Carlyn Foreman, a foster from New York, had always been a dog lover. Still, no pup had captured her heart quite like Norman did.
Foreman had been volunteering with Waldo’s Rescue Pen for a few months when she came across a photo of a sweet Pit Bull mix in a Georgia shelter. He was desperate to get out of his kennel, and she was eager to give him the hug he clearly needed.
The only challenge was Carlyn’s busy schedule, which made long-term fostering impossible. To help Norman, she agreed to take him in for just one night. But that plan didn’t last.
She Only Wanted To Give Him A Hug
Carlyn’s heart sank the moment she saw Norman’s shelter photo.
While volunteering with Waldo’s Rescue Pen volunteer in New York, she learned that he had a good chance of being moved into a foster home. The catch was that a volunteer able to take him in for only one night was hard to find, so Carlyn immediately offered.
She refused to let him miss the chance to begin a better life because of scheduling issues.
“As of 11 PM the night before transport, he didn’t have a foster and was at risk of staying in Georgia,” Carlyn wrote in an Instagram video.
After a 20-hour van trip to New York, Norman finally arrived at her place.
They rode an Uber home together, and within two hours Carlyn had completely fallen for him. His calm temperament and affectionate nature were unlike any dog she had met before.
That’s when she realized she couldn’t give him up. Instead, she became his permanent foster.
“He got off the 20hr van ride with a wagging tail and the biggest smile. At 9AM we Ubered home, and by 11AM I knew I couldn’t let him go, so I switched to being his full-time foster,” she added.
Norman’s life was transformed. No longer in a shelter, he was now a cherished foster dog enjoying his new world. Gentle and relaxed, he slept most of the day and night, making him incredibly easy to care for.
The only bursts of excitement came when he met other dogs. He adored people, got along with every pet in Carlyn’s family, and earned plenty of “bonus points” for it.
His smooth transition into his new life only deepened Carlyn’s affection, leading to one inevitable decision.
From Short-Term Stay To Forever Home
Carlyn never intended to keep Norman forever, but that’s exactly what happened.
After a few weeks of fostering him, she decided to make it official and welcome him permanently into her family.
“I didn’t plan to adopt, but sometimes you just can’t say goodbye. Welcome home, Normy,” Carlyin wrote.
Today, Norman enjoys a life far removed from his shelter days. He has comfort, security, and love in abundance.
He meets new friends, cuddles with Carlyn and other humans, takes cozy naps on the comfiest couch, and even watches sunsets in Central Park with his mom.
Life simply doesn’t get better than that.