Tula Comes to Kamp Kimmy

Sometimes, I just can't help myself. I'm a glutton for punishment and a magnet for trouble! Ok, I might be exaggerating just a bit. However, it's true that I can't help myself. Tula is now a foster resident at my house. She had been residing, due to space restrictions at my house, at the American Pet Spa in Argyle, TX. Lisa also has been boarded there a few times last year. Ms. Tula had been there since September, but it was time to try her out in a home environment now that she's nearly recovered.

After some discussions with my husband and rearrangement of some furniture, I can squeeze one more crate into my kitchen/family room area. When we bought this house, we were thinking kids, not dogs. Well, we've got dogs and not kids! Time to move, I say! ;-) I digress. In an effort to reduce some financial strain on the rescue resources, we decided it was best for everyone if Tula came home and fostered with us. She's been here at Kamp Kimmy a week and it's been an interesting one, at that!

Prior to her change in addresses, I believed we had a forever family for Ms. Tula. Alas, the family declined; I applaud them and their reasons for declining. After meeting Tula, they realized, "OMG, this is really going to happen," and needed to take a moment and think about it. Instead of just rushing right in emotionally blinded, they did the objective thing and evaluated their life and lifestyle. What they found was that at this time in their life with both husband and wife starting new careers, they couldn't give Tula all the attention she needed. They didn't think it would be fair to her, so instead of taking her, trying to make it work, only to fail miserably and then have to call the rescue group to take the dog back, they opted for the only honorable solution: to gracefully decline. Was it hard for them? You betcha! It's not easy to walk away from a Beardie, especially one as sweet and adorable as Tula! Did they make the right decision? Absolutely, they made the right decision for their family and that is what being a responsible pet owner is about.

Honestly, we could use more families like that. People who were truly honest with themselves and their lifestyles, then perhaps we wouldn't have so many dogs in shelters. Do I think this family is still a good prospective home? Absolutely, and now, even more so, when they're ready. Sure, we can find 101 reasons why the time isn't right to adopt a dog or a cat, but if we were truly honest with ourselves and how we live, at the heart, we know if we're really ready or not.

Kamp Kimmy is a bit different from the boarding kennel. Kamp Kimmy has rules and a schedule and Tula has made the adjustment to living in our home quite well. She's told my Beardie boys, Tedi and Tyler, in not so many words, that she doesn't appreciate their staring and leering looks! Can't say I blame her - it's rude behavior in either human or canine social circles. Lisa ignores her and Tula ignores Lisa, which is perfect for 2 girls. Tula enjoys being petted! She enjoys it so much that if you stop, she'll just rub all over you like a cat! Too funny!