Carlyn Foreman, a foster from New York, has always adored dogs, but none captured her heart quite like Norman. She had been volunteering at Waldo’s Rescue Pen for several months when she came across a photo of this sweet Pitbull mix in a Georgia shelter. He was yearning to escape the confines of his kennel, and she felt an immediate connection, wanting nothing more than to give him a hug.
Initially, Carlyn’s hectic schedule allowed for fostering a dog only for a single night. However, once she saw Norman, she couldn’t bear the thought of him missing the chance for a new life. When a volunteer couldn’t foster him overnight, Carlyn stepped up, determined to help him despite her limitations. “As of 11 PM the night before transport, he didn’t have a foster and was at risk of staying in Georgia,” Carlyn later shared in an Instagram video. After a 20-hour van ride to New York, Norman finally arrived at her home.
Two hours into their Uber ride home, Carlyn fell head over heels for Norman, enamored by his easy-going nature and loving personality. She realized she couldn’t let him go, so she made the decision to become his permanent foster!
“He got off the 20hr van ride with a wagging tail and the biggest smile. By 11 AM, I knew I couldn’t let him go, so I switched to being his full-time foster,” Carlyn recounted.
Norman’s life underwent a remarkable transformation. He was no longer just a shelter dog but a beloved foster pup enjoying his new life with open paws. His easy-going nature and laid-back attitude meant he spent most of the day peacefully napping, only showing bursts of energy around other dogs. He quickly became a sweetheart, endearing himself to Carlyn’s family and earning “bonus points” for loving every human he met.
From Temporary To Permanent
Carlyn didn’t initially intend to keep Norman forever, yet after a few weeks, she couldn’t bear the thought of saying goodbye. “I didn’t plan to adopt, but sometimes you just can’t say goodbye. Welcome home, Normy,” she expressed. Today, Norman enjoys a newfound life, no longer confined in a small space, with a future filled with love and joy.
Now, Norman enjoys everything he could wish for: new friendships, cuddles with Carlyn and other humans, cozy naps on the comfiest couch, and sunsets in Central Park. It truly doesn’t get any better than that!
