Spaz + Happiness = Hank

I've written about the joys of fostering. I've written about the sorrows of fostering. I've written at great length about the humor of fostering. It's time to write about finding joy in the midst of the sorrow of fostering.

I think I'm getting to be a seasoned foster Mom. Each one touches your heart in a different way. You never know what challenges the dog brings with. All you know, without a doubt, is your heart says come on in pup - we've got love enough to spare.

Hank brings to us all the best of the breed. Exuberance, intelligence, willingness to learn. Most people should strive for those same qualities. He does it all in his own spastic Hankster way. He can't lay quietly with you on the bed. It's more of a lean on, rub against, nudge you, full body cuddle with a dog who can't be still. He can't exit the front door unless he's going mach 1. He knows if we're eating at the table he needs to go lay down. The blanket next to my computer is his place of choice.

He's a happy camper of a boy in a chuckles the clown pointer suit. And he has mast cell tumors in his lymph nodes. There it is - the joy and the sorrow. Bottom line, he won't ever have an adoption pending. He will have a forever home with us. Fostering is like marriage it comes with a for better for worse, in sickness and in health commitment.

And while Hank may have not learned that in his first home - he will definitely learn it here. He can be as big a dufus as he wants, and he'll be loved. Well loved. Knowing that eases the sorrow so we can savor the joy of him.