How fostering a rescue pup rescued me through a depressive spiral
Gotta be honest with you and tell you why I really fostered a rescue pup. I noticed some of my depressive symptoms cycling back, and I wanted to proactively do something to steer me from going down a deep dark hole. Getting a dog has been on my mind for a number of years, but given how much traveling I do, I knew it would be unfair. This summer, though, I had decided not to travel, and during that time I had space to properly care for a dog.
When I told my friend Sara, who has been rescuing pups in Tulum, that I wanted to foster, she put me in contact with Sandy @rescue.vida. They rescue dogs in Playa del Carmen and find adoptions for them in Canada. One pup in particular, needed to find a new home, as he had been found in a neglected home with a serious skin disease. Since the rescue his skin has gotten much better, but in order to fly to Canada to meet a forever family, he would have to meet top health requirements. That's where I would come into play. For a month, I'd take care of him as he recovered.
I had very little expectations of what would happen during the month, but I had a feeling after raising several dogs when I was younger, that caring a puppy could be a healthy distraction from the gray clouds hovering over me.
Less than a week after messaging Sandy, Sami, a 9-month old pup came into my life and turned my world upside down. This post is dedicated to Sami and all our four-legged friends who are truly a gift to the world.
Here are a few things Sami taught me...
Habit stacking. James Clear of Atomic Habits writes how stacking a new habit with an old one can help create the new ones– i.e. "habit stacking." So, instead of hitting snooze multiple times, I would immediately get out of bed knowing that if I didn't I would have to wipe dog pee off the floor. So I would start the day out with a morning walk while Sami relieved himself. Throughout the day I'd take Sami for potty breaks, and during those times I'd intentionally take time away from the screen. No scrolling, only strolling. Feeding Sami regularly three times a day was also a reminder for me to eat regularly, which is something I often forget when lost in work. During this time I built up a habit of morning walks, taking breaks and eating more regularly.
Different perspective. Even while living in Tulum, I still walk as if I'm in New York. If I'm going to walk, I wanna break a little sweat. But Sami, like many dogs, use their time to walk outside as a way to check their pee-mail. So I couldn't just bulldoze through my power walk sessions. I'd stop when he'd stop, and that made me slow down. One time, he stopped mid stride and froze staring into the distance. What was he staring at, I decided to look? Across the street there was a little girl playing in the dirt. I would never have noticed her. She was playing all by herself 11 o'clock at night. Concerned she was alone, I approached her to make sure she was okay. Luckily, her parents weren't too far, but Sami noticed the important things that I would otherwise have missed.
"Treat" others with kindness. As in any relationship, the two of us got on each others' nerves. Giving him baths twice a week no doubt irritated him, and his chewing on everything got on mine. Over time, though we got into a groove of mutual respect. Yelling for Sami to come back into the bathtub became a thing of the past once I learned what Sami's love language was– doggie treats. He'd jump in to the bathtub on his own knowing that a treat was waiting for him in the tub, and I would thank him for cooperating in the bath with a treat every few minutes. Baths got easier each time. That extended to all forms of communication and training. With anticipating his need for kindness and not scolding, I was able to use treats to positively communicate and train desired behaviors. This process made me reflect on the ways I talk to myself when learning new things. Do I yell at myself for making mistakes, or do I give myself the opportunity to learn positively and set myself up for success?
Getting out and meeting new people. Sami initiated conversations with others I would not have typically started myself. He loved walking up to strangers and hug them. Once when Sami and I were out having dinner another family came and sat at the table next to us. Of course Sami went up to them and greeted the family. As I called for Sami to calm down, the father said, "He's beautiful! What kind of dog?" I told him I wasn't sure because he was a rescue. Then he looked at Sami a little longer and said, "You know Vizsla?" Of course I do. They are the dog of my dreams. He said, "He look like Vizsla– Hungarian dog. We are from Hungary." And as I looked at Sami a bit more, I could see a resemblance. Yes! We started talking more, and I discovered that this Hungarian had built an off-grid home near Coba (outside Tulum) and had 11 dogs, four cats and several chickens. The family invited me to join their table, and we continued talking into the evening. That's how Sami liked to roll.
Emotional well-being. Dogs are incredible companions. Did you know that humans release oxytocin when cuddling with their dogs? There's a unique bond that we have with dogs that goes back thousands of years. Most theories on the domestication of dogs have come to the conclusion that some 20,000 years ago wolves started hanging around humans because of easy access to food scraps. Humans in turn followed wolves to locate where prey could be found. The symbiotic relationship grew stronger over time, and dogs became human companions traveling together. One got food, and the other got protection. It was a win-win. With Sami, I felt that I was getting the better end of the stick though. He kept me feeling safe and loved wherever I went. He followed me everywhere I went, even when I moved from bed to bathroom. He was always there making sure I was okay. I never felt alone.
Sami teaching me how to chill
Our last day together at the beach
Want to foster / help?
So though my intentions to foster may not have initially been altruistic, I know Sami had a blast. He got to meet tons of people, made new neighborhood dog friends, and ate like a prince. If you'd like to experience unconditional love– give AND receive, I highly recommend fostering a dog. There are so many things that our fellow species can teach us. It's truly a gift that we get to share this planet with so many magnificent creatures.
I am so grateful to everyone at @revida.rescue, including Sandy and Abril, who are doing their part in this world to keep our fellow creatures safe and loved. They have an adoption organization called Project Home Sweet Home, where they send fosters to forever homes in Canada. Please reach out to them if you're interested in fostering in the Playa del Carmen / Tulum area, or if you know of someone who would be interested in adopting.
You can also donate to Revida Rescue here. This helps aid in the medical care, food, travel and so much more for our furry friends in transition.
I'd also like to thank Sara McMahon, who has been such a source of inspiration in caring for rescues. This work is a labor of love, but one no doubt that has so much to gift to the world.
If you'd like to know more about fostering a pup or more about this experience, comment below. Would love to hear from you!
Go fetch your dreams 🦴✨🐾