Our Fosters
Rufus Story
Rufus, a Blenheim 8 month old puppy, surrendered by his family was my very first foster with Cavalier Rescue USA. A PUPPY! It was a cold January day, and I had stopped to pick up a sweater for Rufus figuring he was going to be cold and came into rescue without any belongings, except some Iams food.
Rufus came into Rescue because his very busy family was just "not" ready for a puppy and luckily his Mom realized that and made the right decision for him. I know it was hard for the children of the family to give him up, but I'm happy that they did come to terms with what would be best for Rufus.
I remember picking him up from my coordinator and seeing this little boy in his crate just looking at me and wondering what was going on and where were his people! That little worried look, poor baby.
Luckily, Rufus was good in the car. I think he liked the classical music! We met Noah and Jonah in the yard and they were great with each other. Rufus was a small little boy and so we kept him on a leash even though we are fenced I worried that he might sneak through one of the gates and wander into the woods! Unfortunately, he came at a very cold, snowy and icey time, which made it really hard to work on potty training, but he was a quick learner, especially when treats were involved. He would get distracted by almost everything and we would end up outside too long at times to get him focused on his "business." I felt so bad for him because he was so young and it was SO cold.
In February, Rufus had to have his "baby" tooth extracted since it wouldn't come out on its own and we also went to visit Red Bank Animal Hospital to get an evaluation for some involuntary head movements he was exhibiting. Hopefully, they will never manifest into anything neurologically serious. He was purchased by his original owners from a Lancaster "breeder," so my prayers will always be with him for a full and happy pain free life.
He sure gave Noah and Jonah a run for their money when toys were involved! He thought nothing of taking them right out of the boys mouths, even when they would growl at him, he did not care. He loved playing with them and at times I think they just wanted him to be in a time out! But, they were always good with him and after play time he would snuggle right next to the boys or us. Rufus was not one to be left out of being in the big bed, and because he was doing so well with potty training, there was no reason to keep him separated. He loved being with all of us. Rufus had the cutest head tilt when I would talk to him, just like Noah. I loved that!
After his dental and visit to Dr. Glass, we started the search for his "forever" family. This was all new to me since he was my very first foster and I was somewhat uncomfortable with the interviewing process, worried that I might make the wrong decision. My coordinator was great with walking me through it all, and gave me the support I needed to find Rufus the best-ever family, that would love him and take care of him for the rest of his life.
There were quite a few applications for Rufus as there always are for puppies. But, not everyone is ready to take on the challenges of puppyhood and dogs end up being surrendered just because their people made a mistake! Rufus had already been through that at 8 months, so I needed to be very diligent and focused on what would be best for him.
We found his forever family who lived about 90 minutes away, which I loved because I knew I would have the possibility of being able to see him again, so Rufus and I went to meet his new mom, children and their Cavalier. Rufus was a big hit with his new people, but his furry brother was not impressed. He was not at all sure why this little dog was invading his space. I'm sure he thought, things were just fine
the way they were! On March 15, 2015, his new family came to our home with his new Cavalier brother to adopt Rufus. We had decided to video the big day, starting with their arrival. A memento, I'm sure they will treasure for years to come. This was a big day for me too! It was my very first foster adoption, and Rufus will always have that special place in my heart. After having lunch and signing the papers to make it official, I sent Rufus off with his new family"¦.and spent the rest of the day "balling!" It really is one of the hardest aspects of fostering. I love them all and they are my dogs in my heart. I know Rufus is very loved and well cared for which made it bearable to let him go. Rufus and his brother even snuggle together now! And, I have even had the joy of seeing him and visiting with his family, since his adoption. Thank you sweet boy for coming into my life and setting me on the "Path" of rescue. I made a promise to foster and rescue, as a way to honor the life of my Pearl, who we lost in 2012. It was such a pleasure to be able to love you, Rufus, and help you find your very special forever family.
Rufus came into Rescue because his very busy family was just "not" ready for a puppy and luckily his Mom realized that and made the right decision for him. I know it was hard for the children of the family to give him up, but I'm happy that they did come to terms with what would be best for Rufus.
I remember picking him up from my coordinator and seeing this little boy in his crate just looking at me and wondering what was going on and where were his people! That little worried look, poor baby.
Luckily, Rufus was good in the car. I think he liked the classical music! We met Noah and Jonah in the yard and they were great with each other. Rufus was a small little boy and so we kept him on a leash even though we are fenced I worried that he might sneak through one of the gates and wander into the woods! Unfortunately, he came at a very cold, snowy and icey time, which made it really hard to work on potty training, but he was a quick learner, especially when treats were involved. He would get distracted by almost everything and we would end up outside too long at times to get him focused on his "business." I felt so bad for him because he was so young and it was SO cold.
In February, Rufus had to have his "baby" tooth extracted since it wouldn't come out on its own and we also went to visit Red Bank Animal Hospital to get an evaluation for some involuntary head movements he was exhibiting. Hopefully, they will never manifest into anything neurologically serious. He was purchased by his original owners from a Lancaster "breeder," so my prayers will always be with him for a full and happy pain free life.
He sure gave Noah and Jonah a run for their money when toys were involved! He thought nothing of taking them right out of the boys mouths, even when they would growl at him, he did not care. He loved playing with them and at times I think they just wanted him to be in a time out! But, they were always good with him and after play time he would snuggle right next to the boys or us. Rufus was not one to be left out of being in the big bed, and because he was doing so well with potty training, there was no reason to keep him separated. He loved being with all of us. Rufus had the cutest head tilt when I would talk to him, just like Noah. I loved that!
After his dental and visit to Dr. Glass, we started the search for his "forever" family. This was all new to me since he was my very first foster and I was somewhat uncomfortable with the interviewing process, worried that I might make the wrong decision. My coordinator was great with walking me through it all, and gave me the support I needed to find Rufus the best-ever family, that would love him and take care of him for the rest of his life.
There were quite a few applications for Rufus as there always are for puppies. But, not everyone is ready to take on the challenges of puppyhood and dogs end up being surrendered just because their people made a mistake! Rufus had already been through that at 8 months, so I needed to be very diligent and focused on what would be best for him.
We found his forever family who lived about 90 minutes away, which I loved because I knew I would have the possibility of being able to see him again, so Rufus and I went to meet his new mom, children and their Cavalier. Rufus was a big hit with his new people, but his furry brother was not impressed. He was not at all sure why this little dog was invading his space. I'm sure he thought, things were just fine
the way they were! On March 15, 2015, his new family came to our home with his new Cavalier brother to adopt Rufus. We had decided to video the big day, starting with their arrival. A memento, I'm sure they will treasure for years to come. This was a big day for me too! It was my very first foster adoption, and Rufus will always have that special place in my heart. After having lunch and signing the papers to make it official, I sent Rufus off with his new family"¦.and spent the rest of the day "balling!" It really is one of the hardest aspects of fostering. I love them all and they are my dogs in my heart. I know Rufus is very loved and well cared for which made it bearable to let him go. Rufus and his brother even snuggle together now! And, I have even had the joy of seeing him and visiting with his family, since his adoption. Thank you sweet boy for coming into my life and setting me on the "Path" of rescue. I made a promise to foster and rescue, as a way to honor the life of my Pearl, who we lost in 2012. It was such a pleasure to be able to love you, Rufus, and help you find your very special forever family.