November 16, 2010

White Dog put out a paw and stopped me as I started to push away the blanket wrapped around us both as we sat together reading in the chair. Those who foster or adopt rescues know that it takes months, sometimes longer, before their new family member truly starts to show his or her real personality. It must be a tremendous shift in thinking for those lucky enough to find forever homes to let down their guard and dare to be themselves. It takes time, and trust, and reassurance. But there is a moment, I think, very early on when adopter and adoptee both clearly get a sign that the right thing has happened.

As I followed White Dog's gaze to my feet, I experienced that magic. Nuka was curled up on the bottom of our blanket, laying on top of my feet, fast asleep. Trusting fully. Letting me see that her nervousness will fade. Revealing the beautiful swan our ugly duckling is. We sat very still, White Dog and I, careful not to disturb Another White Dog, a new one, who was perhaps dreaming of this new life and family.