“Hoping” to “Stir the Pot”…Just a little :)

What would you do to follow a dream?  If you knew it was something you should do—something you could do—would you do what you needed to do to make it happen?   If it was something you’ve dreamt of doing for a long time—and the opportunity presented itself, would you chase that dream—even it it caused some changes in your life?  Would you stir the pot to live the dream—or would you choose to sit and dream some more of what should be and could be and never allowing the dream to meet reality?

I’ve been making plans to become a foster mom for dogs in need.  I’ve wanted to do this since I was in my early 20’s, but haven’t seriously considered doing so until about 4 weeks ago.  The breeds I am most familiar with is the Miniature and Standard Schnauzers and I have devised a few plans to get things in order, so that I can apply to a rescue organization that helps find homes for these particular breeds.  I’m not sure I’ll be approved to be a foster mom—but I know I would make a great foster-mom and I have a lot to offer in the way of love, patience, kindness, not to mention the space and the time required to do this.

My plans have consisted of getting my house in order; asking my veterinarian for a recommendation; talking to my children about their role in this upcoming venture and making sure this is something they would be comfortable with; and speaking with all of my neighbors about my upcoming plans.  I’ve taken precautions in my fenced area of the yard to make sure there are no further escape routes, and I bought a wireless containment system for our front yard—incase I should take in any pets that might bolt.  My goal is to help these fosters have a great home experience until their forever home can be found and hopefully make a difference in their lives.

One of the things I did was visit a rescue farm about 85 miles south of me—and I tried to get a sense of what it is like.  First of all, this was a farm—which rescued cats, dogs, birds and horses.  For her rescue dogs, she had a huge building and one side, it had all the kennel runs for the females and the other side had all the kennel runs for the male dogs.  I won’t be doing anything on this grand of a scale—but I at least got to see first hand what it was like and I took note of some of the things she was doing that might be beneficial. 

What I really liked is that most of her dogs were sociable to people and other animals.   And I think the experience of visiting the rescue farm solidified for me what my dream is all about.  While I really commend her for taking in all those animals—when no one else wanted them—I realize that each one of those animals only wants one thing—to find a permanent home.  Until then, they need somewhere safe and loving to stay.  I am hoping, really hoping, that I will find the right rescue organization to work with so I can one day soon call myself a “foster-mom” to these incredible creatures that give us so much.

What dreams have you chased lately?
Have you ever given up hope on a dream?

Cheers,

This post was written for The Writers’ Post weekly blog hop with the theme “Stirring the Pot” and for the BFF theme “Hope”  Consider joining both of these groups for blogging fun!!