Before I knew what happened, my fingers dialed Judy McCarthy's number and I heard my voice leave a message saying I could pick up the puppy after work (I'd just checked my phone and seen a post requesting a foster for a shelter puppy).

Then it hit me, the "uh-oh".  I'd forgotten my spouse.  Usually, before bringing a living creature into our home (that both of us will ultimately tend to) we honor the principle of discussing it with one another.  Somehow, principle had flown out the window and I'd unilaterally offered to foster a puppy.

Oh well, I thought, someone else had probably called first, there's little chance they'll actually need ME to foster, right?

Wrong... Judy called back, saying the puppy was mine.  Whoops.  How was I going to explain bringing this puppy home?  I started making up my story formulating a logical explanation.  

I called my husband and it went straight to voicemail.  "Honey...?  Umm... there's an emergency situation with a puppy...".   I can't even remember what I said in the rest of the voicemail, probably just random words.

I picked up Foster Puppy that evening and called home.  Mr. Honey answered.  He loves animals (we have our own totally loved and spoiled pets) but he wasn't keen on the idea of fostering a non-house-trained-probably-cries-through-the-night puppy.

Arriving home, I crossed my fingers and hoped for the best.  When Mr. Honey saw the puppy, the stern look he'd prepared softened and I heard "well, he is kinda cute".  Whew, I may survive this with minimal pain and agony discussion, I thought.

That night, as I prepared a cozy little crate for Foster Puppy, I placed him on our bed, where Mr. Honey was reading.  After arranging the bedding in the crate, I turned around and Foster Puppy had his two front paws on Mr. Honey's chest and was licking his face.  Mr. Honey was trying hard not to smile, but resistance was futile.  The power of puppies.

Judy and Carla, who lead the Rescue/Foster/Adoption team, have a knack for finding great shelter dogs that become wonderful family pets.  They make it so easy -- my responsibility was purely to care for my foster.  Behind the scenes, applications were reviewed and phone calls were made.  Judy emailed me the selected prospective adopter's information, and we arranged a meet-and-greet.  Foster Puppy quickly found his forever home where he'll be loved and cherished (and his antics displayed on Facebook, I'm sure).

You may wonder, will I foster again for Austin Dog Alliance?  I already have.  ;)