The Happiness & Heartbreak of Fostering Dogs

I am an animal lover and so is my husband.  We were both raised with pets and naturally we were so excited to have pets when we bought our first home more than four years ago.  We rescued four dogs so far (our first two dogs have passed due to old age) and we now have Allendale (Allee), our 4 year old golden and Theodore (Teddy), our 1 year old coonhound/saluki mix.  In fact, my parents jokingly say when they die they hope they come back as a dog in our house. 

We are so thankful for the organizations that we’ve used to find our dogs.  There are countless hours that go into rescuing dogs.  Much of this burden - of helping to give animals a second home, a second chance - comes by way of animal shelters, humane societies and the like.  However, there are many dogs that are helped through breed or type specific rescue organizations that are run solely by volunteers. 

Over the past year or so we started thinking about fostering to help out some of the organizations that we adopted dogs from in the past.  We decided we’d reach out to Florida All Retriever Rescue & Friends (FARR) and join their foster home volunteer group. 

When dogs first come into rescue it’s often a very trying time for both the organization and the dog.  The rescue is trying to line up appropriate foster homes, get the animal updated medically and begin to learn the dogs personality.  The dog is usually scared and unsure of what exactly is happening.  Sometimes they are owner-turn ins, sometimes a shelter is maxing out on space and other times they are found wandering the streets.  Once FARR agrees to take them in, they are transported to the Tampa Bay area sometimes several transfers happen via plane and/or car from around Florida and even from Georgia or Alabama.  Dogs, like children, relish in consistency and love so when that is upended it is tough for them. 

A few weeks ago an urgent call came asking for new foster homes to step up for a few dogs that needed to be placed as soon as possible.  That was our first venture into fostering.  Since then, we’ve had one other foster – a pup who needed lots of TLC since she had lived most her life in a shelter up to that point.  I won’t lie about this, fostering is difficult.  Logistics alone are a lot, with pick ups, vet records, sometimes vet appointments, marketing the dog, talking to potential adopters, setting meet and greets, paperwork when the adoption takes place, etc.  But it is also challenging to adjust them into a new environment with new people, a new routine and one that includes our two dogs as well. 

Although we are new fosters, the rewards with the two dogs we’ve helped have been outstanding.  Helping them to become better canine citizens has been fulfilling.  It’s fun to watch them grow and learn and play.  You can see it in their eyes when they begin to trust and relax and relish in dog-play with the ever-ready partner, Teddy. :) It can be frustrating and trying on your patience as you balance your life with the addition of someone new that needs usually a good amount of love, discipline/guidance and attention. 

I often joke to Nick that this is trying and I can’t envision the ordeal parents of children must have on a day in and day out basis.  But I can guess what keeps them going through the hard times.  The love and joy it must bring parents to see their kids having fun, laughing, living, and being a kid.  To some degree that is what renews us in doing this.  It’s the joy in seeing a dog get to be a dog and in turn, it fills us up.  It’s what helps when we feel frustrated and tired. 

I often think of our first foster and wonder how he’s doing with his new home and family.  He seemed to fit right in as soon as they came to meet him.  Like he knew this was where he was supposed to go.  However, our current foster is not yet adopted and there hasn't been a lot of interest just yet.  I think that's because our foster group alone has lots and lots of dogs available.  However, it's frustrating and sad.  She is being prepared to move to a new foster home because we are going to be leaving for vacation soon.  While our dogs are boarded, FARR's policy is that no available dogs go into boarding but are rather placed with another foster.  I completely understand and agree with this policy.  And I also know myself enough to know I am tired from this process.  She's a real sweetheart but 5 month old pups are lots of constant work.  I worry about her.  I care for her and know she's not mine, we're only getting to influence part of her journey and I pray that she's going to get a new foster and eventually a new family that will care for her and give her a happy, full dog life.  It's hard to love a pet who you know is only with you temporarily,  but it's also so fulfilling to see the strides she makes daily because we do love her.  

This whole thing may sound funny to read, especially if you aren’t a dog lover.  I am a dog person through and through.  My first friend was a dog.  My first memories of my life have dogs in them.  Dogs are important to me and to my family.  And I am glad we can help others who aren’t ours forever.  It is a challenge, a test of love, patience and a lesson in attachment and ownership.  Maybe we can learn a lot about enjoying the moment, about forgiveness and about being able to celebrate something that isn't ours forever because as a foster dog so eloquently reminds us, everything is on a clock and nothing lasts forever.   A dog can be such a good teacher if only we listen. 

