For the first time we had a foster adopted and then returned. After all the dogs that have gone through here we were probably due. When you think of it that was probably the one possible scenario we hadn't experienced. We've had them get adopted, get sick, get lost (and found), we adopted two our self, we did hospice for another. We have a little list of ones we wish we'd kept. We have a list of ones that we were clueless with, and ones too smart for their own good.
But this time we had one leave and less than a week later come back. It was cause for great reflection. How did we goof up? All signs looked good. But in the end it was not a workable situation for either the dog or the adopter. In the end returning her was the best possible outcome.
It doesn't mean we were wrong in placing her, although we will approach placing her in a different manner. It doesn't mean the home she went to wasn't a good potential home for a dog. Just not this dog.
We felt awful. We considered and reconsidered our approach to her placement. Some dynamics are just impossible to see without experiencing them. It wasn't right, and because of that she came back.
I think, no, I know she is grateful. Gratitude has softened her, funny as that sounds. Just like it softens us. Her forever home will find her, and until then, she is part of our pack.
I surmised, when we moved to the country, that I would need to learn to live in harmony with the critters that came with the territory. Boy was I right. Some, like the people we meet in life, are easy to live with. The hawks and bald eagles we have seen have been awesome. The deer and pheasant, always a welcome sight. The wood ducks on the river, definitely reason to pause and admire.
But, and there is always a but...the ticks make my skin crawl and the mice, in spite of a slight cuteness, creep me out as well. However, the dogs have no aversion to either of these country critters. Thankfully, I think, they have only brought ticks inside. Although that is creepy enough.
I think perhaps Addy was a cat in another life time as she is an amazing mouser. Hoping I've not insulted her talent by comparing her to a cat. Remind me to add that to her adoption profile. Twice today I've had to take mice away from the dogs. May I just say ewwwwww. Every time I have to do that I swear a City Girl Alert is sounded. It's gross and disgusting...but I manage to complete the task at hand.
It's part and parcel of rural life. So I do it, then wash my hands and wonder how long my scalp will itch. Again the dogs set a better standard for acceptance. For them, it's just another day in paradise. For me? It's a bit of the ickies, but this too shall pass.
