“We aren’t pet people!” My wife and I had declared this again and again. And it didn’t matter who asked – friends, neighbors, co-workers, and especially our kids – the answer was always the same. WE ARE NOT PET PEOPLE!!!
We didn’t need the expense. We didn’t need the hassle. And we certainly didn’t need the commitment. After all, we are people on the move with too many places to go and too many people to see. Pets simply get in the way, with little or no return on investment.
But, then came Janet. Janet was a neighbor and friend in Hawaii who introduced us to the concept of “foster pets” since she was working at the Oahu SPCA. Like children, there are pets that need temporary homes from time to time. You get to enjoy an extra furry friend in your family without the burdensome commitment that comes with actually owning the pet yourself.
With the window now cracked (thanks Janet), my wife began exploring the idea of us, too, becoming foster pet parents. I was still leery, however. Sure, taking in a pet “temporarily” eliminates most of the long-term commitment concerns, but there would still be expenses. And there would certainly still be hassles. Lots and lots of hassles.
Shortly after moving to California and settling into a new job at a local, faith-based university, I found myself serving on the school’s “Care Committee.” The running joke is that I have to be put on a committee and schedule a time in order for me to “care.” Guilty as charged.
During one of our first meetings I heard a story about a student on campus who was estranged from his parents. His only remaining family member was a dog who was living with him in student housing. The committee was split down the middle…half focused on the sadness of the story. The other half zeroed in on the fact that the student was breaking the rules by having a pet on campus. The Dean of Students was emphatic. Either the dog was gone by 3 PM the next day OR the student AND the dog would be gone. Case closed.
Later that evening I shared the story with my wife, Niki. She jumped at the opportunity. This is what we’ve been looking for! This is our chance!!! I didn’t realize we had been looking for anything and thus failed to appreciate the opportunity in front of us. But, she was passionate. This dog needed a home and now was the time for us to step up and serve as foster parents. My heart began to open up to the idea. Slowly. And with one crucial condition…no BIG dogs!
I went to the Dean of Student’s office the next morning and began asking questions. The only thing he knew was that the dog’s name was Bear. This was my first clue that we wouldn’t exactly be adopting a Chihuahua . We arranged for me, Niki, the student and Bear to meet before lunch. In the interim, I prayed. “Please don’t let Bear be big. Please don’t let Bear be big. Please don’t let Bear be big.”
A few hours later we opened the dorm room door and Bear immediately came into view. Well, he wasn’t big. Instead, he was HUGE! I now understand that B.E.A.R. actually stood for Big Enormous Astronomical Rottweiler. Okay, he is really a mixed Labrador Retriever/Border Collie. But nonetheless, everything about this dog is Super-Sized!
Before giving a final decision, Niki and I went to lunch to talk things over. We were both emphatic. Niki was all “yes.” I was all “no.” We went back and forth until Niki presented her closing argument. “Well, people have invited you into their home over the years…did anyone ever ask how much you weigh?” It was then I knew that if Bear did not come home with us, the doghouse would be MY home. Permanently.
We are now one month into this grand experiment and I cannot begin to imagine our family without our beloved Bear. He is so sweet, so obedient and so loving. All he asks for in return is food, walks and the occasional tummy rub. And it is so rewarding to know we are doing the right thing. Our foster efforts are keeping a “family” together while a student continues his education. If it takes him six years to graduate instead of four, so much the better!
And by the way, we still claim that we are not pet people. After all, bears can’t be pets…can they?
