Being a foster parent for a puppy may be challenging, but the rewards are immense!
Assisting a dog who requires extra love and care to navigate their struggles and eventually seeing their happiness is an unparalleled joy.
This reward is something Tamara, a dedicated foster mom, knows all too well.
A Timid Puppy
When Tamara welcomed a foster puppy needing extra care, she instantly realized it was going to be a tough journey.
“She was crouched in the back of the crate, facing away. There was no eye contact. She curled up tight,” Tamara shared with The Dodo.
Even the following day, the puppy remained tucked away in the back of her crate, attempting to avoid the outside world.
At that moment, all Tamara wished for was to scoop her up, embrace her, and reassure her of her safety, but she understood that dogs in such situations needed to take their time to adjust, so she offered her some distance.
The next day marked a turning point; the puppy began to trust Tamara more, venturing to the front of the crate to eat.
She even made eye contact with her foster mom—an action she had evaded since their first encounter.
That same afternoon, the puppy ventured out of her crate, softly licked Tamara’s hand, and quickly retreated. This tiny act confirmed to Tamara they were making strides.
“She must have thought, ‘They’re feeding me, it’s cozy, maybe I can feel safe here!’” she reflected.
Then, a miraculous moment occurred.
A Beautiful Bond
One day, Tamara’s son approached the puppy with food. To everyone’s surprise, she came out to greet him!
“Suddenly, she dashed over with her tail wagging, and he exclaimed, ‘Mom, she just said hello!’ He was over the moon,” Tamara recounted.
From that point on, life took a turn for the better.
The puppy, named Parker, truly began to thrive, embracing each moment with her foster family.
Witnessing Parker transform from a timid pup to a playful lovebug brought immense happiness to Tamara’s heart.
However, this also indicated that Parker was ready to seek a family of her own—and it happened sooner than expected.
A Fresh Start
The moment Parker stepped into her new home, she felt an instant connection.
She adored her new family and quickly bonded with her new furry sibling, Willow, right from their first encounter.
“She truly flourished, and it’s astonishing to think she was once so different,” reflected Kristen, Parker’s new mom.
Now, Parker enjoys the happiest life, filled with fun playdates and affectionate snuggles with her new family.
Way to go, Parker!
