The End of Jude’s Journey…with me

by John Flores

Jude was adopted on Friday! And as most of you know, I write every foster a letter once they’ve been adopted. While caring for them gets easier, letting them go hurts every time. It’s such a good feeling at the same time, though. I know it’s hard to explain but these letters have become a form of closure for me and definitely help me realize how important fostering is. Here Jude’s letter….

Hey Jude,

It’s hard to believe it’s already been a month since I picked you up from the pound. I remember the look of relief on your face the day we met. You stunk, you had no hair and I could only imagine how many people walked by your kennel and didn’t give you a second look. But yet, there you were, so happy to see us!

I don’t know your whole story nor does it matter. You were the easiest foster I’ve ever had. People were suggesting I take a break from fostering but I don’t think they knew you WERE my break from fostering. There were no issues to correct with you. If it had a heartbeat, you loved it. I couldn’t find a bad thing to say about you if someone paid me. After Kurtis and Lucy, I didn’t realize how much energy they took out of me. You were just what I needed to recharge my batteries!

I guess I should tell you about your new mom. Her name is Casey. She actually put in an application for you the day I picked you up! I guess she saw the same look in your eyes that I did. She probably would have adopted you sooner had she not broken her leg but I had such a good feeling about her I drove you to her! You are her first bully! However, this girl is more than capable of handling you. Your two Shih Tzu sisters are CGC certified and one is even a therapy dog! I know I say that my fosters usually pick their owners but I picked her for you! And from the smile you had on your face when you met her, I think you approve of my choice! She’s very active so you will be going on hikes quite a bit when her leg gets better.

After we left you at your new home, it was a pretty quiet drive back home. I know Paige really loved you. I think she was secretly hoping I would adopt you but I think the hardest part of letting you go was because you were so much like Elvis. You fit in so well over here and you would have made an excellent addition to the pack. You were so welcoming of everyone and everything. It showed when you met Casey’s cat!

I don’t make very many promises but I promise you this. I promise no human will ever treat you bad ever again. I promise your new mom will NEVER let you get as bad as you got when I picked you up from the pound. I promise you will only know happiness and love from here on out. Every dog deserves an owner like your new mom and you hit the adoption lottery with her!!

Before I go, I just want to thank you for being the easiest foster ever. You’re going to be an excellent ambassador of your breed. We all miss you, especially Wally. We brought you in to take care of you and you ended up spoiling us instead. I know 2 years is a long time to wait for the love you so deserve and even though your journey with me has come to an end, your life is just beginning. I love you, Jude. Enjoy the rest of your days with your new family.

John Flores

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