2 weeks ago, we foster sat one of the lovely Greyhound from Greyhound Angels. One of the volunteers went away for their well deserved break, and I get to play foster mom to Gypsy the Greyhound. :)
What I want to teach the Lil' Tiger is to learn how to interact and carry herself around her "temporary best friends" as I call them. Pixel the Bichon is her best friend for life but dogs like Gypsy and Bella who comes and stays for a while are what I like to call her temporary best friends.
Here are 10 things I hope she learn from the fosters that we foster sit (or maybe a longer stay foster) :-
- The Lil' Tiger needs to learn how to be gentle when she pets the dogs, this includes Pixel.
- She needs to learn how to respect the dogs. Very important that she not kick the dog because she is frustrated and etc.
- That dogs have feelings too. They feel sad, frustrated, happy and angry.
- Learn that not all dogs are created equal. Bella was a boisterous dog and loves to play where as Gypsy was a more gentler dog who just love to lie around and do basically nothing.
- Letting go. These dogs are temporary living with us. I am teaching her that it's ok to see them go to a better place.
- Responsibility. She needs to help mommy make sure that their water bowl is always full, get their meals ready and help mommy throw the ball so the dogs can chase it.
- How to approach an unknown dog. She needs to make sure she ask me or the owner of the dogs that it's ok for her to pet their dog. Not run up to a dog and start petting them.
- Love. I want her to have the same love that I have for animals big or small. I want her to know the love a pet can give her and to confide in them when she needs to.
{Watching the Wiggles with Gypsy}
