Day five - Rocky made it through the night

We have named the male "Rocky" in honor of Dr. Amsel's pooch he lost a few weeks ago to cancer...

Rocky was up and moving around this morning as Piper jumped out of her box as soon as she heard me approaching... Rocky's belly is plump like you'd expect a pup's to be, but I don't want to jinx anything, so I will leave it at that...

For the first time, this evening I took Piper out into the backyard... She wasn't that interested in exploring the area at all, and followed me around the backyard and patio... But she seemed a bit apprehensive as a matter of fact... Could be she was worrying about her pup, could be all the strange and new smells bombarding her - who knows?

I decided to make the backyard visit short and sweet...

How can you resist that gorgeous face and look?  She reminds me of an old soul, a bit weary of what life has dealt her but also not willing to give up without a hard fight either!

Little by little, we have been able to get that coat of hers somewhat cleaned up...

Underneath all of that dirt and grime, she has a soft and beautiful white coat...

The incision in her belly looks great and her bottom appears almost normal again...

Geezie, peezie - if I live to be a hundred, I will never ever forget that visual memory I have of her when I first saw her... I am totally amazed she was even alive when we got to the facility - the determination and maternal drive to survive is a powerful, powerful force to be reckoned with!

Again I am yet amazed at her gentleness and sweetness... Most females would have been snarfy along some part of this journey... That would be a natural behavior (and somewhat justified as well)... 

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But despite it all, Piper has surprised me and when you are older than dirt (as I am), it is great to realize that you can still be surprised --- that life will always give you something to learn and be grateful for... 

Oh, what an awesome and humbling experience this has been for me... Almost each and every foster teaches me something - or inspires me to continue to work in rescue...

Even in the worst circumstances, rescue dogs have an attitude for gratitude - they know just how bad things can be, and so appreciate any pat or loving up they receive from a foster mom...

Fostering has been one of the top five rewarding things to do in my life - right up there with being married to my husband and the birth of my daughter... If anyone has been considering this, I can assure you that for whatever you give as a foster mom (or dad), the rewards paid back to you in a dog's kiss or endearing eyes will exceed any efforts you yourself have rendered to the cause... 

Yes, it was not Piper's time to die and she proved it to us all!... What an amazing soul this little one has and she will make someone an awesome family member, companion and friend!