willow

I grew up with dogs and have always considered myself a ‘dog person,’ even though the pets we’ve had include a ferret, cat, and frogs – not dogs. Dogs are a bit more of a commitment and up to this point we haven’t felt ready for one. Just before New Years we were speaking with some good friends that suggested we become a foster home for dogs, in particular the Prairie Pitbull Rescue organization. We thought it would be a great fit at this point in our lives as with Neil’s job taking us away every summer (to apartments that don’t allow pets) we can’t have a dog of our own. We have also been concerned that Neil’s asthma and allergies, that were severely affected by our cat, would be affected by dogs. We didn’t want to get a dog just to find out he does react and we'd have to give it away. This would prove a good trial for his asthma as well as to how our boys would adapt to having a furry friend around. We were also thrilled at the thought of providing a safe, loving home for an animal that needed to be loved until it found a family. After discussing it for a couple weeks Neil and I informed our friend that we were interested and would be willing to be a foster home.

Last week we were contacted and told that a little lady needed a place to go and were we interested in having her. We said yes and the next day I went and picked her up.

Meet Willow.

Aren’t those the most adorable ears you’ve ever seen? :)

It has only been a couple days and we are in love with her. She has fit right into our family like I wasn’t expecting and I think we’re really in trouble. Fostering means you have to give them away right? *sob* She is a gentle girl who is obviously timid and a little unsure, but seeks to be loved. She sticks her nose out and puts her ears down asking to be pet. She will sit at your side for hours and every once in a while rolls over so you can tickle her tummy. She is kind with the boys who have been very excited to have her in our home. She lets them pet her and snuggle her and licks their arms when they reach out. Rigby loves to watch her eat and helps her by handing her one piece at a time which she gently takes from his fingers. Porter brings her his blanket and stuffies and tries to make her feel safe as we’ve explained to him she is a little afraid and needs to know we are her friends. She is still adjusting to our house and hasn’t shown much of her playful energetic side yet but we do get glimpses of it here and there. She likes to stick her bum in the air and go down on her elbows, ready for action.

The only thing we know of her history is that she is approximately 10 months old and is a stray from LA. She is beautiful with no scarring or patches and has shown absolutely no signs of aggression or cowering. I don’t know her past but I do know that through this rescue operation she has a bright future with a family that will love her. I’m so grateful we get to be a part of it.



If you think fostering a dog would be a good fit for your family visit the site I’ve linked to above. They have many dogs in need of temporary (and permanent!) homes. All dogs are vaccinated and spayed/neutered and come with a collar, leash, crate and the organization provides food. They just need somewhere safe to be and someone to love them.

Now to end on a sappy note – when I found out we would be fostering a little girl named Willow, I immediately thought of Paul McCartney’s song “Little Willow” from him album Flaming Pie. I’ve been singing it to Willow and I actually think it’s quite fitting for this little orphan.

BEND, LITTLE WILLOW,

WINDS GONNA BLOW YOU

HARD AND COLD TONIGHT.

LIFE, AS IT HAPPENS,

NOBODY WARNS YOU,

WILLOW, HOLD ON TIGHT.

NOTHING'S GONNA SHAKE YOUR LOVE,

TAKE YOUR LOVE AWAY.

NO ONE'S OUT TO BREAK YOUR HEART,

IT ONLY SEEMS THAT WAY...HEY.

SLEEP, LITTLE WILLOW,

PEACE GONNA FOLLOW,

TIME WILL HEAL YOUR WOUNDS.

GROW TO THE HEAVENS,

NOW AND FOREVER,

ALWAYS CAME TOO SOON.