Dear Kids,
We took Scamp to a vet clinic in Old Town today; he needed his last two shots. It was a bittersweet trip. Since we’re heading to Fairbanks Friday, we figured now was the time to hand him off to the next foster family. And that’s what we did…but not without some drama.
SBK was very upset and kept saying we were going to pick him up when we got back from Alaska. SBE started crying about how much he missed Scamp already. SBR, though adamant she had lost interest in a dog (but still liked the “idea” of having one), also was a bit subdued after we left the clinic sans dog. I have to admit I was a bit upset too. Even with the biting and barking and shilshul at 2, 3, and 4 in the morning, he was a sweet dog. I can’t believe I’m actually saying that, but it’s true: he grew on me a bit.
Nevertheless, I have no concerns about our decision, and I’m sure he’s already happier at his new foster home than he was at our house with the yelling and tantrums and constantly being sent to his cage (per SBE, “it’s pronounced prison”).
In an effort to cheer everyone up, we went out for lunch. We were just down the street from SBK’s favorite restaurant, Hard Times Cafe, so we headed there. We sat outside as is the new norm in this post-pandemic world (although indoor seating is also now available). SBK and SBE had their usual mac and cheese with fries, but SBR tried something different: veggie cheese burger. Ima and I had chili (veggie for Ima). It was a relatively nice afternoon. From there, we walked down to a yard sale that was raising money for a women’s shelter in Old Town. SBR bought a Washington Redskins shirt to sleep in (even though they are now the “Washington Football Team,” “Redskins” was still on the shirt). From there, we went to a local park, and I ran 3 miles in the blistering sun.
This isn’t the most exciting or happiest post, but it’s important to give closure to the chapter in our life when we actually had a pet. It was an interesting experience, and I feel stronger for having gone through it. Still, I am not a dog person, and I don’t expect to get another one again. You kids want to foster a cat now, but Ima won’t allow it. SBE did get his fish a few weeks ago (a red Betta he named Lava). So I guess we still do have a pet.
Like I said, I feel better and stronger for having tried, and as much as I still don’t like dogs, I was very proud of myself that I was able to let him put my hand or arm in his mouth. I was able to take him for a walk (even at said 2, 3, and 4 in the morning), and I was able—miraculously—to pick up his poop (I still can’t believe I was one of those people who just walked down the street with a bag of poop swinging from my hands like it’s completely normal to carry poop in a bag).
If you need a “” moment, I’d say remember you need to try new things and try old things again …we all learned about ourselves from this experience, and we’re all better for having taken the risk of fostering Scamp. Ima realized she really misses dogs…as long as they live outside. SBR realized she doesn’t really like having her own dog as much as just playing with dogs. SBK doubled-down on her desire to be a veterinarian and work with animals. And SBE learned he really likes having Lava as a pet because fish don’t bite. And I learned dogs aren’t so bad, but they’re still not for me.
Love,
Aba
