The dog thing actually started with a cat.  Early in our marriage my husband and I decided that “someday” we would get a dog.  Well, “someday” arrived and we got a cat.  She reigned supreme in our home until a fateful day nearly 10 years ago when I realized that there was a light switch in my brain labeled “dog,” and it had suddenly been turned to the “on” position.  I became obsessed with the idea of adopting a dog.  We wanted a rescue dog, and after searching high and low (there’s a shortage of adoptable dogs in the north, but more about that later,) we brought a little mixed breed mutt into our home and named her Suzie (the cat was initially not amused, but they managed to work out their differences in short order and peace reigned in our little household.)

After volunteering in a number of capacities with the rescue organization that brought Suzie into our lives, we started fostering.  Knowing myself, we initially opted for dogs that I knew I wouldn’t/couldn’t keep – puppies and big dogs.  That worked well until the fateful day when we received a call about a little Jack Russell mix that needed a home.  He moved in, and after a fair amount of agonizing, we decided to keep him – Tippy became dog #2. (Chronologically speaking, of course…)

Fast forward a number of years, adventures, and one major move later and our fostering journey began again in a new part of the country – frequently small dogs with medical issues that needed a safe place to chill and recuperate.  Fateful days seem to be part of the narrative here, as about a year ago a call came in regarding a bonded pair of older sisters whose person had become unable to care for them.  They were in a bit of a sorry state – skinny, matted, etc., so in they came to Casa Stevens, and within a weekend they had bonded so well and easily with our existing animals that we decided to add them to the pack.  At the time I thought/knew it was a crazy thing to do, but the urge was strong and I followed it.  Now almost one year later, I’m glad that I did.  They have provided love and comic relief in a period of time where that particular combination of things was sorely and deeply needed.  Their names are Jeanie and Jasmine, but from day one they were “The Muffins” – short for Ragamuffins, which they certainly were when they arrived. They’ve blossomed into a pair of adorable little sprites and no one can believe that they’re 12 years old.