I can’t think of any other expression in this world that touches me more deeply than that one.
Pawprints on my heart. Yes, it’s symbolic; and yes, it’s a bit mushy. Just the same as any pet you’ve ever had, fosters too are loved so much and cared for as if they were your own. But then they leave you. That’s a joyous occasion, really, for it means they’ve found their forever home and their strange or difficult journey will be complete. It is what we strive for, work so hard for, give up our time and energies for. Yet…when they do leave, there is a sadness, a loss, an emptiness.The dichotomy of the excitement and relief that a foster pet has found their own home, their own place in this world, and the sadness of their leaving you, can create such a crazy mix of emotions it’s hard to hold it in. On the one hand, you’re thrilled they have been adopted, that they have found wonderful people to take them into their family and home. That has been your mission, your goal. On the other hand, this was your baby. You provided for it, taught and guided, fed and medicated, even made trips to the vet to ensure this pet was well and good. And now they are leaving you. You are sending them away.
It hurts. It makes you feel sad, lost and confused. But then someone lays a gentle hand on your shoulder and softly tells you, “Don’t worry, they never really leave you. They leave their pawprint – right here – on your heart. They are now with you forever. And thanks to you, they are in their own forever home, to be loved and cherished.”
And then you offer to take in another foster, because…well, you have room at the inn, so to speak. Another one has a chance for a forever home, will be cared for by you in the meantime – and be loved and remembered by you forever. And once past the first time, the hardest time, it becomes a part of your life and your mission. Each subsequent adoption is a bit sad, but mostly a joyous occasion.
Foster a pet in need, if you possibly can. The rewards are unbelievably beautiful.
You get pawprints on your heart.
Ok, so I don’t really like cats very much..that is, unless they are acting like dogs and prefer to be petted, run around and play catch, and everything else that dogs enjoy doing. But I do think that taking in any kind of animal for foster care is such a sweet thing. I really wish that I could adopt a pet today but I just don’t have the space or time needed to devote to a furry little critter. : )
We always found fostering to be a fun and enjoyable experience! Someday, we’ll probably go back to it, but the inn is a bit too full right now!
What a beautiful, beautiful post! I truly enjoyed reading it. It really takes a very special person to foster because it is both heartbreaking and wonderful all rolled into one! What a balancing of emotions for sure.
Have a wonderful day.
Joan & Jane Austen Eyre
Beautifully said and 100% true!
Great blog!
We will be following you!
Found you at Thankful for Thursday. This makes us laugh ’cause Mom was all moody and mushy after doing a 1 1/2 hour transport of a pup to his furever home. Don’t think she has the stuff for fostering 🙂
The Road Dogs
Hi you Guys :o)
I came over from PBU!
If you check out my bloggie you will see that I found my forever home this past April on Easter.
My forever pawrents said that I’m their Easter Bunny.
My Foster Mommy Corinne took great care of me and she will FOREVER be in my heart.
May you be Blessed for the wonderful care of the innocent homeless souls!
Smooches,
Neeko :o)
P.S. I’ll be following your cool blog!
We will follow you!
Lovely post.
Such a beautiful post. I love the term paw prints on your heart. I don’t know if I would ever be able to foster an animal and let them go….
There are times that it’s harder than others – but knowing there are more who need a place to stay, that’s what helps you do it!
Thank you, and Hi! to my new friends!