Thank you Jennifer Haggen, for being you. I have been involved with meeting many new people through this journey, and  few have been people I would want to call friend. You, are one of them. ( 3 are named Jennifer, hummmm????) 

Few people actually take the steps to do something about anything. Jennifer took advantage of being laid of work and having time on her hands. She did something to help another. This one selfish act was not about money, but about saving a life.

Jennifer was watching a dog she saw on Craig’s List. From what I understand the dog was from an Animal Control/Humane Society and her time was running out. Jennifer’s home was full of three dogs already, two were older and ailing. Her newest addition, a younger rescued dog (who needs some work to learn to trust). Her hands were full already. Jennifer, who already developed an online relationship with this dog, called to see what she could do. Jennifer knew she couldn’t adopt another dog, but with the time she had available maybe she could foster this dog until a forever home was found. Counting the months before she was called back full time to work, Jennifer decided to take that risk.

Yes, it is a risk to Foster. Here you are taking in a dog that you do not know their history. You do not know their temperament, or behavior problems. Is she potty trained? Will she get along with my other dogs? All thoughts that race through your head. I know, I remember my first foster dog. You always remember your first….

Anyway, I saw this dog on Petfinder (best place in the world!) and contacted the rescue group FIDO.  Jennifer then contacted me, as the foster moms do, and I explained why I was calling. It was clear immediately that Jennifer had genuine love her new foster dog. She was taking time to train her (using a bell to go potty) and also working on leash walking with her.  I could have reached right through the phone and hugged her!  Not only did Jennifer open her home, saving Emily’s life, but was taking the time and energy to teach Emily! All making her chances for adoption much easier!

This was Jennifer first time fostering. I knew I needed to have ‘that conversation’ with her. One common thread I hear from people when I talk about fostering is….”How can you give them up after loving them?” Yes, it’s hard. I wont sugar coat that part. Your heart will break, you will wonder if you are doing the right thing. I always do.  But you also gain a whole new perception of what love really is. I follow all my past fosters and their new families. My heart fills with joy knowing I saved that dog and their families! I opened my heart and home, took risks for rewards than go well beyond.  “One Foster at a time…One Dog at a time….” (my quote)

Jenifer was very interested in Stiggys Dogs and really wanted to help. I received an email the next day after our conversation, saying that she had 2.5 months before she had to go back to work. Jennifer wanted to take help train Emily to be a Stiggy’s Dogs. We talked for awhile about it. I tried to talk her out of it, stating what a commitment it would take. Jennifer, living over an hour away, agreed to this and even offered to drive once a week for face to face training!

I am shocked and humbled when I meet such people. A giver, a true wonderful spirit. Emily has been blessed as she will find her perfect forever home. Jennifer’s life has been enriched, and I have some restored faith.
Take a risk. Take a chance in life. Follow your passion. Do something about anything..