Friday, April 9, 2010

100 FOSTERS!


4-9-2010

Wow. Is it even possible? We have had 100 foster dogs come into our home.

Some of them for a day, some of them for months.
One of them is here forever. ;)

Every single one of them has touched our hearts in ways that are indescribable. The emotion involved with fostering these dogs is amazing. To bring them to our home, and love them... there are no words.

Looking back over the last year or so, I see a trail of laughter and tears. I see a yard that is dog-friendly, but not so pretty anymore. I see a couch that is always full of happy, sleeping dogs, and falling apart at the seams. (and missing part of a cushion, thank you Dezi).

I see tables and chairs with chewed corners.

I see carpet that needs to be replaced, I see painted walls that need to be retouched. I see dirty windows, smeared by dog noses as they look outside.
I see shelves devoid of any decoration from dog-height down.
I see a living room scattered with chew toys, ropes and dog bones.

I see a kitchen that desperately needs to be swept, the corners full of those little balls of dog hair that seem to collect there daily.

But there is more to see....

I also see the peaceful face of Luna as she sleeps, knowing that she is home forever.

I see my children, learning about unconditional love, and volunteering their time to help those who cannot help themselves.

I see many many dogs now in forever homes, being loved and cared for like they deserve. Many of them who were rescued from the shelters on their last day. Death Row refugees.

These dogs fill my home, yes. But they fill my heart too. I am a better person because of them. THEY have rescued ME.

9 comments:

  1. Congratulations to all 100, they are blessed to have been found by you guys. I love your outlook as well, your last line says it all:)

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  2. That is absolutely fantastic. You guys are doing a wonderful job. Kudos to you all.

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  3. I have goose bumps from reading this. Congrats to all the rescues and you too.

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  4. You and your family is doing a great JOB Cat. You guys have my respect for what you do.

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  5. What a wonderful milestone Cat. I love so much to hear your stories, the stories of the dogs, your family, and the impact you are making in the lives of creatures who can't always protect themselves. I'd like to think that Cooper is in my home because in part of the work and love you put into your work in Utah... I do not have a HART dog from your hands to mine, but I do have a HART dog in heart and spirit because of the example you lead...

    Thank you on behalf of all of the those fur covered creatures that have come through your home... Thank you for sharing your journey!

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  6. As the proud and blessed recipient of one of your fosters (my beloved Maggie), I am eternally grateful for your seemingly limitless kindness and love. Thanks Cat, Wade, Marian, Joshua & Tevin!

    xoxo

    Chris, Maggie & Gracie

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  7. Congrats on the milestone. These dogs are so blessed to have been found by you and your family. You do such wonderful and selfless work. I'm sure God looks down on you and family every day and smiles. I'm honored to be your friend.

    Paula & Cricket

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  8. Wow. Time does fly, doesn't it?
    You and your family do a remarkable thing, and like the ripples in a pond from a tossed pebble, the thing you do moves forever outward...it is not only the lives of these 100 that you and your family have touched, and we are all the better for it.

    You all rock!

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  9. I am so proud of you. It's a wonderful thing you have chosen to do. Plus, you write really well! It is great to follow your stories. You frequently bring me to tears, both happy and sad. I hope you know all the good you are doing. I love you.
    Aunt Carol

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