FOSTER HOME INFORMATION
A POEM TO MY FOSTER DOG
Copyright 1999/ by Diane Morgan
I am the bridge
Between what was and what can be.
I am the pathway to a new life.
I am made of mush,
Because my heart melted when I saw you,
Matted and sore, limping, depressed,
Lonely, unwanted, afraid to love.
For one little time you are mine.
I will feed you with my own hand
I will love you with my whole heart
I will make you whole.
I am made of steel.
Because when the time comes,
When you are well, and sleek,
When your eyes shine,
And your tail wags with joy
Then comes the hard part.
I will let you go--not without a tear,
But without a regret.
For you are safe forever--
A new dog needs me now.
FOSTER HOME REQUIREMENTS
Foster homes are held to the same standard that we ask of our adoption homes. We do a vet check to see that all animals are up-to-date on vet care. We ask past pet history and go to the home to visit your present dogs. We provide the foster home with dog food to feed the dog.
PALS does all basic vet work, spay/neuter, shots, worming, deflea, heartworm test and provide heartworm preventative. We do the approving of the adoptive home, but do ask foster home input on how comfortable they feel in the adoption of their foster dogs.
*************************************************************************************************** ***To be considered as a foster home, call LeeAnn Jahansooz at 210-6454
>
AN ODE TO OUR FOSTER PARENTS
>
>
"Rescued Hearts"
>
> Taking care of rescue dogs
> Is something I do best.
> I know because I've done it,
> And I've surely passed the test.
> The dogs I've bathed, the food I've fed,
> The vacuuming I've done,
> And all to watch a frightened soul
> Sit dreaming in the sun.
> My own dogs I've neglected,
> But I tell them everyday
> That I love and cherish each of them
> Though a new dog's come to stay.
> I know they understand this,
> For in their eyes I see
> The love that I have given them
> Come shining back at me.
> Some people think I'm crazy,
> Some others think I'm great.
> But very few can understand
> What really is at stake.
> If I can love and help a dog
> To find a better way,
> My own life is much richer,
> I look forward to each day.
> So now you know my secret,
> It's there for all to see,
> The love I give, the life I save,
> I do it all for me.
>
> by Kathleen Parsons
> The Reason (to you from all your rescue dogs)
>
> I would've died that day if not for you.
> I would've given up on life if not for your kind eyes.
> I would've used my teeth in fear if not for your gentle hands.
> I would have left this life believing that all humans don't care
> Believing there is no such thing as fur that isn't matted
> skin that isn't flea bitten
> good food and enough of it
> beds to sleep on
> someone to love me
> to show me I deserve love just because I exist.
> Your kind eyes, your loving smile, your gentle hands
> Your big heart saved me...
> You saved me from the terror of the pound,
> Soothing away the memories of my old life.
> You have taught me what it means to be loved.
> I have seen you do the same for other dogs like me.
> I have heard you ask yourself in times of despair
> Why you do it
> When there is no more money, no more room, no more homes
> You open your heart a little bigger, stretch the money a little tighter
> Make just a little more room...to save one more like me.
> I tell you with the gratitude and love that shines in my eyes
> In the best way I know how
> Reminding you why you go on trying.
>
> I am the reason
> The dogs before me are the reason
> As are the ones who come after.
> Our lives would've been wasted, our love never given
> We would die if not for you.