Thursday, February 3, 2011

Ziggy Prepares for Boot Camp

I can't even put into words how much you all mean to me. So many kind words, and thoughts and prayers and such compassion. And donations as well, to help pay for Ziggy's rehab - I am amazed at your generosity and thoughtfulness. This has been incredibly difficult for me, and there have been times I consider not fostering anymore, or not blogging anymore. The last thing I want is to make people afraid of fostering, or to make people afraid of pit bulls. But seeing that my blog helped someone want to rescue deaf dogs and pit bulls - what greater compliment is there? I have always made this blog about my experiences, both good and bad, of fostering. It's not a blog to get my foster pets adopted, because otherwise I couldn't post pictures like this:
Anyone want to adopt a dog who gets his head stuck in a ball?  Anyone?


And it's not a blog to recruit foster homes, because otherwise I couldn't share pictures like this:
Nope, no dogs in this house.  I just randomly throw stuffing around...for decoration. 
 I hope that my love of fostering shows through, even when I talk about the hard parts of rescue. And I thank you guys for sticking by me even when I have to share really sad news. I still have hopes of a happy ending for Ziggy, and this blog will no doubt continue to reflect those hopes in continued Ziggy stories. We're still waiting on a date for him to be admitted to the rehab facility, but it may not be for a month or two. So in the meantime, I'll continue to prepare Ziggy for boot camp, and hope for the best. Thank you, so much, for your understanding, and please know that as I joke about Ziggy going to boot camp, I do so because Ziggy taught me to find humor and joy in every part of life, wherever possible.  What better lesson could he teach?
 

Okay, what's this Boot Camp thing?


You want me to WHAT?!

Okay, if there is food involved, I'm in!

19 comments:

BerniceK said...

You are so hilarious Laurie! Your post made me cry so thus there was no comment BUT this post made me laugh out loud.....

Kea said...

I usually read your posts, seldom comment...but you know, without you, Ziggy likely would have been pts a long time ago. You've gone far and above what the "average" person would have done for this silly and endearing dog, far and above what most foster moms would, I suspect, and I really, really hope the boot camp works for him.

(((Hugs))) to you and paws crossed for Ziggy!

Anonymous said...

Um, okay...I just want to point out that it might not be the best idea in the whole wide world to let Ziggy have a gun. I'm just sayin'.

Wiggles & Wags,
Mayzie

brooke said...

This post had me LOLing! That first picture! So funny! Do you think I could find a big enough ball that'd fit Darwin's head?!
And that second picture of Ziggy! Great face!
I think what makes your blog great is you do share the bad/hard/messy times of fostering and do it with great humor!

Anonymous said...

Love the pictures. Mom

Frankie Furter and Ernie said...

No one who read your post RE: Trying to find a new home ... would ever doubt your devotion to fostering and to Ziggy in particular.
You did your best for him. It is all up to Ziggy now.

Unknown said...

These pictures made me laugh and made me hope a little more that Ziggy will put in some more effort to find the bets within himeself. Since not all dogs even for treats will pose in such hilarious ways. I shared yesterday's post with my sister who is 11 and blatently said Erika, you love Ziggy, you love to train dogs, if you moved back out then you wouldn't have kids, AND you only have a cat. You could have Ziggy. I only wish. I hope that somebody else sees what we all see. A happy go lucky goofy dog that needs some work. I will be donating to his fund as soon as I get paid.

Lori @ According to Gus said...

Thank you so much for visiting our blog. I enjoyed so much reading your post on Ziggy and more about you on your About page. You are doing such a wonderful thing fostering dogs in need. The fact that you specialize in special needs dogs is definitely a testament of your character.

I applaud what you are doing and hope Ziggy finds a forever home soon.

I look forward to following your adventures!

P.S. Those photos were hilarious. I especially loved the one with the stuffing (?) all over the floor!

Cyndi and Stumpy said...

I am so glad that there were no naysayers to give you a bad time! You are and have been doing wonderful things for Ziggy!

Nothing but good can come from good. It's the natural law.

Of Pit Bulls and Patience said...

It's hard to draw a line to determine when enough is enough. I certainly hope Ziggy is able to make a positive turn around at boot camp, but I think you've gone above and beyond what is expected in a foster situation, so bravo! Just remember, Ziggy has led an amazing life with you. I think it is better for him to have a short, happy life than living a long life in a kennel. That was the mindset that helped us make tough decisions at the shelter and with our fosters. Parker and Skye will be cheering for Ziggy (mostly Skye, since she went through a mini boot camp when she came home with me).

Kari in Alaska said...

My favorite part about your blog is that it is real and doesn't sugarcoat whats going on

Kari
http://dogisgodinreverse.com/

JacksDad said...

Why does Full Metal Jacket come to mind? :)

24 Paws of Love said...

Hi. Just catching up on Ziggy. Sorry to hear you've been struggling with him. I know that struggle with one of my dogs. If you can get him into rehab, that I think would be a gift for both of you. He's survived this long with your help and love, this may just what he needs.

Wish you both the best. You have far from failed him. Somebody else failed him long before you. It isn't easy having to pick up the pieces after someone else.

Cupcake said...

He's gonna be a great little soldier!
I think it is wonderful that your sending him to boot camp.

Corbin said...

I agree with with Frankie said! And those pictures cracked me up :-)
-Corbin

Sue said...

We're all rooting for Ziggy. We hope that he can turn things around and become an adoptable boy.
Morgan, Tsar and the Porties

Kristine said...

I am so sorry I missed your earlier post. I just wanted to add my support into the mix. It's not an easy thing you have been doing. And I think Ziggy is so so so lucky to have found people like you. Many others would have given up on him a long time ago. But you have persevered. You haven't failed him at all, because you are doing what is best. Which is all anyone can do.


If anything, you have only strengthened my desire to foster in the future, by being so honest. If all you wrote about were sunshine and rainbows I wouldn't keep coming back.

Lots of luck to you and Ziggy. I really really hope this helps him find his way.

Two Pitties in the City said...

We always look forward to reading your posts and letting us in on the true world of fostering. It was only through seeing what you did that we got our first foster this summer. We are still in awe of your time and devotion and the many animals that were saved under your care. And the fact that you would rather move then give up fostering really shows so much about your character. Miss M and Mr B gave up a couple of treat stuffed kongs for the next week to support Ziggy's bootcamp. Keep doing what you do!

Bobby said...

WE KNOW HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT THE GIVEING UP FEELING THAT COMES.
BUT IT IS SO GREAT AND REWARDING WHEN IT WORKS OUT AND THEY GET A GOOD HOME.