This story began in the Summer of 2022. A local animal rescue asked if I would foster a special needs (hearing-impaired) dog named Ginger. Since I have a soft spot for special needs dogs with my two blind dogs, I agreed quickly. I had learned to train with touch commands, and I felt like Ginger would love to learn that as well.
Ginger was a happy girl who loved to do zoomies in my mom's backyard. Ginger loved daycare at The Playground, walking or jogging next to a bike, and lounging on the couch.
In early September, I learned that a friend was ready to adopt a dog for her sons. I invited her to stop and meet Ginger one weekend. They fell in love immediately and filled out the adoption paperwork shortly after.
As a foster mom, the painful part is saying goodbye. It's knowing my part in that animal's story is complete, and I've given him/her the best chance at a new life. The ideal situation is to know the adopters and be able to stay in touch. It rarely happens, but it's the best possible outcome. And I felt immensely blessed to know that Ginger would be well-loved in my same town. But it doesn't mean there weren't tears when I tried to tell her that she was going somewhere new that day. She was going to her forever HOME!
Summer 2026: I've recently started a pet photography business, and Ginger's mom agrees to a photo shoot at the park! I get to see how loved Ginger is by her family, and I see the bond she has with them.
We still had the challenge of trying to capture the attention of a hearing-impaired dog...no duck calls, treat bag sounds, noise makers....we just had to be more exciting than the squirrels and ducks! Easier said than done!!
But I was delighted to capture her sweet smile and special moments with her family.
Truly, it was a full circle moment!
