Foster Failure

For the last six weeks we have been fostering Fisher, a 6 month old beagle mix puppy. If you've read my blog posts in the past, you know he was brought in to the NCSPCA terribly injured and requiring major surgery. He has had his left front leg amputated and his left hip repaired with an FHO surgery. He had several badly broken teeth in his left bottom jaw, which have fallen out because thankfully they were just puppy teeth.

Through all of his trials he has been a trooper. We've spent endless hours together, from his painful early recovery, to physical therapy, to socialization and training. Never once has he complained or balked at anything I've asked him to do or had to do to him.

I quickly realized that I had been gifted with another heart dog in the shape of this tripawed pup. I began cooking up plans for Fisher and I to compete in CPE agility, WCRL rally, and to become a therapy dog team. Our adult dogs, Callie and Toby, have both come to accept him in to our daily routine. Most importantly, my wife Kate, fell in love too!

Today it became official, I signed on the dotted line and Fisher is ours. He will spend the rest of his life being loved unconditionally, as he loves us. As a dog who was so damaged at the hands of humans one would expect him to be fearful. However, Fisher is the most gentle and unflinchingly friendly dog I've met in a long time.

I am so proud to have him be a part of our pack, and I've promised him that his injuries will not have been in vain. I hope that Fisher and I can work with children and veterans, and share the joy he's brought me with others. Stay tuned for more stories about our journey together.