Questions for Foster Parents

[Valarie]

Saturday is the day that our sweet foster Airedale is going to her forever home.  I would welcome suggestions on how to make it easier for her and for our doodle Sophie who has grown to enjoy her company.  I have spoken with the forever mom and it seems like a wonderful home.  Kemba will have a big brother Teddy and a huge yard to enjoy.  They have sent us lots of pics so that is making the transition a little easier for us.  There will always be a spot for her curly little face in my heart.  The transporter will pick her up at a designated spot in our home town on Saturday morning to begin the journey.  She will be home by 3:00 pm so not a horribly long trip.  Valarie

[Lynda Kamrath]

Yes, it is hard to let a dog move on, but that was your purpose when you took her in.  You have been a foster success.  Sophie will probably have a harder time accepting the change than you do.  We have found that a dog raised with other dogs really need their companionship.  We thought Harpo would be a fine only dog, but he definitely was not.  He now has a little companion and they are very happy with each other.  I had an airedale many years ago, and she was a wonderful little dog.  You will survive, but it will seem lonely for a while.  It is kind of like having your child leave for college far away from home.  You know it is what they need to do, but that doesn't make it any easier for you.

[Mari Bezanson]

What an amazing thing you have done for Kemba.  I hope your transition goes smoothly and god bless you and your family:)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

If you had asked sooner, I would have suggested that you have the new family send you a T-shirt or small blanket that had their scent on it, so she could get accustomed to it even before she gets there. You might consider sending a similar object along with her to comfort her with a familiar scent during her transition. Maybe a toy she likes too.

I've not heard of a rescue doing transport to an adoptive home; I wish the new owners were coming to get her in person, it would be easier for her, and she would have the opportunity to bond with them on the journey home. Is this not a possibility? 

Sophie will probably rebound quickly; she'll look around for Kemba for a couple of days and maybe seem mopey, but most home dogs get back into the luxury of having you all to themselves pretty easily. 

It will be a little harder for you. Foster dogs leave pawprints on our hearts. Know that because of your unselfish and loving heart, she will be right where she is meant to be. Hugs to you.  

[Emily, Bentley, & Maserati]

Saying goodbye is always bittersweet for me. I am thrilled our foster pups have found the right family yet sad to see them go. We always send our foster dogs with their favorite toy and a blanket from our home so they have familiar items and smells.  They all seem to have adjusted fairly quickly into their new families. We've always made ourselves available for questions etc... 

We have asked for updated photos and the families so far have been great at keeping in contact via FB, email, and playdates! We also take a family picture with our foster babies before we hand them over to their new families. I love flipping through and seeing all of their sweet faces. 

Hugs to you!! Just think about how wonderful Kemba's new life will be with her family. You rock!

[Robin and Libby Louise]

Good luck - I have no better advice than what has already been given.  But you have done your job well and I hope you can take comfort in that! 

[Valarie]

Thanks for the encouragement.  We will be sending her little monkey and a blanket along with her. 

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

What a wonderful act of kindness.  Foster families are very special.  

[Valarie]

Kemba is safely in her forever home.  Anxiously awaiting pictures :)

[Emily, Bentley, & Maserati]

Yay! I'm glad she made it safely! 

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Any updates on Kemba? How is Sophie doing? Thank you for fostering her.

[Valarie]

Kemba's new Mama says she is doing great.  She slept in the bed with them last night.  We never let her on the furniture at our house because we didn't want to start something that a her adoptive family might not want to continue.  She is getting along with her new brother Teddy and all is well. 

Sophie seems just fine - she was happy and playing all day. 

The picture is  of Kemba and brother Teddy.

I really miss her but so glad her new family loves her.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

This is just the best news! And her new family is obviously experienced with Airedales, which is a big, big plus!