Hello, dog blog. Since graduating, I have started a new adventure with a new dog.
It seems like women my age tend to feel baby-hungry; as someone who doesn’t like kids, I started feeling the urge to get a friend for Murphy. Though I knew it was probably not the best idea, those sad animals at the pound kept calling my name, and I couldn’t say no. I fostered!
Dallas Pets Alive is an organization that takes dogs (and soon cats too) out of the local shelter that will euthanize them and places them in foster homes until they can find a permanent family to love and care for them.
I picked a poodle mix named Banjo.
He was so matted he couldn’t even see. They shaved him down, and he instantly became a different dog. Banjo is the fastest dog at the park, has a squeaky toy obsession, always lays with his legs out behind him like a frog, and has a giant smile that never leaves. I don’t know where he was before, but knowing he is safe and happy now when he was so severely neglected a month ago is rewarding in itself.
Everyone has asked if it will be hard to give him up. In short, yes, of course it will. But since he has lived with me for a month now and we’ve gotten to know each other, I realize that Banjo needs a home with a yard to run in and someone who loves to play fetch. Maybe even a pool would be nice. Being cramped in an apartment and only going outside on a leash is not ideal for a pup with so much energy and playfulness, so keeping him forever just to spare myself some sadness would be nothing but selfish.
It’s been a month already, and it may be many more months to come. Though it does add a new layer of responsibility and take away a ton of free time, saving his little life has been a truly fulfilling experience, and I’d recommend it to anyone who has a little extra time and space in their heart.
I joined the organization because I knew owning another animal is a huge commitment. If I get a pet, I am going to keep it for the foreseeable future. With DPA, the organization pays for any vet visits, medications, and flea and heartworm preventatives, making it less of a financial burden, and knowing that it won’t last forever makes it less of a commitment too. Also, having a foster family who gets to know the dog personally and learn their habits, good and bad, is really nice for prospective owners when they’re looking for a dog to fit their needs.
Basically, Banjo wins because he’s alive and well. I win because I get to have another pet without all the scary financial responsibilities and commitment for a decade or more. Banjo’s future owners will win because I have done all the hard work of learning about his personality and problem areas, not to mention potty training.
He will make a fantastic pet for someone very soon, and I’m happy I got to help.