strong--She was the strong one. Best Wishes Lace. I love you.


Today she takes a long ride of 13 hours back to her forever and ever wonderful home. .It happened so quick. With tears in my eyes I am happy. Selfish and sad, I am happy for her.

I want to thank ALL who helped me with this extremely tough situation. So many phone calls, so many emails and letters of encouragement. You all were there for me. It was because of you, she will forever be happy.

UPDATE: THEY MADE IT HOME! I just received a great phone call this morning. All of them are very happy. Lace continues to make great eye contact, she is cuddling, and found some great sleeping spots already. She only gives them trouble with food. :) That's my anorexic girl. All is good with the world and another dog is happy.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

For some reason I thought of the first day I had met Lace--it was the day before Halloween. She crawled across the shelter floor. I thought she was a small dog. Maybe a medium or less. Today, she stood up and hopped right into her ride home. Ears perked. No more crawling. She will soon be a proud but shy girl. Thank you all for your kind words. Now, I need a good long nap.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I understand how lonely you must be feeling, but just keep thinking of the great thing you have done for Lace. You have given her a whole new start at a wonderful life with her new forever family. Cuddle up with Spud tonight!

[Cheryl & Matey & Checkers]

What a wonderful gift you have given this family and Lace. I can not imagine how hard it must have been, I am crying after reading your story for your saddness of having to let Lace go and for the joy that the new family feels having her as part of their family.

[Missy & Daisy]

Oh Joanne~ Don't forget how special you are to bring her into your home and teach her to trust again. I am so sad for you but very happy for Lace and her new family. I don't know what it was about Lace - maybe just her story and her lost eyes that attracted me to her and you. I know that she will never forget what you have done for her. I hope that they will stay in touch with you and let you know how she is doing, so you can pass it along to us. Maybe they will join Doodlekissees. Doodle hugs to you!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

This is an awesome group :) You said that right Diane.

[DeeDee and Sheila]

My heart is breaking for you right now, bless you for fostering and finding a forever home for one of God's creatures. I hope that after a few days and weeks that the owners let you know how much they love Lace and how well she is doing-- and your protective mother's heart can rest easier. Wow, what a support group you have here at DK. This is an awesome group of people.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I am so sad for you but so very happy for Lace. We had a little found Chihuahua puppy for several weeks and when we found the right home for her, we cried and cried, even though we knew it was best for her to move. You put Lace on the right road and you can be so proud of yourself for that.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Karen,
It was your strong words. You wrote something the other day that was the deciding point for me. It went something like this: It is like one of your children. You give them what they need to survive. One day you will have to send them out into the world, you have to let them go with what you give them and hope for the very best.
She would have been miserable with Spud. She now has a dominant strong brother who weighs only 5lbs but is a very confident dog who made the drive to come meet her too. He met her, and loved her too. He missed his goldendoodle who died in September. They all needed each other. What a wonderful family.
So I sent her out into the world a more confident dog.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Joanne, all of the guardian angels who watch over foster moms have their wings wrapped around you right now. Lean into it. Go ahead and cry, but let there be joy and pride, and deep satisfaction mixed with that sadness. You are a hero. What you did for Lace, nobody else could have done. You were there for her with what she needed when she needed it, and wherever her new life leads her, you will always be a part of it. And part of her will stay with you, too.
You're amazing, kid.
Amazing. Now you've got me crying too.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I can't stop crying. But it was RIGHT. To drive 26 hours--they knew it was right too.