I started volunteering at House with a Heart in 2016, shortly after unexpectedly losing my beloved Maltese, Chloe. Being around so many senior and special-needs dogs was heaven on earth. Each resident was clearly grateful to be safe and loved!
It was during this time that I met my forever foster, Monroe. I knew he was my heart dog, and I felt honored to be his human. He would follow me throughout the sanctuary everywhere I went. As I groomed other dogs, I’d feel a tiny little lick, or tap of his wet nose – his way of letting me know he was RIGHT there. He continues to stay by my side wherever I go.
Because of our special bond, Monroe went on trips with me to McDs, and had sleepovers at my house. He fit right in. I was completely over the moon when I was asked to be his forever foster. Without hesitation, he was welcomed into the pack. He joined his foster sister, Penelope, in making me the luckiest dog Mom on earth.
Monroe has quite the personality, and without words, knows exactly how to tell what he wants and doesn’t want. He is a discerning eater, does NOT like to get his paws wet, and LOVES basking in the sun on the deck, or burrowing deep under blankets. In the morning, he can always be found at the top of the bed, head at the pillow sticking out from under the covers… just like a little human. He loves to sleep in and have a late-morning breakfast, and expects a nightly treat before retiring for the evening. He is the ‘play police’ with his sister, Penelope, and the boss when it comes to letting me know where he would like his meal served. I suppose he is a bit spoiled, but I’m ok with that.
I hope I have Monroe in my life for a very long time. He will always be my heart dog and best friend. I am forever grateful that I was entrusted with this magical soul for all of the days of his life. I still bring him by HWAH so he can bask in the love of his Nana Sher, his girlfriend Piper, and all of his four-legged and two-legged friends. Everyone who meets Monroe loves Monroe.
I’ll never know or understand the horrific past he experienced as a puppy, before he was saved by the love and kindness of everyone at HWAH. I just know that it miraculously healed him, and allowed him not only to reach his true potential, but to understand that he is worthy of love and kindness.
Every time I volunteer at HWAH, it is hard not to walk away feeling good. The many seniors and special-needs pups always know how to put a smile on your face! And while some really touch your heart, and the losses are very hard, it feels good knowing you are helping make the final chapter of their lives possibly the best one yet.