Where do I start? We had Magdalene, Atticus and Laveena; just moved to upstate NY. We were good… maybe not. Jenni sent out another post about her two special needs “kids”. Well, we could foster one I mentioned to hubs. He’s like sure and we messaged Jenni to see who these two were. How they personalities are, how are they with other dogs, what’s the limits they have, what’s their capabilities, how handicapped, etc. Lots of questions. Again. Jenni and Britany answered any and all questions. We agreed to foster Forrest for a while to see if we can help him find a forever place. Jenni wanted him to have a home for the holidays and we couldn’t agree more. Rob, again, was on his way with Forrest and other fur kids hoping for their forever families. When he arrived, we quickly realized he’s afraid of men. He wouldn’t even let Rob get him out of the crate, so a warm bath was first in order. Not going to lie or sugar coat it, it was a struggle at first. As a paralyzed from the ribs back dog, he had no idea. We had no order to the chaos, just throwing diapers and catching poop. It was a mess, we were a mess, he was a mess, life was gross. But we pushed on. Then there was a shift. Diapers became easier, he showed interest in pottying outside and would willing run around the yard in his wheelchair. He started playing with Atticus and snuggling Laveena. He had (still does) a weird fetish of chewing blankets. As his second birthday was approaching, we discussed adopting him. We knew the work, the quirks, we knew the sleepless nights and how much he now trusts us. We had fallen in love with him all the while trying to find him forever- when forever was right in front of him and us. I fell in love with his zest, his spirit, his no fluffs given attitude. He didn’t (and doesn’t) let his inability stop him. I call it a different ability. Since April, being at the RV has been amazing for his confidence and strength. He has grown leaps and bounds with walking up to people versus running away. I credit that to “Uncle” Jim, the maintenance man plus jack of all trades and Miss Tammy. We are grateful to both of them, and we wouldn’t be progressing forward as quickly if it weren’t for them. His legs are getting stronger; he can walk upwards of a mile now! He can be a mouthy, sassy, stubborn typical husky. He is learning each day how to “dog”. He loves to snuggle; he loves his “Sibbies”. He is lovingly called “Trash Panda” because his appetite is much larger than his body (and his eating habits are not the neatest). Friendy Forrest was his nickname when we were “just fostering” but now has become a permanent nickname. Forrest has changed the way we adventure in the best possible way. He is our inspiration for our trail system so everyone can adventure in their own way. We also call our hikes “Friendy Approved”. Whether it is by backpack, stroller or wheelchair, we all go together because we are family – no one gets left behind.
Because of him, we see each day differently now. There are infinite opportunities to be a light that brightens someone’s day, infinite reasons to be kind, caring and empathetic. All because of our sweet Forrest, our lives have been changed for the better.
Our Fabled Nest 