As usual I was browsing the animals that needed fostering, wishing I could save them all.  In one of the cages was a little Tibetan Spaniel.  He looked scared and lonely.  I went to bed that night and couldn't sleep knowing that he would be euthanized that Saturday.  The next morning I let FHS know that I would foster him.

Kristin picked him up for me, and it was love at first sight! He had such a precious face. He was very shy and had seemed to have lost hope.  Within hours he was cuddling up to me and getting his share of TLC.

My neighbors had recently lost their little Yorkie, and were heartbroken so after a few days I took Darby over and knocked on their door.  I knew they would be a perfect home for him - and I was right, they just loved him.  (Click on Read More for the rest of Darby's story)

We always keep our dogs who are rescued from the shelters at least two weeks before they go to their new homes and the day before Darby was to go to his new forever he started acting a little funny.  I took him to the Vet and Dr. Marcum  told me he was very sick with a virus.  My heart was broken.  I took him home and nursed him for two weeks.  One day he seemed fine, and a couple of days later, I would have to hand feed him. Every time I would go to him, his little tail would wag with all of the strength he had. We would be together like old friends just enjoying the love we had for each other.

On a beautiful day, recently, I had left him at the vet's office to have fluids and glucose to help make him stronger when Dr. Thomas called to tell me he had taken a turn for the worse and the time had come to put him to sleep. He was now beginning to suffer.  I told her I was on my way.  I needed to be there to tell him how much he was loved. I held him in my arms, and he looked me in the eyes as he crossed over.  I sobbed for the life he wouldn't have; for the love he deserved and for the waste of a precious boy.  His death could have been avoided with a single vaccination.  I just don't understand why people are so haphazard about it.  Darby will live in my heart forever.  He was a very special little angel and in his few weeks with me, he had more love than he'll ever know.  My neighbors; Marlene and Jim were there with us the whole way.  They were devastated at the loss.

People ask me how I can still foster.  My answer is simple.  Until people spay and neuter, vaccinate and take care of their pets, there will always be the need  for rescuers.  Unfortunately there are hundreds of other dogs that need help.  I for one will always be there for them.

I would love to thank Frisco Humane Society for going above and beyond for Darby's care.  I would like to thank Dr. Marcum and Dr. Thomas for their kind loving care.

Please think about making a donation for Darby and other dogs and cats like him.  They really need us!

-Mary Ann Davis