Sooner or Later The first year I was a foster mom for one of the BF dogs who was a little older and after about five months of not so much as a nibble, I was very concerned my foster would never find a home. A very wise volunteer told me not to worry because sooner or later, they always find a home. Now after four years of fostering, this is absolutely true. Here are a few stories about dogs we never thought would find a home and a few still waiting in the wings. Tiffany Tiffany was a two year old female brindle Chihuahua. Very cute, fun loving and young, yet no one seemed to be interested in her. As weeks turned into months and then into years, I was afraid she would never find a forever home. She had been with me for so long, I feared that if she were finally adopted, she would think she was being given away again. Her biggest problem was that she did not show well at the weekly dog fairs. She would sit very quietly in her cage, almost withdrawn, and shake. Never a friendly tail wag or dog kiss, she was passed by time and time again. We decided that since she showed so poorly at the fairs, we would have potential adopters meet her by appointment only. However, no one called or filled out an application for her. As we approached the anniversary of our third year together, I decided that date would be the deadline and adopt her myself, enough was enough. I was sure she couldn't understand why she had to leave her home, where she was perfectly happy, to spend Sundays in a crate in the back of a pet food store. After a brief hiatus from the fairs, one Sunday I decided Tiffany should give it one last try, especially since there were only 2 more fairs before that 3rd anniversary date. Lo and behold it was meant to be, at that one fair, that last fair for Tiffany, that almost-did-not-go fair, in walked her new forever parents, Landall & Nicholas. That Wednesday she went to her new forever home. She now has two playmates, Darrin & Samantha, and her name has been changed to Clara (anyone remember "Bewitched"?). Her days are now spent playing, going on long walks and taking naps. She has the perfect life, well worth the wait! Beatrice and Dante Beatrice & Dante were two older Shitzu's who had been turned in by their owner when they could no longer be used for breeding. We thought perhaps they were mother and son as Beatrice was quite a bit older than Dante and he was very protective of her. She was just beginning to get cataracts. Dante was fairly young and healthy but had an aggression problem – he could not be picked up. He loved to have his tummy rubbed, to be petted and of course treats, but could not be held. If you tried to pick him up, he began by growling which would eventually lead to biting if you insisted on holding him. We were not sure why, but since he was in foster care with several other dogs, we let him be, hoping eventually he felt safe enough to be held. Bill Foundation wanted to keep the pair together since their bond was so strong even though we knew a tandem placement would be much more difficult. We considered them members of our long term foster care program. They went to fairs sporadically but because of Dante's aggression problem, we decided they were better left at home.   Then one magical day we got an application for the two of them from a wonderful couple who lived in Long Beach. A few months prior, their two beloved Shitzu's had passed away and they were finally ready to bring dogs back into their lives. Everyone at Bill Foundation was very excited, the application was perfect – they wanted both of them and they preferred older dogs. After exchanging a few emails, a meeting was arranged. And it was love at first sight. Beatrice and Dante's new mom later confessed there was never a question she wouldn't love them and want to bring them home. After a quick bath, Beatrice and Dante left for their new home in Long Beach. Several months later I visited my former fosters at their new abode. Dante looked years younger, he had lost weight and there was a spring in his step. His aggression had substantially subsided and he could be held and cuddled. Beatrice looked very happy and serene, happy to finally be in her forever home. While these two had quite a rocky start, they were definitely lucky to have found their two new parents, although Elsie and Larry will tell you they're the lucky ones. Finian My mom and I have been involved with Bill Foundation from the beginning and love to help by opening our home to fostering a dog. We have fostered over 60 dogs, some for only a day, some longer. One of those little dogs was Finian, a small sweet tempered Chihuahua. When he first came to stay with us he was fearful and shy but once he learned he would be safe and could trust you, his personality began to blossom. Such a sweet little dog, he got along with all the other dogs that came and went as they got adopted and he remained behind. Most often he preferred to be with me on my lap, in bed or on the floor by my feet as I worked at the computer. He was always just happy to be around. He was never pushy, jealous or aggressive and certainly never showed any bad behavior from day one. I couldn't understand why he had not been adopted. But we never gave up. He attended the fair each week, even though I knew he preferred to stay at home. He was such a great dog we just couldn't give up! I was very happy he finally found his perfect permanent home but he will always hold a special place in my heart. You would think the longer you have a dog the harder it is when they get adopted and it is. But, it is so rewarding to help Bill Foundation give these dogs the time they need to find that perfect home. That of course makes it easier to see them go. I always enjoy seeing the pictures of the new family and have actually kept in touch with some of the new "parents". Finian was adopted with another dog we had fostered, Sarah Jane. I think since they were both adopted together it made the transition easier on the dogs and that was very nice to know. I wish them all a very happy, healthy life.