[LSg44PDu]

How do you know when its the right thing to do? Sattva was returned today - they said it did not work out with her because they live on a farm and have chickens, ducks, rabbits and such and she keeps chasing them.. I was more than relieved when she was returned.. She ran right up to me when I opened the door.. she was home and she knew it! I want to help other dogs that need help, but I also know she was meant here. And obviously it wasn't meant to be for her to be there! If I keep her, that's it.. I can not take in anymore until their perm home comes along.. and that breaks my heart.. but as happy as I was she came back.. and the face on her - just knowing she knew she was home.. is soooo worth closing that door.. isn't it?

How do you know when it's the right thing??? I want both, but I can't have both.. so I have to choose.. and pray I make the right choice.

[CedssypeEdids]

The way I see it, you have years and years ahead of you to take in more dogs.

She came back, maybe it was meant to be. Or she may need to stay with you until the right home comes up.

[gWhya5ct]

Sometimes I think you just have to wait. It is something I've never been very good at but I am working on it.

Sadly the members of the pack you now have will not have the longevity we humans do.

Orson Scott Card commented on it in one of the books in the Ender series about how we have so much trouble so often opening our hearts to our own kind in order that we might avoid any potential pain they could cause us. He then wondered at how we can give ourselves so utterly and completely to creatures whose lives are so much shorter than ours that the very shortness of their lives (and how completely we give ourselves to them) guarantees that they WILL bring us pain in their passing.

I forget the particular book and I'm paraphrasing it badly I suspect but that was the general thought and it really struck a chord with me when I first read it.

So, my thoughts would be love and care for the ones you have as you have been. Give them the best life, the best home, the best of yourself that you are able.

Then when that sad day comes that one must leave you, then you will have the room, and at that time (more so than now) your heart will have the need.

[LSg44PDu]

Thank you so much for that mpis. I never thought of it that way.. but you and omgrobyn are right.. there is plenty of time..

I am so worried about helping others, I forget this one needs my help too.. just because she is safe now, does not mean she does not need me anymore.. its better to help the ones I have fully than to neglect them trying to help another.. why send her to an unknown fate when shes perfectly safe and happy here!?

So, I need to just stick to it and do what I know is the right thing.. not just for me.. but for them!!

[bestworkother]

I think everyone put it well. She came into your home for a reason. She came back to your home for a reason. Sadly dogs dont live near as long as we would like so there will come a time when you have more room in your house once again and you can return to helping other dogs but it sounds to me like she came to you and then came back to you for a reason.

[w4HPpbSW]

I would say make as much of an effort as you want to find her a new home...if you get lazy and give up so be it

[gDGwm8BC]

Sadly the members of the pack you now have will not have the longevity we humans do.

Orson Scott Card commented on it in one of the books in the Ender series about how we have so much trouble so often opening our hearts to our own kind in order that we might avoid any potential pain they could cause us. He then wondered at how we can give ourselves so utterly and completely to creatures whose lives are so much shorter than ours that the very shortness of their lives (and how completely we give ourselves to them) guarantees that they WILL bring us pain in their passing.


So, my thoughts would be love and care for the ones you have as you have been. Give them the best life, the best home, the best of yourself that you are able.

Then when that sad day comes that one must leave you, then you will have the room, and at that time (more so than now) your heart will have the need.

I agree so much with Sasha!! Everything happens for a reason. You may never know what it is, but all things happen for a reason. Maybe Sattva knew you needed her.... maybe she knew she needed you... maybe it's a combination of the two, but for whatever reason, she is back with you now.

Maybe she was meant to be with you all along... maybe this other family that took her, was just NOT the right fit (apparently they have never heard the words "dogs" and "prey drive" mentioned in the same sentence). Whatever the case, whatever the reason, she is back with you now, either temporary or permanently.

I don't think it means the end of the road as far as your fostering. It may mean that you need to take a time off from it for now. But eventually, you will get back into fostering.

For now, take care of the ones you have, love them more than you thought you could, and show them that there are kind humans out there... you're proof of that.