My first foster experience

[Molly]

I've rescued quite a few different types of animals, and had to part with dogs and other friends before, but I just finished my first official stint as a foster mom.

I had to let my wonderful baby Tucker go with his new daddy last night. I knew it was going to be hard, but I didn't know it was going to be THIS hard. In less than a month I grew so attached to that little pup. His entire litter was pulled from a high-kill shelter in Missouri, and when he came to me he was scrawny and nervous. I saw him grow so quickly, physically and mentally, as he took on new challenges and grew more comfortable in his environment every day. He became my dog Brooklyn's companion, slept in my bed with me, walked all over the city with us, bounced around my apartment like a bunny rabbit, and lit up my life. He's an amazing puppy with a fantastic personality, and he is going to be one incredible dog.

Although I've shed more tears in the last twelve hours than in the last six months, I know Tux is in the perfect home. He and my friend Sam are already head over heels for each other, and I know they'll bring so much love, happiness and fulfillment to each other's lives. I really couldn't ask for a better dad for my baby boy. I know he's not far away, and Brooks and I can still see him and take walks together. Still...we feel sharply the absence of that furry little body in our house.

But this is what we do. We put our hearts on the line to rescue as many animals as we can, to make what difference we can in a world that does not value its non-human resources. And as many as we help, as fast as we try to save lives, there are always more. I've already applied to adopt another BIG baby (dogo/pit mix), and if that doesn't work out, we'll keep on with the fostering. As difficult as it is to see them leave, there's nothing more fulfilling than knowing an animal will be safe, happy and loved for the rest of its days.