14 Mar Foster Testimonial – Maran

This story is about our very first foster, “Lila” and about our current foster fail, #21, “Dumpling.” 2017 had been a tough year. I was diagnosed with breast cancer and went back to work before having bilateral knee surgery in September.

We had lost our 16-year-old Pomeranian and my father passed just months earlier. I happened to see the ad for fostering dogs through 4 Luv and was totally drawn into applying.  The home visit was easy. Before long, we had our first dog in August. Her name was Lila, a 6-year-old Bichon/Shih tzu mix. She was so easy and loving. I was wondering who was taking care of who? She went through all the vet checks and was healthy.

The middle of September, I had bilateral knee replacement and it was very difficult. Lila was so gentle. She seemed to have some internal sense that she could not jump in my lap until I had a blanket or pillow in my lap. She then proceeded to snuggle and cuddle me and look me right in the eye as if to say, “it’s going to get better.” As the days went along, my little companion laid right by me on the bed as I did my leg exercises and followed me up and down the hall as I walked with my walker. She was definitely my little physical therapist that kept me going.

A few weeks later, Lila had an application come in. Most of the time these dogs are gone within days, but there was no application for Lila until now. A young mother and small child came to meet her.  The little girl was so sweet with her. She had thick glasses on, and Lila just seemed to be drawn to her. I could see she found her next purpose. Two days later, the mother came to pick her up. Lila went with her, jumped in the car, and never looked back. Tears streamed down my eyes, but I knew she had more important things to do.

Fast forward, and we have had 21 dogs over the last few years. I have loved every one, and yes, the tears silently flow when each one leaves. Except for #21, “Dumpling.” She was a 9-year-old Maltese/Poodle mix. There was something special about this little girl.  She also could sense emotions and after this year of Covid. I could not let her go.  She is just perfect in every way and has become part of our family.