I encourage you to find out about dog rescues in your area, especially if you are looking to add a four-legged friend to your family.  If you need recommendations in the Central/Southwest Florida area, feel free to contact me.  Another wonderful rescue we've adopted through is Golden Retriever Rescue of Mid-Florida.  If you can foster, consider doing so.  If you can’t, there many other ways to help and as with most things that have to do with dogs, there is joy and wagging tails waiting for you. 

Here’s to Casper and Polly and all animals that are currently in transition, waiting for their new homes.  And here’s to all the volunteers helping to ensure a new lease on life for them. 

Happy National Dog Day! 

Jessica 

Happy New Year!

One of my favorite times of the year is between Christmas and New Year's Day.  Like many, my thoughts are filled with reflection of the ending year and anticipation for the new year ahead.  I have always been a planner and I like the notion of making "resolutions".  This year, however, rather than a traditional approach of listing out things I want to do, change or start, I am selecting a word.  At first, I wasn't sure if I liked this idea since brevity is not usually my strong suit. ;)  I didn't know how I could appropriately encompass all I wish, hope and desire for the new year in one single word.  How can anything be covered in just one word?!

Much to my surprise, my word came to me yesterday during a peaceful, morning walk at a local park near my house.  The air was crisp and filled with birds singing, the perfect place for some thinking and reflecting.  After awhile, I realized the thing I loathe the most is feeling like life is flashing before my eyes, that weeks pass and I don't seem to even notice the difference as everything runs into the next thing.  My thoughts led me to the perfect word...intention.

This year, I am committing to living with intention.

Simply put, intention is defined as a determination to act in a certain way.  I want to be present in my life, I want to be awake and active and aware.  I want to set forth with a purposeful step each and every moment of my life.  I don't want to take this awesome and incredibly fragile gift of life for granted because I was too busy rushing from this to that, ticking off a to do list.  Yes, those things still need to be done, but I can do them with purpose so I can soak up every experience.  So then, in a year from today, I can look back confidently and know that I took every advantage of my life.  That I was determined and focused and grateful and present for every single moment regardless of success or failure.

My wish for you is to have peace, health and happiness in 2013.  If you are making any type of resolution(s), creating an action statement or choosing a word to guide you this year, I would love to hear about it!  If you feel so inclined, please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson,

Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.  He is rich who owns the day, an no one owns the day who allows it to be invaded with fret and anxiety.  
Finish every day and be done with it.  You have done what you could.  Some blunders and absurdities, no doubt, crept in.  Forget them as soon as you can, tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely, with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense.  
This new day is too dear, with its hopes and invitations, to waste a moment on the yesterdays.

There are No Words

Today is Friday of the second week of Advent.  I am Catholic and try to prepare for Christmas by reading daily readings, reflections and prayers.  Today's daily action asked me to "read Psalm 23 slowly, letting the words stir my heart and convey God's nearness."  Given the tragedy that happened today in Connecticut, of which I have no words, I wanted to share this psalm with you.  I believe it offers words of support and I hope it offers you the comfort it did for me when processing the events of today, regardless of your personal creed or feelings on religion.

My prayer is that these words can rain down upon all those impacted by this senseless act.  And that the choirs of angels are embracing those that lost their lives.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.  He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.  
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Our Spice Island Adventure

I am bit behind.  I mean, hello, we are in DECEMBER!  I don't know how that happened.  Now I find myself thinking ahead to the impending holiday season, about what is ahead in 2013 and finishing up my work year strong.  I am feeling a tad bit frazzled.  Truth be told, I am dreaming of a few days to just relax and slow down.  When I catch myself thinking of such things, past vacations come to mind.  That is what I love about traveling in general - the ability to call upon exciting explorations, adventures and, heck, even some good ol' R&R!

Those fond thoughts lead me to this post...earlier in the year Nick and I were extremely fortunate to visit one of our dream destinations...Grenada.  Due to the wonder that is the Internet, we were able to score a fantastic deal!  Thank you TravelZoo!  Sometimes, when you really want and hope to visit somewhere waiting around for a good deal is tough.  However, our patience paid off and allowed us to experience this wonderful, beautiful, spiritual place.  Here's a little bit about Grenada -

The state of Grenada is a three-island independent nation of the British Commonwealth - islands
include Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique - which are located at the southern end of the Windward Islands in the eastern Caribbean.  Grenada has a rich history and culture.  The people are extremely open, kind and very willing to share their insights, tips and history.   It is a tapestry of many cultures who have overtime melded into the uniquely special place that is Grenada.

In case you might be interested in having your own adventure in the Spice Island - here are a few words about travel logistics:

• Information is not overly available - you have to dig for it a little bit.  I found most travel books only included a few pages of basic info.  I found some travel blogs about personal experiences traveling in Grenada helpful as well as Trip Advisor and the national tourism board's website.  

