California Family Takes In A Temporary Foster Dog, But Three Surgeries Reveal Just How Much She Was Meant To Stay
When Tracy in California agreed to foster a rescue dog for just a few days, she had no idea it would lead to three surgeries and a bond that would change her family forever.
A Temporary Favor
When Tracy in California first heard about Buffy, the dog’s past was mostly a mystery.
A friend had sent over a flyer about a rescue dog in need of a temporary place to crash.
Buffy was being housed at a local veterinarian’s office because the rescue organization was dealing with a sick puppy and needed the space.
Tracy agreed to open her home, thinking it would be a quick arrangement.
“We were just going to keep her for a few days, but she was ours instantly,” Tracy shared. “We fell in love.”
The $10,000 Dog
It didn’t take long for Tracy to notice that Buffy had some physical struggles.
The sweet dog always limped and favored one of her legs.
Seeking to give Buffy the best life possible, the family embarked on a long medical journey.
She ended up needing three different leg surgeries on her hind legs, including one procedure that had to be redone after it came apart.
Worth Every Penny
The veterinary bills quickly piled up as Buffy recovered from her multiple operations.
The family jokingly started calling her their “$10,000 dog.”
Despite the unexpected financial and emotional toll, Tracy has zero regrets about taking her in.
“Worth every penny,” she said. “Wouldn’t trade her for the world.”
Meeting Her Big Sister
Buffy wasn’t the only rescue dog in the house.
She shared her new home with Lulu, an older dog who had been rescued from the neighborhood years prior.
Lulu had a difficult start to life, having been kept in a crate all day before Tracy adopted her at 10 months old.
Now almost 13 years old, Lulu had to adjust to having a younger, long-legged sibling.
The Daycare Incident
Though they sometimes get on each other’s nerves, the two dogs adore one another.
In fact, Buffy takes her role as Lulu’s protector very seriously.
Lulu is highly active and playful, which once led to a rather dramatic situation at doggy daycare.
If Buffy thought the other dogs were playing too rough with Lulu, she would step in and deliver a “little smackdown” to protect her sister.
An Awkward Teenager
Buffy’s protective nature ultimately got both dogs kicked out of daycare, with the staff politely asking them not to return.
At home, however, Buffy’s goofy personality shines through.
Tracy describes her as being like an “awkward teenager.”
She is all legs, a little clumsy, and deeply attached to her mom.
A Shadow on a Leash
Buffy’s loyalty to Tracy is undeniable.
If the family is outside with their leashes on, waiting for a walk, Buffy refuses to leave without her favorite person.
If Tracy runs back inside to grab her sunglasses, Buffy will drag her leash right back into the house to find her.
“She’s not going anywhere without me,” Tracy noted.
Stealing the Spotlight
That intense devotion also means Buffy wants to be as close to Tracy as possible at all times.
If Lulu happens to be lying next to Tracy on the couch, Buffy will employ a hilarious tactic.
She will sit and stare Lulu down until the older dog finally moves.
Once the spot is clear, Buffy happily claims it for herself.
Getting Through the Rough Times
What started as a temporary favor for a rescue has blossomed into a beautiful, permanent family dynamic.
Buffy has provided endless comfort and loyalty to the people who took a chance on her.
“She’s definitely gotten us through some rough times here at home, and we absolutely love her,” Tracy said.
Looking back at the surgeries, the daycare drama, and the stolen couch spots, Tracy knows she found exactly the dog she needed.
