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?

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Frannie ....... Where in Ohio is Wilbur going? Is he going to be near us in the Cincinnati area (well keep an eye on him for you). So glad that you found a home that you feel good about for him. That makes it easier to let them go. He will always have a special place in your heart, but allowing him to go to his new forever home means that you will still have room to save the next one that comes along! That is what fostering is all about!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

This sounds like a perfect "forever" home for Wilbur (other than your home, of course). I really like the idea of the lake house...think of the fun he'll have there. It does sound like you and Callie are going to miss this sweet guy....we're all going to miss hearing about him too. I agree with Cheryl....you need to let Wilbur go only if they new parents agree to join DK and give us regular updates.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

It will be both a sad and happy day for you and Callie. I am sure Wilbur will remember you both in his heart.

[Ann Kendig]

I was kinda hoping that Wilbur would stay with you and Callie too, Frannie. Thank you for giving him a new start in life and showing him lots of love! His new (possible/probable) home sounds wonderful. Fingers crossed that everything works out.

[cheryl & oliver]

I am both happy and sad that Wilbur is leaving you. I loved hearing all the wonderful updates on his progress, and I was sort of hoping in the back of my mind that he would stay with you and Callie, but I am happy that he is going to a wonderful new forever home. Just tell them that it is part of the deal, if they take Wilbur, then they h ave to be part of doodlekisses, because he is part of us now too...Worth a try?