I smiled the other day listening to Dan Tripp tell me about his foster dogs. Tripps are fostering Angel and Clarissa. Angel is doing wonderful and has relaxed and left her baggage behind her. Little Clarissa is a pretty, petite and young black female. She is really sweet but has no confidence and is on the shy side. Tripps have been letting her hang out with their own pack in the house so she can learn how to be a real dog. Dan was telling me how after a month she is just now willing to approach him but only for a moment and she recently started taking cookies from Carol's hand. He than said "You know, a dog like Clarissa can't just go anywhere. She needs a REALLY good home that will help her grow up and be patient with her." I could tell by the protective edge in his voice that he was well into "foster dad" mode. It is a interesting phenomena how protective you can feel about your foster dogs. You want them to be happy and you want them to have owners that are really committed. You want the best home for each dog. I have often been asked, "How can you let go?" For me, I let go to make room for others. I have certainly fostered many dogs I would have loved to kept. Often when the right home happens it just feels right. It isn't a matter of letting go it is just letting things happen the way they should. Fostering is hard work. It can be very emotional both in heartbreak and joy. But aside from the personal inconvenience....fostering saves lives. It is the first critical step towards a forever home. Foster families get to see that dog blossom. Showing the world to that innocent greyhound is wonderful. That foster dog will always remember you...The relationship is kind of like you have with a favorite aunt. Fostering can change your world. Pictured above are two of my three lovely greyhound girls...once upon a time they were just foster dogs.

Angel has a home waiting for her. Robert and his greyhound, Jack, have offered to transport her next week. Kissie is healing and anxious to find a home. And anyone interested in Clarissa will have to meet with foster dad, Dan Tripp's approval. He may be as picky as a daddy on prom night.