My only question is how in the world are you going to give him up? He is so cute.

I am with Trinigemini! He is absolutely adorable and I would fail at being a foster or 'training' him as a service dog! I'd have to keep that little bundle of fur!

Sounds like you are doing a great job! Give yourself more credit - while they may breed great dogs, dogs can only be as good as their handlers/trainers!

Keep up the great work - and the adorable pictures!

Trinigemini,

I know it is not intentional, but it is getting kind of offensive with people suggesting that it would be easier for me to give up an animal than for them, as if I have less feelings for them.

People either get it or they do not, but it will not be easier for me than for you, or anyone. I still have a hole in my that my Sofie left.

Again, I know that no offense was meant, but 8 out of 10 people say that first, and it gets old. I am supposed to explain about CCI and the puppy raising program, and how these dogs help people, but now I beginning to pretend he his mine and say very little. As I said, it gets old.

I'm so sorry I did not mean it that way. I was actually thinking about fostering too (DH wont let me yet). I should have said that you are so strong I could not handle what you are going to have to do. Its really closer to what I meant. I think thats what most people would mean as well. You are doing a great thing and I can't imagine anyone thinking less of you because you can give him up. I also don't think you should stop spreading the word about CCI. Its a great program. I really don't think you should take offense...not just from me....but I think when everyone says it they mean that you are much stronger than they are. Unless of course they say it in a mean way.

I know you meant no offense! And I am not strong. I just have different friends.

People do suggest that they are more bonded that I am, or else I would not give him up. Believe me, I do connect.

No apologies needed so none accepted : ) Really. I guess people should rethink fostering beyond their immediate kneejerk response.

I would love to foster...there are so many bullies out there that need attention and love....and medical attention as well. Because hubby and I had an old bully we are used to much of the medical requirements of these dogs. But he knows I will want to keep them all and we just can't do that now. You are strong whether you want to acknowledge it or not. :-) To love that little boy and train him for someone else to love, that takes something that I think few people have. Your heart will break...hopefully not so much that you never undertake this tasks again. I think its wonderful what you are doing. And for those people that suggest otherwise just tell them you are not as selfish as them and are capable of loving but are also capable of giving him up for someone who needs him more.

I too meant no offense!

I also think your strong - which is why I said I'd fail. I'm not selfless enough to bond that strongly and bring myself to give it up.

It takes someone special with a great big heart to raise and love a puppy, and train them to be their best - to be someone else's buddy!

Heck, some days I had a hard enough time sending my day-home kids home. I probably would've kept them too, if it wasn't illegal!

I know no one meant offense.

I bonded very strongly with my kittens. I gave them up. I was very sad - I hurt. It was not like coming home and finding my cat dead, which happened in August. So, I will bond strongly, it will hurt and I will be sad.

Yes you will be sad...but you will know you did a great thing...both for Wilbur and his eventual forever home people :-)It does hurt though doesn't it...an awful lot...I've had tons of people come in and out of my life and I miss none of them the way I do my furbabies. I can't even go on vacation without thinking of my furbabies and missing them terribly.

What a beautiful baby and what great work you are doing, elly_nj!

I am not certain why you are so sensitive about people remarking on not being able to foster...I get these comments ALL the time as I foster kitties...I cant tell you how many I fostered ...more than 80
I currently have 3 7-week olds, and a nursing mom with 7 one-week olds...I am watching the little guys grow up with their nursing mom, and I know it wont be easy to give them up when they are old enough to go into adoption program...
But, I know that soon after space opens up and I am ready for another foster, there will be foster babies and adults waiting

It is a common and quite normal question and I think people mean more of "great job" than "cant believe she is able to let this puppy/kitten go"
Truth is, most people CANT foster...for a lot of reasons, because fostering is a HUGE sacrifice - emotionally, financially, time-wise

I tell people, in response to this question: It is selfish not to give an adoptable animal up...It is selfish to think about my feelings in the situation and it is selfish to not foster if the main reason is "not being able to let go"...I would be very selfish if I kept the kitten I fostered - because I wont be able to help dozens that could come after this one...

Fostering is a huge sacrifice...

And I was going say that I admire and thank those of you that foster! I'm definitely not as strong as all of you, and wouldn't be able to let them go.

I think you all have a huge connection with your animals, but are able to see the bigger picture. Can't imagine someone thinking you would be able to give him up any easier than anyone else. That's just silly or stupid!

I also meant to say that he is a gorgeous boy!

Having run a rescue for some time I think what people mean is that THEY couldn't give him up because they are at a different place in life than you are. When you foster you go in with a different mindset than when you adopt. I've had about 50 dogs go out of here and missed them like crazy but they went to good homes so it was ok. Your empty arms meant someone else's full ones, so it's easier.

It sounds like Wilbur is your only dog, which is probably good if you have so much training to do. I have the luxury of keeping dogs that are unadoptable for one reason or another, or the 3 that I just decided that I could not live without and the one my husband adopted. We have 9 of our own left over when we had to get out of doing so much rescue. People ask me how I can stand living with so many dogs. People ask you how you can give one up. Some folks just don't "get it" and never will, so ignore them and focus on the miracle you are helping to create. :)

Peace,
Jane and the Hole in the Wall Gang

Here is a link that might be useful: The Hole in the Wall Gang