As I prepare for a quick overnight trip today, that I'll tell you about next time, I wanted to give you an update on Leo.
I appreciated your thoughts about the path that Leo should take to his forever home. Those of you that reluctantly thought that Family #3 was the best choice for him, were right. They WERE the family that I had chosen for Leo. Personally, I liked them very much. They are a really nice, fun couple and I know they are a good home. But I will confess, that I had a nagging feeling that I couldn't quite get rid of. Even as I talked about "being sure" about the decision, deep inside, I knew, but wouldn't admit, that I was trying to convince myself.
I told Family #3 about what had happened. And I received an e-mail that said:
Thank you for being honest in your evaluation of Leo's fear. We spent a good part of the day talking about this and we have decided that we are not able to manage him. We didn't understand the full extent of his fear. We thought it could be managed with a thunder vest and comfort from a human. Our experience with pets with anxiety has been that human touch calmed him down enough to rest and sleep. We are concerned about what will happen should a storm come up while we are away. At this time of COVID of course we aren't away much but at some point this will end and we will occasionally be away for several hours. We are sorry and we want you to know that we made this decision with heavy hearts. We do feel that this would not be a good fit for us thereby not being a good fit for Leo. He is a sweet boy who needs the right home.Looking back on all of this, it's all been a reminder to pay attention and listen to that inner voice, and even listen to YOU the readers of this blog.
So, where does this take us? We are lucky to have great support from the rescue and resources to tap into. With that, I'm feeling optimistic that we can find something that will help Leo going forward through this "stormy season."
Thank-you for cheering Leo on.
Hello, I am sorry to hear about Leo's potential family having to back out. I have had a few dogs that were scared of the storms, my old golden Daisy would hide in the closet behind my hubby's shirts during a storm. Or she would try climbing on our laps. Usually she would be happy with hugs. I hope you and Leo do not have many bad storms this season. Have a happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteBack to the drawing board.
ReplyDeleteWe're sure Leo will finally find the perfect family that can handle his phobia sooner or later.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to hear the family was honest with you about their ability to manage Leo. We all know that no matter how long it might take that Leo is in the perfect home for him right now and will be safe until (if ever) a family comes for him.
ReplyDeleteAwwwwwww.....!! <3 <3 I think I've mentioned before that we did foster care too, except for newborn humans. We'd bring them home from the hospital and love & care for them until their new adoptive families could be found.... anywhere from 2 weeks to 4 months or so. One time we had a family that met one of our little fosters and was going to meet back up at the social worker's office to take home their new darling the following week. When the couple met our foster they were soooo excited. They held her, cuddled her, and had tears. Well, that evening the social worker got a call from the perspective couple and something was wrong. For whatever reason (it was not shared with us), the couple said that this particular baby would not work in their family. So while it was hard to think that this couple saw something wrong with "our baby", we were still so glad they said something right up front.... as hard as that must have been for them to do so. It hurts our fostering hearts, doesn't it, honey.... but we're grateful, all the same, that they're honest. God bless Leo and God bless you, dear Kim!!!! For all that you do!! Love, Andrea XOXO
ReplyDeleteThat email would be so hard to put the words down in reality, but I'm so thankful that Family#3 was honest in their reasoning that the thunder and Leo and them would not be a good combination. His home will show up, but meantime he has the most love and care he needs with you all.Leo, your smile shows us all how happy you are.
ReplyDeleteGod works in mysterious ways. We are so grateful that you were able to make the best decision for Leo. When you see Mom's email, you will understand why you are such a good foster mom - you ALWAYS know the right thing to do.
ReplyDeleteWoos, Lightning and Timber
❤️❤️
ReplyDeleteTHE right people for him will be there when he is ready and you are ready. :)
ReplyDeleteSo pleased to hear that Leo will not be leaving you yet. With his problems it's so important to find the right people to care for him.
ReplyDeleteWe had a Lab. who was terrified of loud bangs and storms, and there was nothing we could do to calm his fears. During a storm, he'd head for the shower in our bathroom, and would only relax when he was safely shut inside his glass cage, with one of us sitting guard outside. In old age he became deaf and when the thunder rolled overhead he'd just look puzzled, then turn over and go back to sleep!
Well, God has spoken. Leo needs you and "friends" now and no one else.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that the family was honest with themselves and with you - realizing ahead of time that they couldn't deal with that level of anxiety. I know that you'll love him and care for him. Perhaps some sort of daily anti-anxiety med would help? We've seen what a difference meds can make with fears in our quest to help Hachi. Love to you.
ReplyDeleteHe sounds like he reacts just like my poor girl. It is tough to have that kind of anxiety in your home, we hope the right family comes along for Leo.
ReplyDeleteLeo is such a sweet boy, I’m glad the family realizes you just can’t leave and hope all will be well.
ReplyDeleteOh, wow - unfortunately, I know just what that is like. My beloved GSP Josey developed a fear of storms only as she moved into older age, but as an incredibly strong dog, she was very hard to control. There was no question of sleeping on stormy nights - I would just turn on the light and sit with her until it was over, but there was no consoling her. She would pant and paw at me like she wanting to crawl inside me, and could not be still or settled down at all. A thundershirt had no effect. It was frankly awful, and while I actually love stormy weather, during those years I would dread that first faint sound of thunder, knowing what was coming. I have my fingers crossed that something can be done to relieve poor Leo's anxiety...
ReplyDeleteAwwwweeee Leo! I just want to hug all over him. Our Golden Sharky is afraid of storms and fireworks. He does the same thing.. pacing and searching for corners to hide in and nothing soothes him. sometimes I will lay on top of him and it helps a little. Just the other day after his meds ( which didn't kick in in time) he was so upset that we threw up and pooped himself. The house was a disaster. Poor babies, I wish they could understand when we tell them that it'll be okay.
ReplyDeleteYou always know what's best, even if you doubt yourself sometimes. ♥
ReplyDeleteStorm phobia is so tough to deal with, both of our goldens had it (one worse than the other) and it was a constant challenge to try to make it easier for them. :(