For Dogs Unleashed

My psychic failed to predict any of this. But, I’m ok with it. Thinking I may tip her extra for the flaw.

It was just a few months after the Covid lockdown. NYC. I was adjusting to the so called, “new normal”. I had become very practiced at spending time indoors. Even had begun to enjoy the Tik Toks, the Zoom birthdays, and lots of Netflix movies with my 13 year old chihuahua, Barney. A wise, seasoned gentleman (who I’ve always imagined would hold a glass of scotch whilst dangling a cigarette and judging others, with a French accent, of course!)

So, even once the weather turned warm, and masks were no longer a requirement, I found myself so used to the routine I had created, that interacting with humans outside seemed unnecessary. It took an extraordinary amount of motivation to do otherwise.

Not sure what came over me that sunny day, late in May. But, I decided to take major action. I finally put pants on, and committed to venturing the 5 blocks to the grocery store with the novel idea of making a lovely meal. Greek salad sounded good. I typed the list on my phone ... feta, cucumber, tomato... I would wing the rest.

I headed out and crossed the park. I saw a group gathered there. Tourists getting a historical tour? Protestors? A flash mob? Of course, I had to walk close enough to determine for myself.

Wait! Dogs? Puppies, even? I crept into the crowd and asked if I could pet a few. An animal rescue holding an adoption event. Within minutes, I was sitting on the ground and holding puppies. Instant mood boost.

The crowd thinned out and eventually it was just me, a few volunteers and a crate of 3 sweet puppies.

A volunteer offered, “Hey, do you want to foster one of these?”

Oh. Well, maybe... how does this work? How long do I foster?

10 day commitment? I could do that.

Impulsively, I said ... “sure!” Post Covid times, must take advantage of these moments.

Someone chimed in to say that at least two puppies should go together.

Oh. Hmm. Ok. Maybe I could manage that.

I asked about the third... they said they would figure it out.

Well, I was already all in to do something crazy - so, what’s a third? I said I would take all three. Not the decision of a sane person... so I was immediately asked to complete paperwork. I said I needed to complete my grocery mission

I returned in ten minutes with tomato, cucumber and feta in hand. And then I carried Fig, Berry and Plum back to my apartment.

Barney, the chi ,was not expecting this surprise. Nor, was he happy about it.

How easily we forget. Puppies will eat every phone bill, paper towel, and shoe in reach. They will cry (yell!) for hours when it’s bedtime.

My Barney retreated under the bed, as the three siblings took over my barely 500 square foot apartment. Adorable, sweet, and fluffy when they were napping. Playful menaces when they weren’t. They only enjoyed napping during the day. God forbid they should want to rest in the evening.

I set up a speaker with a YouTube Chanel tuned to,“Calming music for dogs”. I covered their crate in an anxiety blanket. And when I became increasing concerned that I would be evicted for the noise - I brought my comforter into the bathroom and slept in the bathtub, next to them.

Within the week, I had interviewed applicants, called references, completed virtual home checks. Was I a college admissions officer?

Finding the “right” parents for these kids became a task so important. And, I did. They were all adopted to great homes within the first ten days. I cried as though I was going through a breakup when I handed each one over. It doesn’t take much time to fall in love with a dog.

I’ve now fostered 8 dogs, and continue to volunteer with that same amazing organization I stumbled into on my grocery run. I get to help them find their second shot at life.

So much more satisfying than a Greek Salad.