Holly, for those interested....

Heather Schaaf · 02-27-2004

Well, it is bittersweet for me to say, that Holly has gone to her forever home. As heartbreaking it was for our family to let her go, it was the right thing. We knew that there would be more Holly's in our life, that would need our love and care, so we made the heartwrenching decision to give her up to a loving family.

If I ever had to choose a home for Holly to go to, the family that adopted her would have been it! How fortunate for all of us that Holly has found a new loving home, with a 4-yr old Chocolate lab to play with. The new family even brought us a huge bouquet of flowers, signed by Holly, thanking us for all our love and care! There are such wonderful people in this world.

Here is a poem that my good friend, Barb Dunlap, from here at Canadian Goldens, sent me to bring things into perspective and to help me deal with the loss of Holly.
If anybody ever has the good fortune of Fostering, please do so, it is very rewarding.

Heather
www.for-the-luv-of-goldens.ca

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Is there room left at your house for just one more?

If I had said, "I already have four dogs and I know that I couldn't take in another - even on a temporary basis," I would never have met this dog. Yes, it takes time to rescue and foster ... but who gave me time in the first place? And why or what was the reason I was given Time? To fill my own needs? Or was there another reason ever so small and seemingly insignificant, like rescuing this one dog that could make a difference in another's life? Perhaps to add joy, hope, help and companionship to another who is in need? With great sadness, I sat down on a footstool in my kitchen this morning and watched as this foster dog bounced back into the house and skidded across the floor to sit ever so perfectly in front of me. He was the picture of health, finally. He was all smiles for me ... and I smiled back at his happy face. Deep in his eyes, the storm clouds of illness and generalized poor health had blown away, and the clear light of his perfection radiated out from his beautiful soul. He holds no ill will toward man. He forgives us all. I thought to myself, as I impressed this one last long look of him into my heart, what a very fine creature you have created. Tears slowly pooled and spilled over my cheekbones as the deeper realization of how wonderful this dog is sunk into my internal file cabinet of Needful Things to Remember. Lord, he's a dog - but he's a better human being than I am. He has forgiven quickly. Would I do the same? He passionately enjoys the simple things in life, and I have often overlooked them. He accepts change and gets on with his life! I fuss and worry about change. He lives today and loves today. And I often dwell in the past or worry about the future. He loves no matter what. I am not that free.This very lovely dog has gone to his new home today and already I miss him. Thank you for bringing this dog into my life. And thank you for the beautiful and tender lesson on how to be a better human. Author unknown

Patti Cullum · 02-27-2004

Hi Heather

I am glad to hear that you have good feelings about Holly's new family. I know how hard it must have been to give her up after watching her come so far from the state she was in when she was rescued.
You and all others who do fostering etc are wonderful people. It is a great thing that you did for Holly, and any other dogs who end up at the Schaaf household for fostering will be just as fortunate.

Patti, Samson & Tulsa

Jennifer Sharp · 02-27-2004

Hi Heather,
I am also glad to hear that Holly found a wonderful forever home. I can only imagine how hard it must be for you and your family to say good-bye right now, but I hope that the feelings of sadness are quickly replaced with feelings of joy, knowing what a difference you made in sweet Holly's life.
For everyone who is a foster-dog-parent, I hope you all always remember how wonderful you are and how much these dogs appreciate you sharing your hearts with them. Every dog should get the chance to feel loved. Thank you all for being such generous people.
Take care Heather. Brook sends warm golden hugs your way!
Jenn

Rebecca Brisson · 02-27-2004

Hi Heather,

I know how you feel, when Raisin's new family showed up they were everything I wanted for her and more (she sleeps in bed with them), but I still cried when she left (enthusiastically jumping into their van), and everytime I drive past thier house I wonder how she is doing (although I know it is well). Another one saved and loved, who is next :-)

Rebecca

Barb Dunlap · 02-27-2004

Hugs to you Heather.....you did a great job preparing Holly for her new home!!

Barb

Tricia Green · 02-27-2004

It takes a special person to do what you do. How very hard it must be to give them up. Keep on Keepin' on.

-Tricia

jenn blue · 02-28-2004

i was having trouble sleeping last night so i got up to watch some tv and ended up watching one of those terribly sad toronto humane society shows. within minutes, i was crying.

while i'm not in a position to foster or even adopt another pet, it makes me happy to realize there are people like heather schaaf and barb dunlap who open their homes each and every day to a new animal just looking for some TLC. they do such a great thing for these animals and we should all be proud of them. i only wish i could do more other than donations and gifts... it breaks my heart to see all those sad animals in crates waiting for new homes.

jenn