How We Started Fostering!

On August 16th, 2021 my husband, Heath, found a little black and white dog at his office. She was emaciated and covered in fleas, mange and sores. The pup was weak from starvation and was severely dehydrated. We immediately took her to see our vet where she was given a thorough examination and was prescribed medications to help her heal.

"Miss Shorty" as we called her, began to thrive! In only ONE week, she gained 7 pounds, her skin was clearing up and a cute personality started to emerge. She was learning to jump and play, was eating like a champ, and started to trust us. 

We knew from the day we rescued Shorty that we ultimately did not want to keep her because we had hopes of spending lots of time with future grandchildren and had dreams of traveling. I finally gathered my courage (because at this point our love for Shorty was increasing with each passing day) and contacted Rescue Road about taking her into their program. Rescue Road saves Arkansas shelter dogs and sends them to Last Hope K9 Rescue or to Live Free Animal Rescue which are both based in the Northeast. Upon arrival to these rescues, the dogs go into foster homes and then become elligible to be adopted by a loving family.

October 28th, 2021. The day that Miss Shorty was scheduled to catch her ride to Boston arrived. The baby that we had nursed back to health and loved on, and grown so attached to, was about to embark on a life changing journey. I have to admit, I was a wreck. I sat in my car with her when we arrived at transport and I tried (without success) to pull myself together. This was one of the saddest AND happiest days of my life because I had such a deep love for this little back and white dog. It was heartbreaking to let her go BUT I knew she would find a wonderful, loving family. Tears were flowing as I handed Shorty over to the guys operating the transport truck. The nice man that took Shorty from my arms said, "I just love little black and white dogs".

We still miss and love Shorty (renamed Hazy by her new family!) but her amazing family sends us photos and updates so we still feel connected to our first foster baby.

On November 15, 2021 we started all over again and welcomed our second foster, from a local shelter, into our home and hearts. We hope to continue caring for and loving on pups from Arkansas shelters until they are fortunate enough to catch a ride to a better life and furever home. It takes patience, love, and the willingness to let them go on to a better life.  It takes a village to save these unwanted babies and Heath and I are so glad to be a small part of these amazing rescue organizations!