OkcPets Magazine January 2023

January / February 2023 • OKC Pets 23 into our midst. By now, my dogs, who are very accustomed to foster dogs coming and going, were not so curious about this reclusive stranger. They went about their business, allowing Tansy to weave herself into our routine with little fanfare. But to Tansy, every part of our routine was amazing. There was food on a regular basis. At first, she ate nervously, as if some- one would surely come to steal her share. Then she ate with focused gusto, no longer glancing over her shoulders with each bite. Time outside was cherished. The yard was safe from people shooing her away. She could lounge in the shade of the porch, or she could lie in the soft grass for a nap in the sun. And when she was ready, the door to the inside was always open to her, welcoming her back into our home. There were treats, belly rubs, soft brush- es, and cushy beds. Routine was pure bliss to the dog who had known nothing but uncertainty. And just as her little space at the vet hospital had become her safe place, so this new place became her haven as well. She started to trust and enjoy all the little things the other dogs knew as constants. She also started feeling physically better as the medicine chased disease from her body. Her coat softened and filled in. Her ribs were no longer so easy to count. Her eyes no longer darted away, but held a gaze, steady and soft. And then, one day, I pulled out the leash again. With a deep breath I asked her to trust me. In the car, I could feel her old nemesis, uncertainty, welling up and I did my best to reassure her knowing that only experience could bring true peace. As we pulled into the drive of the tree-shaded home, a woman walked out, a warm smile spreading across her face at her first glimpse of Tansy. And the feelings! Oh, the feelings. For once, Tansy moved out ahead of me and went straight to the woman. Sitting politely, directly in front of her, Tansy raised her head to look straight into the woman’s face. Together, we all sat out in the backyard, Tansy meeting the quiet, kind man of the home as well. She moved between the two, enjoying their attention. She met their dogs with careful curiosity instead of concern. Inside the tidy house, she relaxed calmly at the feet of her new friends. Not wanting to turn her world suddenly upside down again, Tansy returned home with me that day with plans in place for her ultimate transfer to the couple I had now chosen as her new family. After a few days, I packed up her medicine, wrote out her care instructions, packed a bag of food and a favorite toy, placed a new tag on her collar, and loaded Tansy into the car for a very important ride. This time, instead of turning her back and lying with her head down between her front legs, Tansy sat looking forward. What did I feel from her this time? Expec- tation? As we once again pulled into the shady drive leading to what was to be her new home, Tansy’s feelings manifested in the form of a thumping tail. Was recognition possible after just one visit? I guess when you visit the right place, it most certainly is. This time, there was no hesitation as she hopped from the car. She headed straight for the door that was immediately opened by the gentle woman with the wonderful smile. I knelt to whisper the words I prom- ise to every foster dog that leaves our care for a new home, “I have picked this home just for you and it’s a good one. You will be safe and loved, but remember, I’m always here for you if you need me. I love you. Be happy now.” Then, as I turned to leave, she gave me her own little gift. Her eyes, now bright and shining, held mine and I felt a flood of pure trust and hope. Beautiful, newly born hope. Good for you, Tansy. Enjoy your hap- pily-ever-after.  I think I’ll always be able to feel you in my heart, no matter where your journey with your new family takes you. And right now, finally, the feelings are blissfully good.