A Heartwarming Letter From a Failed Foster

We absolutely love getting photos, letters, and updates of the animals that we adopt out. In the sometimes chaotic and stressful everyday life of the shelter, receiving these updates keeps us grounded and reminds us why we do what we do. When you break everything down, we are here to help facilitate the connection between animals and their people, and hearing stories like these not only make our day but also keep us going.

Kyle decided to foster one of our dogs Zoey back in 2013. It didn’t take long for him to fall in love, and within a month he had turned into what we like to call a “foster fail”. Kyle recently reached out to us with an update, and it made us all tear up a little. Read his heartwarming email below.

To the Staff of CARE,

“My name is Kyle, I am writing to the staff of CARE to share the happy story of Zoey, a Boxer/Mastiff mix(we think) who once called your shelter home.

Back in 2012 I moved out to Colorado from Michigan, I was away from all friends and family. I decided I wanted to foster dogs from your facility. Fostering didn’t last long for me. the first dog you brought me was Zoey. She was an 8 year old boxer mastiff mix. her story was somewhat uncertain. I was told that she was brought to your shelter when the family she lived with had separated. she had been adopted 2 times since then. She was brought back both times. The families wanted a more active dog or Zoey didn’t get along with their current pets. after spending a few months with Zoey I was attached and decided to adopt her.

If anyone at the facility remembers Zoey they would understand how easy it was for me to get attached to her. she is extremely loyal and loving. she doesn’t have a mean bone in her body. she simply wanted a home with people who would love her and care for her.

I moved back to Michigan several months later. Zoey made the journey and has been with me the whole time. She was welcomed by my family in Michigan with open arms. As time has gone by she has slowed down. she is now 13 years old and will be 14 this coming October. She still moves around well just at a slower pace. She takes more naps and she has more gray and white color to her face. She still greets every family member with a pep in her step and a smile on her face.

Zoey has slowed down with her age and I am aware of how rare it can be for a large dog to be turning the corner on 14 years old. I’m constantly reminded that adopting her was the best thing I could have done. Not just for her but selfishly for myself too. I cant help but wonder what her life and my life would have been like had I not adopted her. She has brought so much happiness to my families life.

I wanted to write to your staff because I am sure that your jobs can be very difficult with the ups and downs. I’m sure it can feel like more sad stories than good ones at times. I felt obligated to share her story because it is a happy one. In the middle of Zoeys life things were uncertain. She had no home or family. That has changed. If she could she would thank you all for saving her life. I also would like to thank you for what you do.

Thank you
Kyle”

Thank you Kyle, for giving Zoey a second chance and such a loving home!