Wilbur's (possible/probable) Forever Home

[Frannie & Callie]

(sorry for posting two blogs in a row, but it's been an eventful doodle day!)

Wilbur, aka "the Wilbs", aka Callie's partner in crime will be leaving us next weekend. His new mommy and daddy live in Ohio, and are driving down to come and take him home.

I'm really excited for Wilbs - his new folks are an engaged couple in their mid-50s. They have an 8 year old corgi named Gryffyn and they recently lost their silver standard poodle name Clay (Clay and Wilbur look quite a bit alike). The mom is an equestrian instructor and all-around animal lover. They have a large fenced-in yard, so Wilbur will get to lope around to his heart's content! They also keep a lake cabin on 5 fenced acres. They don't like their dogs to go more than 3 hours without human contact and a potty break, so they have a lunch-time dog walker and then the neighbor's kids come over after school to let them out.

The good folks at IDOG and I have both had long conversations with the mom and feel good that this will be a wonderful fit for Wilbur.

I admit to feeling a little sad for me and for Callie. Wilbur is fantastic. He's the calmest, most gentle dog I've ever met. He's come out of his shell with Callie and they wrestle around like bear cubs. Both of us will miss him a great deal.

I have the possible/probable in the subject because of the "what ifs". What if they get here and don't like him? What if they reject him because he's still so skinny that his legs look a little weird? (they aren't weird - he just is still building up his muscles. He was literally bone and tendons when he came here). I know the old cliche of there being many a slip betwixt the cup and the lip (but at the same time I'm saying "chas v'halelah" which is hebrew for an extra-strong "G-d forbid").

Now - how do I make the new owners join DK?

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

Frannie, I am so happy for you and Wilbs. It will be bittersweet when he leaves with his forever family. You will persevere and your life will be richer because you fostered Wilbur.

Now keep your fingers crossed that we find a great of home for Brogan as you found for Wilbs.

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

Frannie - You are such a good foster mom and of course a good mom to Callie. I know any (probably every) dog wants to live with you. You are great and we all appreciate what you have done!!!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Oh Frannie, Your last post makes me almost cry too. Wilbur is going to be so loved and you helped make it possible. You did a great thing!

[Frannie & Callie]

The thing that excites me the most about the whole situation (and the part that is keeping me from crying non-stop) is that I can already tell that this prospective doodle mom is already in love with Wilbur. The way she talks about him and the fact that they're driving to Atlanta from Ohio (not exactly an afternoon jaunt!) tells me that she feels about Wilbur the same way I felt when I saw Callie on petfinder...and that's EXACTLY what I want for Wilbur.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

You will cry - both happy and sad tears. Knowing you took that skinny, sad boy and transformed him is a Mitzvah! I have never heard of an adoptive family not falling in love at first sight. They have seen his pictures, know his story -how could they not??
I pray that they decide to join our DK family - there is nothing like getting regular updates on a doodle that has become part of our hearts - even just in the virtual world.
We are here to support you getting through the next weekend. It will be hard, I won't sugar coat it but it so worth it. You have been indoctrinated into the world of foster, you know just how wonderful saving a life is!
Sending you hugs!!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I know those "what ifs" very well. So far, they haven't ever happened to any of my fosters. I will not give Wilbur a kenehora, by making any further comments, but...
You and Callie will miss him, but the satisfaction you feel when you get that first email or phone call after he's in his new home will far outweigh the sadness. The role you played in Wilbur's journey home will always be with you...and with him.

[F, Calla & Luca]

And you and Callie can go o Ohio to visit Wilbur, or meet halfway.

[F, Calla & Luca]

do these folks adopt people too? Sign me up. I really hope this works out for Wilbur.

[Anna and Achilles]

How wonderful! You should be so proud of what you have done. It probably won't be easy to say goodbye. Just keep reminding yourself of the gift you have given him. I hope we get to hear how he is doing.

[Kathy Spyker]

I am so happy for him!! I hope they "just love him" like you do. Keep us posted.=)