The foster

After two months we finally found a family interested in our foster basset, Georgia. We've had a few previous bites from other people but each time they backed out either because they had time to think about their impulse or because they realized they didn't want a senior dog.

Well, we finally had a big bite from a young newlywed couple with no kids. They were specifically looking for a senior dog because they didn't want to worry with house breaking and a dog chewing up the house. My only concern was that they live in an apartment home complex (like town homes, each with its own little front and back porch and a grassy area outside the door) and I was afraid that Georgia's tendency to vocalize her loneliness would make things difficult for them since they both work full time during the day.

Regardless they were really excited to meet her and give it a shot. We dropped Georgia off at their home in beautiful Napa this past Saturday.

This is Georgia riding comfortable in the back of my parents car, on the way to her hopeful new home.

I got an email on Sunday letting me know that she had a great first night and weekend bonding with them. I knew they'd be hooked if they could just spend some time with her. But my biggest worry was the first week ahead.

I didn't hear anything until about noon today. A long email telling me that Georgia spent all of the first day in her crate crying while they were at work. A neighbor had come over to let them know (not complaining, just informing). They let Georgia have the living room yesterday and when she came home Georgia was quiet at least, but they haven't asked the neighbor yet if she cried all day again. This morning Georgia bolted out the door when they tried to leave for work and they had to chase her down. My guess is that she was making a mad dash to their car so as not to be left behind again.

Anyway, they've asked for an extension of their trial period, originally planned for a week. I've told them to take as much time as they need before making their final decision to adopt or not. I'm crossing every appendage I can that a sense of peace and comfort comes over Georgia and she settles into her new home.

She seems so happy with them. I want her to stay there. She'd be loved forever. They sent me these pictures and I'm hoping with everything I've got that it works out for everyone.

Temporary gal

Well, I got a wild hair and decided that now was the perfect time to bring in a foster dog. An email went out from the basset hound rescue we support saying that an emaciated senior stray basset was in need of a home and some TLC. My heart was bleeding and I knew we should help. Neil's been behind the idea from the beginning so it was just a matter of the right time and the appropriate dog coming together. The stars and planets aligned on Friday and Saturday morning we found ourselves carting home another basset hound.

She didn't have a name so we are calling her Georgia. She's incredibly sweet and very slow. Although her brain seems to be sharp as a tack. I am currently waiting to hear back from my vet about letting the rescue pay for her medical bills (apparently they have to set up an account with HR first?) So until that happens I am just working on feeding her and keeping her comfortable.

She's had a few accidents in the house because I'm afraid she has the same issue Lola did when we first got her: She doesn't know how to ask. She uses doggy doors just fine, but unfortunately we don't have one of those. We're in the process of teaching her to ring the bell like Lola and Lucy do, and she has a few times, but it's not a consistent practice yet.

I'm pretty sure either she was an only dog or she's just old and arthritic because she doesn't seem to have much energy for playing. But she does love her squeaker toys. And sleeping. And eating. She's been a really easy girl to please. My only fear is that she may be older than everyone is estimating (9 years) and that she'll be hard to adopt out. I am fully aware that some fosters can be with you for months before being adopted ... but I'm afraid she may be with us longer than that. Fingers crossed that quiet, special home comes along.

Miss Georgia: