When a Foster is Returned

 

There are a lot of reasons a foster dog can be returned. Let's face it, life is unpredictable. Things happen, things change.

 This is Carl's story. 

A great family came along and we did a meet and greet. Introduced the family and their dog to Carl and he was a perfect gentleman. Sweet as pie. After a bit I handed over the leash and his kibble and toys and gave him hugs and kisses goodbye. 

No joke. It was hard. When Carl first came he was shy and would flinch if I moved too quickly in his direction. When I tried to take him for a walk he would pancake to the floor in fear. A few  weeks later he remembered he was a dog and started running after squirrels in the back yard. Watching this transformation is magical. Seeing a scared pup come to life like that is one of the things that makes fostering rewarding. 

Then he came back. 

At the adopters house he started limping. They got him to the vet right away and the vet took x-rays. The x-rays showed his back leg had been previously broken. Maybe over a year ago and now the bone had grown back over the break but still didn't look good. The vet suggested amputation.  I raced to the rescue when I saw that report super scared they wanted to follow this vet's advice. 

I also called a very savvy vet tech I have in my family. She studied the x-ray and sadly said that might be in his future. Either way he was going to have severe arthritis some day due to the way the bone knitted together. 

I sent videos of Carl racing in the yard. This boy can run!  His leg is working. He doesn't seem to be in pain. 

The outcome? Holding pattern. 

Since he doesn't seem to be bothered by it right now, let him be. However is he adoptable at this point? Here's a dog that might cost you thousands in the future. Yikes! 

So right now, Carl remains at my house. Chasing squirrels and taking it day by day. Leg intact and we're praying he'll keep it and not have it rebreak or cause him pain. He does occasionally limp but then runs right back after the squirrel. I wish dogs could tell you what they feel, are they in  pain and how bad it is? 

If you're out there, dear readers, please send Carl some prayers. 

UPDATE! 

Carl has been adopted! The perfect family was found. These people had a daughter who was a vet tech and the woman's best friend was a veterinarian. Perfect. 

Have a happy life Carl!