

Fostering Mr. Twist last summer through Les Amis des Animaux, was the highlight of my 2016. Although I wasn't sure I was puppy material and I didn't have a lot of time in France that trip, Mr. Twist needed me. What a time we had together! What a day when I watched him drive away with his new forever family, the Robbins!

I was convinced that I was meant to be a "forever fosterer" and that I could get my "doggie fix" that way. As hard as it is to let go when it's time; you usuallyl know that they are on their way to a family that will give them long-term love, affection, care, and, treat them as the special guys and gals that they are. There was no doubt for me that Steve Robbins and his family were perfect for my Twist-Mr. Twister.
Returning to the states in September, I kept up with the goings on of Les Amis des Animaux and Mr. Twist through the wonders of Facebook.


When a beautiful guy missing his right earflap came into their care, he grabbed my heart. I fell in love with him before he became "Gaston!" Temporarily fostered with my friend Pam Garwood, Gaston then went on to more permanent fostering with Lianne Gentle while the Association continued to try to find a forever family for Gaston. During his time with Lianne and her girl, Gentille, Gaston: grew his sweet, goofy Gaston personality; made many Gaston memories; and, he learned a lot and excelled in his basic obedience classes.
Still, no forever family for Gaston.

So much for forever fostering! I'd made up my mind that if gorgeous Gaston had not been adopted before Sammie Cat and I returned to France, that he was meant to be with us. He was clearly our meant to be. In fact, both Mom and Dali chimed in on this one from the other side, so I knew we were good!
What I hadn't counted on was a rush of feelings about Mr. Twist and Gaston.

In the midst of my Gaston joy, I was feeling unfaithful to Mr. Twist. I dropped Steve a note to let him know how I was feeling about all of this and Mr. Twist. He teased me a little bit about feeling "unfaithful" to Mr. Twist and said:
"no need to worry, I have told him a bit about Gaston and he totally understands. He says it's fine. Gaston is a great boy in need of a permanent home and love just like he has now with his brother."

I couldn't have asked for a more reassuring response. Steve and Mr. Twist paved Gaston's way just a little further.
Although he isn't MY Twist any more and he's Steve's Mr. Twister, they are really always "ours!" Fostering to Forever Family has been one of the nicest "shares" for me.

I only hope that I can be the same kind of adopter for Lianne with Gaston, that Steve has been for me and Mr. Twist!
They will always be "our" boys!
Special thanks to Pam Garwood, Steve Robbins and Lianne Gentle for many of these photos of Mr. Twist and Gaston-OUR BOYS!
