Pinky's First Family

Pinky was rescued as a puppy by Animal Rescue Fund of MS (ARF). She had a severe case of sarcoptic mange, which caused her to have horribly inflamed, “pink” skin and no hair. For the next 2 years of her life, Pinky lived on the ARF Farm, waiting for a family. However, a family never came to adopt her. Then, a couple of months ago, a Pit Bull breed ban (BSL) in Rankin County, Mississippi forced Pinky and 5 other Pit mixes to be transferred from ARF to Lucky Dog Rescue in Meridian.

Despite the immense love she’s received from both ARF and Lucky Dog, Pinky has never had a family. She’s never had a home of her own. She’s always been one of many dogs… and never been the only special girl. Until now…

My friend, Jaymie, contacted me last week to inquire about fostering one of my rescue dogs. My heart was so happy. If you want to make my day, offer to foster one of my dogs—and mean it. Jaymie has one male dog named Jeff, and she wanted to find a foster playmate for her pup... while also giving a rescue dog the chance for some special love and one-on-one time in her home. I immediately thought of Pinky... my sweet, special girl, who’s never had the chance to live in a home and have a family. I knew that the foster experience would mean the world to her.

Yesterday, Jaymie and her dog, Jeff, came to visit Lucky Dog Rescue to meet Pinky. My little Pinky-girl didn’t know it at the time... but she was meeting her first foster family.

Last night, Pinky went “home” ... for the first time in her 2-year-old life. After she left, I sobbed tears of joy for her. There’s nothing like seeing one of your babies get the chance at having a family. Foster or not, it’s the first real family life she’s ever known, and they truly changed her life yesterday... by opening their home and their hearts to a girl in need of love.

I’ll let Jaymie tell you the story of her first foster experience in her own words:

My First Foster Dog, By: Jaymie

A few weeks ago, I found Ashley Owen Hill’s facebook page, and I secretly began to stalk her profile and her blog (sorry Ash). Seeing her passion... set fire to my soul. After talking it over with my boyfriend, we decided to become a foster family for one of Ashley’s rescue dogs, until the pup could find their forever home.

Why did we come to this decision? 1) Our dog, Jeff, loves, loves, loves the company of other dogs. 2) It would help take some of the burden off of Ashley. 3) It was the perfect way for me to help a precious soul, who truly needs some extra-special love and attention.

Yesterday, we met our first foster dog, Pinky, and we brought her into our home. At 2 years old, Pinky has never been in a home environment. She’s never known what it was like to have all the love and affection to herself... always being one of many other dogs.

When she arrived, Pinky was somewhat unsure of everything. It took us about 20 minutes, just to get her to walk-up three steps into the house. But I was patient with her, knowing that she just didn't understand where we were taking her...

For the first hour, the lights, the ceiling fan, the refrigerator cutting on… every little thing spooked this sweet girl. She just wasn't quite sure what to think of all this... or of us.

But she's a smart pup and a quick learner. A couple of hours in, she started to feel safe. She laid down on the couch and even watched a movie with us. She had the best time playing with our dog, Jeff, and they’ve become fast BFFs.

She loves her crate with the comfy bed we bought for her. It makes her feel very safe. I decided to be brave and leave her crate door open all night. Pinky did perfect. She didn't mess anywhere in the house, and she didn't tear anything up! She’s such a good girl!

 

Today is Day 2, and she's already made a huge improvement. As the hours press on, I'm seeing more and more of this girl’s sweet, quirky personality. Her favorite thing is to run-off with the clean laundry as you’re trying to fold it. She'll run circles around the house... just to keep it from you. It’s her way of playing a fun little game, saying “You want your clothes? Then you better catch me!!!” But as soon as you turn your back and act like you don't care... she drops the clothing and walks away. It’s so funny to watch!

My dog, Jeff, and Pinky are best buds. They sleep next to each other, eat and drink at the same time, play tug of war with the rope toy, and wrestle almost nonstop. It melts my heart to see this girl so happy. When she looks at you, her eyes say it all. You can tell she's so very thankful for everything Ashley and ARF did to save her. She's truly an ambassador for rescue dogs.

Making the decision to foster a rescue dog is the best decision we’ve ever made. I didn’t know my heart could be so happy, and this experience has touched our lives more than we knew possible. When you bring a foster dog into your home, you intend to make a difference for them. But you don’t realize... the difference they’ll make for you.

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