I’m Fostering A Puppy For The First Time

Carlette and Lulu

By Carlette Jewell, Youth Programs Coordinator

I’m fostering a puppy for the first time. She was found in a dumpster, skinny, dehydrated and a little smelly. I gave her a bath and some food and spent some time snuggling her that first evening. By the second day, the puppy’s belly was full and she was feeling playful. I taught her to “sit”. By day three, she had learned “up” and “shake”. Her bones aren’t quite so painful looking and she’s desperate to train ME, so when she wants my attention she cycles through barking, whining and sitting quietly and attentively. I’m working on training her not to bark for attention. It’s hard because she’s so cute. I’m staying strong though. I pretend to ignore her until she is quiet and calm. By day 6 in my home, she started to learn not to chew on my hands, clothes and shoes. I can see her getting frustrated, and she’ll take it out on the toy I divert her to. I try to teach her to lay down. I’ve finally reached a wall. Instead of laying down, she barks at me like she’s shouting, “NO! YOU LAY DOWN! NO NO NO!” This puppy has a second chance at life, and she’s not spending it laying down. There is far too much to explore.

Since I started fostering this puppy, friends have been asking me how I’m going to give her up when it’s time for her to be adopted. They can’t imagine putting in the time, work and love and then letting her go. But she poops. A LOT. Puppies are a lot of work. But more importantly, I know that I’m giving her a chance for the best life she can have. I’m hoping by the time she’s ready for adoption, she’ll be a well-mannered, adorably skilled pup, and she’ll never again experience the cold and loneliness of that dumpster. That’s the joy of being a foster volunteer. I hope you’ll consider joining the SICSA foster team and making a difference for homeless animals like my foster puppy.