• Flight options are not abundant so you need to be flexible.  
• There are many choices and types of lodging available.  We stayed at LaSource, located near the airport at the tip of the island.  It was an all-inclusive that was a mind-body-soul type of place.  Meaning that there were plentiful healthy food options, many activities including Tai Chi, yoga, daily morning hikes, short par-3 golf course and more ("typical" all-inclusive activities were also available).  Last but certainly not least was the daily spa treatment included with your stay.  My only caution is if you stay at an all-inclusive it is sometimes difficult to leave.  I know first hand because you are thinking, "well we paid for these meals or activities, etc"...but on Grenada you want to get out and explore.  It's important that you do.  Thankfully, staff at LaSource made it extremely easy to book activities off-site as we didn't prebook prior to arrival.  Just something to be mindful of when selecting your accommodations.  

• Seek out a traditional menu.  Agriculture is an important industry and there are many things you really should try.  Our favorites included the locally grown chocolate, soursop (I loved soursop soup) and of course the spices!  
• If you are considering traveling to Grenada and want to discuss with a fellow traveler, feel free to contact me.  I'll be happy to answer questions and share any info/feedback.  

Travel Reflections: Dreary Weather & Good Memories

It’s a dreary, misting, cloudy sort of Friday.  It’s the kind of day where it looks like it will be chilly and it’s actually kind of muggy. You end up putting your jacket on and then taking it off because a nice medium is never really found.  That same medium tends to evade one’s mood too.  You might awake up-and-at-‘em but once the mist gently dampens your clothes on your way out the door, it can occasionally dampen your mood as well. 

My mind wandered a bit and I found myself thinking upon a day, much like this day, several months ago.  As I recalled that rainy, cloudy, misty day, I remembered all the beauty and peace that surrounded me.  I thought how about how we might have missed it all if we let the gloomy weather deter us.  Thankfully, we didn’t.  Because now I realize that was the day that I really began to appreciate these sorts of days.

For me, that day was really one of the neatest travel experiences I’ve had so far.  We were traveling in Vancouver Island, BC, and exploring many of the provincial parks within a moderate drive from our condo.  The weather couldn’t decide what it was doing most of the day, but by the time we arrived at Stamp River Provincial Park, it pretty much decided it was going to be raining and chilly.  It took a while to get there.  In fact, I thought we were lost and I could feel the anxiety building with the four of us as we followed curve after curve.  Just when we were all starting to get antsy, we arrived seeing just one other car in the lot. 

View Up Stream

We decided to forge ahead and I am so glad that we did.  The rain came and went, but mostly came.  The gentle and steady pace was so calming that the worry and anxiety that built up as we drove seemed to softly fall away.  The river was the main attraction as it was salmon run season.  I know it may sound weird to say this, but that was an amazing thing to witness and one I won’t soon forget.  The force of the river’s current, so loud, roaring and racing by. These exhausted fish; they just kept swimming, kept fighting, to get up stream.  The mist acted as a veil slowly dancing in and out to cloak the panoramic view.  It was early fall and some trees couldn’t hide that fact anymore with pops of red, yellow and orange peaking through.     

There was a peace I found that day, deep and quiet.  Occasionally, yells of excitement would break that quiet as we watched a brave Coho salmon make a leap into the air to jump the falls and inch closer to his goal.  We never did see the black bear we knew had to be lurking by, hoping he could catch a few worn out fish as his afternoon prize. 

Coho Salmon Making the Leap 

It was a time that stood still, almost, with no real interruptions.  As I look back on it, through pictures or thoughts, I always remember the feeling of just being.  The peace.  The quiet.  The sound. It was a perfect day for soothing a tired and weary soul.  I think that’s what helps me to enjoy days like today more than I did before. After all, isn’t that what traveling and exploring and doing new and different things is all about? 

Stamp River

What Makes a Great Trip Even Better?

Olympic National Park

What makes a great trip even better?  This is a question that almost  anyone who is planning a trip considers.  How do I make this holiday even more fantastic?  There are so many factors to consider.  For me, anything and everything about vacation is exciting.  Even the not so “fun” parts.  I actually loathe when people tell me my vacation is “only (x) amount of days after you take out the flying/driving time”…because when I travel, it’s ALL part of the vacation experience…even the airport with all its hustle and bustle. 

