The Gift of Love

-Katherine E. Gibson, A Pathway to Hope "Foster Mom"

Have you ever made a gift for someone unconcerned about what you get in return? Ever given something you wanted to keep, but knew the person you gave it to would ‘just love it!’? Did you enjoy how that kind of giving made you feel? Then I have news for you- You have a heart made for fostering a rescue pet!

For a year now, (eight foster dogs), my dogs and I have welcomed these scared, lonely ones into our home. They have brought joy and challenges. They have brought lessons to learn and learned lessons. But most important, they brought a desire to love and be loved in return. I feel it is an honor and a privilege to fulfill that desire.

There is one human in my house; I work a full time job (and then some). And yes, I walk them all, usually at the same time. We all sleep in a big bed; spread out, each on our own spot- it is my choice to share my bed (not a requirement! LOL). However, it’s not a free for all!

There are rules and limitations. There’s lots of affection and no tolerance of aggression towards others. I teach manners. No rushing the door, no gobbling food or stealing. No nipping of fingers, especially when offered a treat. I teach them to walk beside or behind because walking ahead of a human is disrespectful. Dogs respect someone who shows them what is expected. They learn, regardless of their age. They trust a calm and consistent leader. And the joy they show me proves I have earned their respect. I teach them humans can be safe to trust. The adoption screening process helps us to find someone to continue that trust and earn that respect. These are the ingredients for love and loyalty.

The number one question asked me: how do you give them up? My attitude is: I am dog sitting. They are not mine to house forever. BUT, like old friends, I will love them forever. They have come to find their forever home. They have traveled a hard road and have earned that right. I can’t help others if I keep them all. For every dog placed, another life is saved, another family made complete. The gift of love keeps growing. That’s an important role. I am a Foster Mom.

So, if you answered the three questions I asked with “Yes”. You have what it takes and the rest you learn. I know A Pathway to Hope has three dogs waiting. Mickey, Bailey and Juliet urgently need foster homes. They need a chance to fulfill that desire we all have— to give love, and be loved in return. Will you give the gift of Love?

Fostering a dog or cat in need - A Home for the Holidays

Our biggest limitation to rescuing more animals is foster homes. Please consider fostering one (or more!) of the puggle/pit puppies, or another rescue in need and giving them what they yearn for - home for the holidays. They so deserve the love of a family, whether a foster or a forever home.

Bailey: Click Here for more Info
Juliet: Click Here for more Info
Mickey: Click Here for more Info

Pathway pays all vetting expenses (typically at our vet), including monthly preventatives, and can offer food and supplies as needed. Please consider being a foster, and saving a life...

To My Foster...

There I sat, alone and afraid,
You got a call and came right to my aid.
You bundled me up with blankets and love.
And, when I needed it most, you gave me a hug.

I learned that the world was not all that scary and cold.
That sometimes there is someone to have and to hold.
You taught me what love is, you helped me to mend.
You loved me and healed me and became my first friend.

And just when I thought you'd done all you do,
There came along not one new lesson, but two.
First you said, "Sweetheart, you're ready to go.
I've done all I can, and you've learned all I know."

Then you bundled me up with a blanket and kiss.
Along came a new family, they even have kids!
They took me to their home, forever to stay.
At first I thought you sent me away.

Then that second lesson became perfectly clear.
No matter how far, you will always be near.
And so, Foster Mom, you know I've moved on.
I have a new home, with toys and a lawn.

But I'll never forget what I learned that first day.
You never really give your fosters away.
You gave me these thoughts to remember you by.
We may never meet again, and now I know why.

You'll remember I lived with you for a time.
I may not be yours, but you'll always be mine.

Finishing up your Holiday Shopping?

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Click here for more information or to sign up.

Volunteers Needed

Interested in volunteering, but aren't able to foster? Contact pathwaytohope@yahoo.com to find out about volunteer opportunities, including driving for volunteer transports, attending events, event planning, helping with screening & home visits and more!

Donations

Monetary donations are always appreciated as many of our rescues come in needing special medical care. A link for donations can be found on our website at apathwaytohope.org. We are in need of dog treats, small martingale collars, cat carriers, litter boxes and frontline or advantage for both dogs and cats. Check out our wishlist as well on Amazon.com!

Vote for Us!

Vote for A Pathway to Hope in the Shelter Challenge! Help us win a $1,000 grant just by voting. You can vote once a day.
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