I’ve adopted rescue dogs most of my adult life, always having one or two as part of my family. They were all amazingly resilient and adaptable, despite having been through so much. Harriett the lab mix is no exception. Already having been a mama and barely out of puppyhood herself, 1 year old Harriett arrived from North Carolina a week ago and my first experience as a full-time foster began.

I soon discovered that she likes to “talk” when she doesn’t want to do something you ask. It sounds like a half howl, half bark. She must have some hound in her for sure. She gets more water on the floor than in her mouth when she drinks. She loves to play tug of war with my other rescue dog, smartly adjusting how hard she pulls to make it a fair contest for my little dog. She knows how to sit and she absolutely loves long walks, belly rubs, and napping next to me on the sofa after a good session of playing fetch. If life hasn’t treated her well up until now, you would never know it. Rescue dogs like Harriett remind me of what is important in life. You are not defined by what you have, but rather by how you handle what life gives you. Practice patience and compassion in everything you do. Make the best of your situation and be thankful for those that lend a hand. Oh, and most importantly don’t forget to eat, play, and sleep as much as you can!

I waited far too long to make the leap into fostering out of fear that it would be too time consuming, too stressful for my existing pack, and too heartbreaking to let them go. Fostering does take a lot of time and there are anxious moments, mistakes made, and lessons learned. Nonetheless, playing a small part in helping Harriett prepare for her new forever person or family is immensely rewarding.

I am so glad I pushed back those fears long enough to take this journey with Harriett. Rescue dogs never cease to amaze me and Harriett the talking lab mix is more than ready to amaze and delight her own forever family very soon.