I think ... there has been a change of plans. Petunia's foster dads have fallen in love with her. I believe she will be staying with them and an adoption will take place.
Although I will not get to meet Petunia and enjoy her as a member of my group, I am delighted that this pretty girl, who has been through such hard times, has several loving homes that have asked for her. It would not make any sense to take her from a place where she is already bonded to the other dogs and the foster dads and send her across the country, so I have politely declined to be the wicked person who tears Petunia from the bosom of her family. LOL! I am happy for her and for her foster dads, and I congratulate them on failing Fostering 101 with this dog.
I had a sad shock this past week when my Irwin, a senior Sheltie I adopted from Central Illinois Sheltie Rescue last September, passed away. He collapsed and died within a few hours, on July 19. My petsitter called me and I did make it home in time to be with him at the end, and he had a very peaceful passing. We think his heart gave out -- he had a Grade 3 heart murmur which could have been an indicator of a serious condition. And he, like Petunia, had had a pretty rotten time of it before the rescue got him. So I am happy for Irwin that he had a peaceful departure and was with his family at the end, and that he enjoyed almost a year of love and happiness in my household. I miss him a lot. He was a little bossy-boots and one of those Shelties who always wants to know where you are so he can be right by you!
The rescue put a lovely tribute to Irwin on their memorial page:
http://www.illinoissheltierescue.com/memorial.html
I am sure that another senior Sheltie will find his/her way to my house in due time. Meanwhile, my 3 Shelties, my rescue Lapphund, and my rescue BC join me in wishing a long, healthy life filled with love to Petunia, and in wishing peace and eternal love to Irwin.
Boy, you just never know what's coming, do you!
