This post is about dogs. Does that surprise anyone?

It was 3 weeks ago today that I worked with my rescue cohort to make the pull of sweet, adorable, 6-month old Fernando on the day he was to be euthanized because he had the “dreaded” kennel cough.  I had no idea how it was going to go but when that adorable little pup jumped out of the ASPCA van, my heart melted into a puddle of goo in the Toys ‘R Us parking lot.  Oh. My. God.  He was perfect.
 

Ummmm… where are we going John?

 
That Saturday afternoon was a bit of a whirlwind – when we made the call to pull him on Friday, I thought it would be Sunday that he’d be delivered, not the Saturday afternoon RIGHT before we were going to a wedding.  Oops!  After a half an hour of cuddling, we were off to a fabulous soiree, leaving little F in his kennel for the first time, praying all went well.  When we arrived home, he was laying there quietly with no accidents and was no worse for the wear.  Whew.  I slept with him in the spare bedroom that night (and hoped it didn’t have to become a habit like it did with Diamond) and even broke my cardinal rule of letting him sleep on the bed with me.  In the crook of my arm.  Like a teddy bear.  He was just SO cute!
 

Such a good cuddler…

 
I had to be up early for work the next morning (yes, on a Sunday) and I left the boy in my husband’s capable hands and we decided we’d introduce the hellians beasts when I got home.  When I called to say that I was on my way, John informed me that intros were already done.  And they were all hanging out, no problems at all.  Huh…
 

Capone took to him right away.  What a good foster brother.

 

Dinner time that first night.

 

Needless to say, he was a breeze.  He took to our home so quickly and was so comfortable and in return, that boy gave so much love that it was hard not to fall for him.  And fall (flat on our faces), we did.  The fact that my boys opened their hearts, beds and toys (well, Brody TRIED to share his ball but it was hard for him) made the whole thing seem like a dream come true.

 

Be still my heart.  Is there anything cuter than a man with a pittie puppy?  Especially this man?

 

After only a week of getting to know him and posting photos on my Facebook page with a couple bites here and there (I mean interest in him, not attacks by the pit bull… let’s not start rumors) an old friend of mine from high school messaged me about putting in an application.  And then it hit me.  Were we really going to give him up???  He’s been so perfect!  Everything was going so well!  WAS SOMEONE ACTUALLY WISHING TO ADOPT HIM???  I didn’t know if we were ready for this.

 

I think he was comfy here.  And we were more than comfy with him.

 

That afternoon we went wine tasting.  After a couple glasses of alcoholic grapes, I popped the question to John – “he’s so cute and all alone… can we keep him?”  ***Bonus points if you catch the movie reference.  And to the true nature of my amazing husband he said, “Sure we can keep him… but you know we won’t be able to keep fostering if we do.  Up to you either way.”  My God.  I love this man.  I also hate when he’s right.

 

That night, I spoke with my friend, gushing all about Fernando, and we made plans to bring him to Maine the following morning (Memorial Day) for a play date with her kids – both the two-legged and four-legged variety.  She said she was only going to keep him for the day and that we’d take him back for the week while they made the final decision and prepped for him.  I knew better…  you couldn’t NOT fall in love with him so I packed all of his stuff JUST in case.  And I packed my heart in that bag too.

 

“My bags are packed and I’m ready to go!”

 

F jumped out of the car and into the life of my friend without skipping a beat.  Later, I asked her to tell me honestly if he seemed distressed that I was leaving him.  She said, no, and although I was sad, I knew that was a good thing.  Seven hours after we dropped him off, I got the call wondering if I HAPPENED to bring his stuff to leave him.  I smiled and said, of course and politely asked if I could bring it to them and say good-bye once more.

 

Fernando getting some lovin from his new sister, Bean.

 

When we arrived, Fernando came running outside with his new friends, American Bulldogs, Diego and Bean, and two beautiful human children on his tail, and I swear he was saying, “mumma, meet my new friends!  aren’t they amazing?  and they LOVE me!”  He was dirty from playing and had the obligatory Maine mosquito bites on his legs and I knew that he was home.  So, after a quick photoshoot and some last questions and advice, I got one quick hug and kiss and we were on our way home to CT.  Without one of the best dogs I’ve ever met.  And with those huge, crocodile tears that filled my eyes.

 

I think he was saying “thank you.”  What do you think?

 

When we got home, Capone was a little confused and searched the car wondering where we possibly could be hiding him.  I reassured him that F’s a happy boy and thanked him for guiding him during his time with us.  After the full trial week, Fernando was officially adopted last weekend and I am so so happy that it’s with someone I know who can keep me updated and that he is a happy, happy boy.   

 
A lot of people ask me how I can possibly do this – take a dog in and then give them up – and I will admit, it’s hard.  Honestly, the hardest part is wondering if the dog thinks that I DON’T love them and that’s why I’m giving them up.  Truth is, I love them SO much that that’s WHY I give them up… so I can love another dog enough to save their life too.  And that’s an amazing feeling.  So Fernando, please know… I loved you so much that I didn’t keep you and I gave you to a family that is everything I could hope for you and more.  And thank you to my friends who have opened their hearts and their home to the perfect “pokey little puppy.”
 
And now I’m crying.
 
Two days after we dropped him off, I sent a link via email to John about another pup that needed saving.  His response?  “I support any decisions you make in this area.”  That pup was pulled by another rescue but it’s amazing to know that I have such a supportive and loving husband who’s in this journey with me no matter what.  And it doesn’t get much better than that.
 
On a side (yet related) note, yesterday was Capone’s “birthday.”  Four years ago, John gave me the best wedding gift anyone could ask for and we brought home a rough-and-tumble, 2-year old rottie boy who has taught me what it’s like to overcome adversities, to love unconditionally and that saving a dog’s life is one of the most rewarding things you can do.  And, because of him, I’ve formed a long-lasting friendship with an amazing woman who teaches me everything I need to know about rescue – and I couldn’t do it without her, the aforementioned cohort.  I like to call her my enabler.    Thank you Nanette!
 

Happy “Birthday” Capone, my “little” man!

 

Love you boy!

 

So, anyone want to foster? Or adopt?  Email me at adogslove@gmail.com to learn more or search for a rescue near you – they’re ALWAYS looking.  The more homes we have, the more dogs we can save!

 

I truly believe that to open your heart to another is one of the greatest gifts in life.

 

I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love.  For me they are the role model for being alive.  ~Gilda Radner