Meeting the new forever family is tough. I have to explain everything from eating schedules and allergies to signals and commands. They are assessing my foster dog while I'm assessing them. Sometimes I'm wary, but most of the time I know it's a perfect fit.

As expected, saying goodbye is the hardest part about fostering. By now, I've become attached to this dog and although I've always known that I'm only the temporary owner, I can't help but claim the dog as my own. This process is made worse when the new owners say something like, "are you going to miss her?" which happens nine times out of ten. After all the raising and training, I have to hand the leash over and say goodbye one last time.

Seeing my dog drive away with another family carries a complex emotion. I am overjoyed as this has been the goal since I first rescued the dog from the shelter but a large part of me is lost. I keep thinking it will get easier, but it never does.

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