Something I never really “got” before and wasn't part of my vacation experience was how other people and can impact my vacation.   I have read countless magazine articles that talk about the people of a place.  And, while I have been to many places and always enjoy hanging with the locals, I never felt or, truthfully, really believed that people could make my travel experience better.  Heck, if anything, people usually only entered my equation when I had a negative experience while traveling. That is until my recent trip…and now I know exactly how people can make a trip of a lifetime that much better. 

Recently, my husband (and dedicated travel compadre) Nick, along with my parents, journeyed to the Pacific Northwest.  We spent time in Washington (Seattle and Port Angeles) and British Columbia (all over Vancouver Island and Vancouver).  Amazing doesn’t even begin to describe it.  I could go on and on and on about the places we visited.  What I would rather describe are the people we encountered…in retrospect, people were awesome pretty much from the get-go.  Friendly, kind, warm, all great adjectives to describe those we met.    About three days into our adventure, we started reminiscing about the previous day’s events and it was then we realized wonderful individuals were entwined with each of the experiences.

Blooming flowers everywhere.

Like Ruth who we met at dinner the first night in Port Angeles.  By local recommendation, we found our way to Wildfire.  After a long day of travel, we were ready to sit back and relax with a good, local meal. Sure enough, we found that, but what we also found was a kind-hearted and helpful server.  That was Ruth.  She was entirely welcoming and when she couldn't answer a question, she happily went to find out.  She told us of her young son and her experiences since she moved to the PA area.  We entered as strangers but left feeling like family.  

Or Lee who gave us a tour of the Milner House at the Gardens in Qualicum Beach.  A volunteer who donates countless hours to a place he loves.  Willingly spending his days recounting histories of times that had passed and in doing so, helped to keep them alive.   

After spending a wonderful day horseback riding with a simple but completely fulfilled lady named Kay we stopped for a bite and found a funny, energetic, warm soul.  She was proud of the local foods his restaurant served and was very willing to share them, and a few laughs, with us.   

Then there was our zodiac captain/trained naturalist, Mike, who took us for an unbelievable experience from Painters Lodge.  Exuding from him was an absolute love for the wild places he ventured everyday.  He was a steward, so professional, yet you could still feel from him his boy-like awe for the wonder around him.  I can still hear his joyous "aaahhh-haaaa!" when the dorsals of two large orcas pierced the water's surface. 

Orcas at Campbell River, BC

There were so, so many others.  From the Bed and Breakfast owners in Vancouver who told stories of their native Hungary... to the personal tasting we received from the actual wine maker at a winery where his mistress was surely the grapes that led to his most prized creations ... to the guy working for the Ministry of Fisheries who educated us on the salmon ladders and helped us to find a better perch in which to view the salmon as they fought their seemingly futile battle upstream and then he yelled it excitement with us as one would make it up the falls ... to the young bartender who made us an Old Fashioned with his favorite Whiskey and at the pure joy of discussing the intricacies of the liquor made his eye twinkle ... to the people walking down the street and at the stores and in the restaurants ... it was the people.

At some point, we began to wonder what it was that made these people so happy.  Why were they this happy and friendly?  We all had theories ranging from one of the spectrum to another.  No matter what the reason, I can honestly say it was the people that made an incredible trip that much more rewarding, that much more memorable.  Not just the people I was able to spend so much quality time with--my parents and my husband--but all the strangers too.  It is the people that will keep us coming back to this wonderful part of our world.  

Totems in Vancouver's Stanley Park

Travel Review

Jessica's Best -  There are so many but I was most blissed-out horseback riding in the prairies at the foot of Mt. Arrowsmith.  

Nick's Best -  The zodiac wildlife tour -- wild nature at its finest -- from the orcas to the stellar sea lions to watching as the tide overtook the current.  

Least Favorite - I know I am stating the obvious here but...the wetness.  After a while you just don't want to be damp and water-logged.  

Food -  So, if you are a fan of cold water fish (salmon, halibut, rainbow trout) and enjoy locally sourced veggies, this will basically be your nirvana.  It.Was.Amazing. 

A Few Tips -  Please, if you go, properly gear yourself with appropriate rain gear.  It is not a frivalious expense; you will use it.  It will make your time WAY more enjoyable if you have it.  I was so glad we took the time to acquire good rain gear.  

Everything is far away so if you are looking for a 15 minute drive to 10 different activities, this is not that.  But, with proper planning and patience, you will find truly rewarding experiences around almost every corner.  

Use Canadian money while in Canada; Visa or MasterCard is more widely accepted than AMEX or Discover.  

I'll be posting full reviews at Trip Advisor.  

