A Foster Dog That Stole My Heart

I had never fostered before but decided to give it a try after receiving and urgent email from the local shelter.
They said it would only be for 2 weeks. Afraid of becoming attached, I reluctantly said I would be willing to foster but that I didn’t want a puppy or a high energy dog. They agreed and set up a time for us to pick a dog. As soon as I saw her, I knew I would not be able to give her back.
Stormy was a sweet, pretty and somewhat timid Border Collie mix. She was 11 years old and her owner had had to go into a nursing home, heartbreaking. I took her home and she stole my heart. I called them back after having her a week and said I wanted to adopt her. They were relieved because it is so hard to find a home for older dogs.
Stormy was such a good dog, I called her “Pretty” half the time because she did have such a pretty face. She always wanted to be by my side and my Mom fell in love with her too. She would stay with her sometime when I had to be away from home. But soon after, some medical issues arose. She developed mange which our veterinarian said was an indication of an underlying problem compromising her immune system. We treated the mange and for about another year she was fine but it returned and this time we discovered she had pancreatitis. By now she was 13 and I was divorced. My Mom and I spent a lot of money to treat her but eventually we had to make the decision to let her go.
I only had her for 2 years but they were full of love and I don’t regret it for a minute. She brightened my life and was a source of comfort as I went through my divorce. I miss her. I would ask more people to give older dogs a chance. They still have plenty of love to give you in their remaining years.

Marty Biscan
New Albany, IN