My earliest memories are of our family dog, a huge German Shepherd named Duke. Whenever I felt no one cared, he was always there for me. Throughout my life, that story has repeated itself with every dog that has shared my home. When I lost my Tennessee Jed, “the best dog in the world”, I was sure no other dog would or could ever take his place. Then came Sadie and Kit…two pound-hounds well into their years who taught me love was indeed possible again. They were nothing like Jed, but yet saved my life in so many ways I lost track. When their time on this earth was over, I had a new attitude, as I now knew I could love again. Enter TJ Wiggles…a reincarnation of my precious Jed, so much so he recieved his name. His story (rescued from the end of a sherriff’s gun) propelled me into fostering, as I could not imagine such a great dog being tossed like yesterday’s garbage. Through fostering with NEABR, I have had the HONOR of meeting so many great dogs like TJ, and the extreme pleasure of watching them flourish in their new homes. It is a feeling that is hard to describe, knowing that you had a part in saving this dog, this beautiful, innnocent dog, from immeasurable cruelty and death. I have “failed fostered” only once: my MickeyHart, who is “TJ’s dog”..they are inseperable and have been since they met…I couldn’t let the little rascal go. But even though I’m at “my limit” of 2 dogs, I continue to foster and be amazed at each life I save…not to mention the grateful adopters who are so thankful you brought them their “baby”. Someone did that for TJ and me…now I do it for others. It is the least I can do to pay it forward for the dogs who have filled my life with truly unconditional love. Many people ask how we possibly let these dogs go after bonding with them while in our care….for me, it’s been a mindset that I am merely an instrument in each dog’s story…a layover, if you will, while on their journey home. It’s easily the MOST rewarding thing I’ve ever done, and I encourage all dog people out there to give it a try. -Natalie, CT Foster
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