10 Years Later

Like countless others, I remember exactly what was happening ten years ago today.  I was in my sophomore year at UE and that Tuesday morning was a three hour painting class.  Since it was such a long class period, we normally took a break around 9 am and went down to Union Station on campus to get a beverage and/or snack.  We already knew something was going on in New York City because we listened to NPR in class.  We thought it was a pilot who made an error and ended up in one of the World Trade buildings.  After we went through the check out line, we stood there our eyes transfixed on the tv that was on CNN streaming live video feed of the WTC.  We hypothesized how it could have happened, I think I even made a joke about the pilot…saying something like “how could you NOT miss that?!”  and one of my classmates chuckled in agreement.  As we stood there, another plane came into the screen and, well, you know the rest. 

It felt like time stood still, the images still frozen in my mind.  When I recall it, which I don’t really like to do, I still feel that empty, sinking hurt in my chest.  We continued to stand there, transfixed, like our feet were in concrete until the first tower fell and then the next.  We watched on live tv the fear and horror of the gray smoke rolling down the streets engulfing New York.  After a little while, we returned back to class. 

It was healing to be in that painting class because words were gone.  The disbelief continued to grow.  Because as we saw that other plane barrel into the other tower, we knew it wasn’t an accident or error, it was a planned attack.  I was working on certain painting, it was a monochromatic landscape done in oil.  I threw myself into the shades of blue that I was using and only came out of that trance-like state when a fellow student shouted, “another one crashed…this time into the Pentagon!”  And shortly thereafter was Flight 93 in Pennsylvania.  I don’t remember much else until about 5 pm that night.  My close group of friends gathered together one of our friend’s older sisters apartments.  We had dinner together, glued to the tv, still in utter shock.  I know I talked with my mom 300 times that day.  Just to say we loved each other, making sure we were okay, checking about the safety of my cousin who lived in NYC, just talking to hear a voice of a loved one since so many other peoples loved ones were no longer able to do the same as to not take that opportunity for granted.  

I know we all have stories from that day.  I remember my mom telling me how this was my “JFK” moment…since she was about my age when he was assassinated.  Later that week, as a newly declared Political Science major (I spent my first year as an Athletic Training major till I realized I hated it and wanted to follow a passion), I was taking a political theory class with a highly opinionated but extremely insightful political theorist by trade.  He was gruff rather to the point and was sort of an enigma to me.  Well, my next class with him after 9/11 was a Friday afternoon when the campus was all wearing red-white-and-blue.  So here we were, bright eyed and bushy tailed in our best patriotic gear when in walks my professor who quickly looks over the room and rather abruptly states that we must "be careful and mindful so as to not blind ourselves to what our leaders will do in the aftermath.  We are no longer in a post-Cold War era, we are in post-9/11 era and our patriotism will be used to shield us from what is really going on."  I couldn’t believe my ears, I was mad, angry and so confused.  I remember later that day, a dear friend telling that she didn’t understand what the big deal was…this whole thing was in New York and the east coast, and we were in Indiana.  Why did it matter…that statement still bothers me to this day.  Now, it retrospect, that day shattered my idealism and my innocence.  It is that which leaves me raw. 

In any case, I wanted to share my memories of that day and the days following.  I know everyone is doing that, especially with the 10-year anniversary, but I find it cathartic to share my story and read others too. 

As I do so, I often think that it’s 10 years later and I am still very raw emotionally when I think back to that day or see those images, usually moved to tears. I especially like to read the stories of those directly impacted…I have been pretty dedicated in reading the countless stories that Yahoo! has been publishing and encourage you to do so as well.  They are amazing and I feel like it is such a great way to honor those who perished that day. 

As I reflect on how to best honor those personally, I am drawn to the individuals that fought back on United Flight 93.  I find that story so incredibly amazing.  To see death and know its so close but to not let that reality paralyze but rather to be drawn into action.  My husband and I have decided to honor this day and celebrate the lives of all that were lost.  We are honoring them in our own way.  We have decided to spend some quite time at daybreak out in nature, kayaking to be exact.  Just to be in the quiet of the morning, to just be in the present, together.  I find being outdoors in nature to be the most healing, renewing and spiritual.  Because of being drawn to the actions of those on Flight 93 and our love of wild places, we have also decided to make a donation to the Flight 93 memorial that is in progress in Shanksville, PA.  Phase I of this new national memorial was dedicated yesterday but it is still shy of reaching it’s full fundraising goal.  Our donation won’t make a huge impact but it is what we can do…a little thing that collectively, with others, can be a big thing.  You know, I think that’s the real lesson.  Together we can do so much more. 

To learn about the Flight 93 memorial, visit http://www.honorflight93.org or http://www.nationalparks.org

The Yahoo! Studios 9/11 tributes can be found on yahoo.com's homepage.