foster pupdate! she's doing really well. no accidents in the house and learning how to socialize with the other dogs and relax while i work. we've got a nice little routine going. she does pretty well in the crate, too. she'll make a very nice companion for somebody. :)

#fosterDog #rescueDog #borderCollie #puppy #dogTraining

DOG DAYS ARE HERE

On Nov. 14, 2025, I had the honour and pleasure of taking in a foster dog named Charlie. 

I did not make the choice to foster a dog lightly. As someone who grew up with a dog, I knew how much responsibility and time caring for a dog takes.  

I can now confirm that the adage of rescue dogs saving the people that take them in is true.  

Since COVID-19, this seed of loneliness was planted in me, but having Charlie around has helped me regrow my curiosity for life and the great outdoors.  

Charlie is a half German Shephard, half American Dingo. He grew up in Texas and he was left to fend for himself on the streets for about six months before being taken in by a kind lady, who contacted the Dog Rescue Society (DRS). 

The DRS is a foster-based, volunteer-run organization based in Kitchener, and their mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home dogs in need, while creating a supportive community of adopters and fosters. Usually, their foster programs take about three to four months.  

For the first few weeks, he was in what is known as the decompression phase—what he needed most was a quiet, structured and safe place to be.  

I remember our first walk together was around the block outside of my apartment building. He was skittish and anxious, much like me. I felt like maybe I was in over my head, maybe it was too long since I had a dog and I was not equipped to be a good dog parent.  

But when he looked up at me with his hopeful big brown eyes on the elevator ride up to our apartment, I felt like we were in this together.  

For the first few days we were on a strict structured routine of waking up at the same time, eating at the same time and walking at the same time during the day. It was a way to introduce structure to Charlie’s life, especially since his life was turned so completely upside down. The more time has passed the more Charlie’s personality has manifested. He is a confident dog who takes life in stride. Though doubtless he feared me when we first met, he was nothing but cordial to me. He is curious, playful and full of energy for life. All things that a depressed human like me lack sometimes.  

Since the start, we’ve settled into a similar but less rigid routine. Due to some difficulties with mental health issues, having another reason to get out of bed and get some exercise has been a lifesaver. I’m happy I got to help Charlie, and he in turn has helped me quite a lot.  

Charlie is currently up for adoption. If you are interested, check out his profile and others on the DRS website at  thedogrescuesociety.net. 

On Saturday @Jamies and I drove down to Exeter for a meet & greet for Foster Boy Basil. All went well and he's now off on trial with his (hopefully) furever family, including a chocolate Labrador (which we said when he first arrived was probably exactly what he needed!)

On the way back through Sydney we picked up Betsy, who is Basil's littermate and even cuter! She's a beautiful, friendly, energetic young girl who is sure to bring plenty of fun and excitement to her furever family.

Betsy has met our resident cats and has shown no real interest in them (yay!)

Betsy has been in foster care for a few weeks already (we're taking over from another foster carer), so her profile is already up and she is available for adoption.

Take a look at her petrescue profile! Feel free to reach out to me directly if you have any questions.

#FosterBoyBasil #FosterGirlBetsy #HomewardBoundHounds #Greyhounds #RescueGreyhounds #FosterDog #AdoptDontShop #Pets #Dogs #DogsOfMastodon #DogsOfTheFediverse #HoundsOfTheFediverse #Sighthounds
#CatFriendly