A family for Bumble

It's been another busy week here.  I have lots to do every day, but the hardest thing about work this week was the random, frustrating problems that popped up along the way that required time and energy I could have put into things I actually needed to get done.  But it's best to move on from those things and not let them take any more of my time.  I just hope next week is better.

We have gotten into a good routine now for the Summer.  When the mornings aren't too hot, the dogs spend lots of time outside playing, sniffing, and lounging while I keep an eye on them as I work from my dining room table.  We take mid-day walks, and they all know the meal time routines.  Then there are rounds of play and afternoon naps and after dinner walks.  It's a pretty good routine. 

On Monday, I had time for a lovely lunchtime walk.  It was warm, but I know we were all happy to be outside.

We even made a quick stop at this historical marker just down the road from us.  I had no idea the historical significance of this church that I've driven by countless times in the last 23 years.  

After our walk, we all had lunch, and I hoped for a little peace and quiet.   I didn't get it though.  Mina and Bumble were more happy to continue their daily shenanigans with more wrestling throughout the day while I worked.   Eventually they napped, but it wasn't long before Mina was pestering Bumble to play again.  They sure did have fun!

Tuesday was the first Farmer's Market at the Capitol of the year, and I was determined to take an early lunch so we could get there before the lunchtime crowds.  Work did not cooperate.  We did arrive before noon, but not by much.

As soon as we arrived, I made a bee-line for Petey's Donuts because the line was not too long.  In no time I had my cider slush and donuts for me and the dogs.

We all enjoyed our treat before continuing to explore the market.  Then after a nice walk around, we headed back to the car.

We ran into this giant Michigan mascot along the way.  The dogs weren't sure what to think.

Then, after work, we headed to Old Town for a visit to Preuss and a walk around town.  We had a really nice walk, probably one of the best since bringing Bumble home.

During their Wednesday morning outdoor time, the dogs discovered something in the wood pile behind the house that kept them occupied for quite awhile.  I love to see the excitement Peaches has over discovering a critter and watching her stand here with her nose pressed into a hole made me smile.  She may be slowing down, but the hunting drive of this old bird dog hasn't diminished at all.  

After an exhausting day at work, I decided it would be nice to enjoy one of the Lansing Parks and Recreation departments Concerts in the Park.

This week the concert was at the newly renovated Fish Ladder Park in Old Town.  It was extra nice because we were able to enjoy the music as we walked along the River Trail.  So we got in a nice walk and enjoyed some fun music along the way.

We stopped a few times just to enjoy the show too.  I was proud of how well everyone did with the music and crowd.  It was a good night.

Thursday we headed to campus for our evening walk.  Peaches was happy to find a nice spot of grass for a good roll around.  She's so goofy!

We spent our evening around South Campus which is an area we don't visit often.  It was so peaceful with no students and we had a really great walk.  

Friday arrived and we had some fun plans for the day.  Mina and Bumble decided to start the morning with a wrestling match and then settled in for a nap.  Mid-morning Bumble got a trip to a sniffspot with one of the shelter staff who was going to put together some social media content to highlight what a good boy he is.

While he was gone, I worked while the girls napped.  When he got home, he was ready for some more wrestling with Mina, and Peaches joined in on the fun by barking at them.  Then, out of the blue, I got a call from the shelter telling me a family was there to meet Bumble.   

Since I hadn't taken my lunch yet, I told them I'd head that way.  I think I was in shock as I hung up the phone and stood up to get ready to go.  There were lots of emotions, and some tears, as I walked around trying to gather everything I wanted to send off with him to a new home.  And then I realized we hadn't had a chance for his ice cream party, so I grabbed a Frost Paws out of the freezer and gave it to him to enjoy in the car as I drove him to the shelter. 

We arrived at the shelter to a family of eight, two parents and six girls.  He was a little overwhelmed,  but they took it slow and gave him time to feel more comfortable.   It was decided they'd come back on Saturday without the girls for another meeting. I think I was still in shock when we left the shelter.

On the way home, we stopped at Preuss for a visit to their Doggy Ice Cream Social.  I had planned on taking each of the dogs individually for a little one on one fun and I figured this was the best time to take Bumble.  It was a quick visit and then we were back in the car heading home with his ice cream.

The rest of my afternoon was busy trying to finish up several to dos at work.  I finally stopped working for the day so I could get the girls to the Ice Cream Social too.  Unfortunately, I didn't have enough time to take them individually, but they were so good and enjoyed the outing.

I was so happy that our trips to the ice cream social allowed us the opportunity to give Bumble a proper ice cream party.   It was the best way to end our Friday evening after a very long week.

We went to bed early on Friday so I could get in some extra snuggles knowing there was a good chance it would be his last night with us.  We also enjoyed a slow, quiet Saturday morning snuggling.  It's my way of mentally preparing to say goodbye.

Before I knew it, it was time to head to the shelter for his meeting.  I had a nice chat with this lovely couple and I am so happy that they decided to make him part of their family.  He is going to be very loved.  Just look at him with his new doggy brothers.

It is always bittersweet saying goodbye to a foster, but even more so when it's a dog like Bumble.  I think back to meeting him the first time at the shelter as I was harnessing him for dog walking club, then watching him struggle in the shelter environment, and seeing the plea for a foster.  

I had so much going on and no time for a foster, really.  But thanks to a couple of other volunteers' willingness to help me out when I needed a safe spot for him to go, I was able to make that commitment to foster him.  I know if I hadn't stepped up, he wouldn't have made it out of the shelter.  He would have become just another number on a page.

When I brought him home, he was anxious and unsure if he could trust people.  He didn't know how to play with other dogs.  He lacked confidence.  He needed routine, security, love, and patience.  He just needed someone to give him a chance.  And with the help of my girls, his confidence grew,  he began to trust people, and he learned to be a dog.  And in the time he was here, I discovered what a good foster sibling Mina can be.  

Now he has a new family to continue that work.

After 85 days in my care, I feel confident that he has found a family to love him for the rest of his days.  There isn't really any better feeling than knowing you helped save a life and made a family complete.   That's why a foster.

We'll now be taking a break from fostering for a bit so I can concentrate on Peaches who deserves all the attention and love I can give her in the winter of her life.