fostering

Watson

…..a heartwarming tale of a dog’s courage, a human’s hope, and the tragic consequences of neglect on the creatures we call "man's best friend." This inspiring true story captures the journey toward rehabilitation for two neglected dogs rescued from a rural Illinois hoarder. During their first two months in foster care, both dog’s lives are transformed, but not without a myriad of adventures, challenges, and successes. Encouraged by their progress, a third feral dog is accepted into foster care setting off a terrifying and incredible chain of events. You will laugh, cry, and in the end, feel that special bond we develop with our furry friends.

By Lisa Kaye Bergeron

Rounded Rectangle: Have you ever embarked on an adventure so inspiring and incredible that you wanted to share it with everyone? Well I have, and this is my story….

FROM THE AUTHOR

In October 2007, 310 dogs, cats, and birds were rescued from a horrific hoarding case in rural Illinois. In the weeks that followed, most of the animals were adopted to permanent homes. However, a few unfortunate dogs were too unsocialized to place up for adoption, and, thanks to the tenacity of the Shelter that rescued them, were spared from euthanasia. Inspired by Cesar Millan’s Dog Whisperer, I accepted the challenge to rehabilitate two of the feral dogs.

Fostering Watson is a true story that follows the adventures of both dogs as they struggle with trust and confidence in their human companions. This isn’t just a story about rehabilitation, it’s also about the joys, challenges, and humor that comes with dog ownership. Dogs bring so much to our lives, companionship, love, comfort, and security. But they can bring so much more. Working with dogs can teach us valuable lessons in leadership, confidence, problem solving, and compassion. The calm, assertive, confident energy we need to bring to our canine relationships to keep them stable and balanced transcends this bond into our work and family life. I encourage everyone to become involved with your local shelter by adopting, volunteering, contributing, and yes, even fostering animals in need. You will find the experience extremely rewarding and one that your entire family can share.

Thank you,

Lisa

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lisa Kaye Bergeron, a native of Northern Illinois, works in higher education and has earned graduate degrees in Management of Information Systems (MIS) and Public Administration (MPA)

Lisa currently lives in Malta, Illinois with her pack….Toby (9), Watson (6), Rayden (6), Beau (6), and Bud (11). Beau, Watson and Rayden’s brother joined our pack in May 2010 and is living the high life now reunited with his brothers.

Rounded Rectangle: “This is a story every animal lover will enjoy!” “You will laugh, cry, and in the end, feel the special bond that we develop with man’s best friend.” “Emphasizing the plight of homeless and neglected dogs, animal welfare organizations and shelters will embrace this tale.”

ANIMAL SANCTUARIES

Illinois lacks an animal sanctuary for it’s death row dogs. Sanctuaries are different from animal shelters. Sanctuaries focus on rehabilitating dogs with severe behavioral problems or providing life-long care for those that may never be appropriate for adoption into traditional homes. Watson would surely have been euthanized by most animal shelters. But thanks to the tenacity of TAILS Humane Society, most of the feral dogs from the Rochelle hoarding rescue were either rehabilitated and adopted or transferred to Tara’s Babies Animal Sanctuary in Arizona.

Unfortunately the closest sanctuaries to Illinois with capacity are in Montana, Utah, and Arizona….too far away for Midwest shelters to reach. Millions of pets are euthanized every year because shelters simply do not have the resources to deal with even moderate behavioral problems or they suffer from overcrowding. But many of these troubled dogs can be rehabilitated with a little effort and turn out to be wonderful pets and companions… like Watson. The Author’s goal is to someday open a canine rehabilitation center and sanctuary in rural Illinois. The center would focus exclusively on rehabilitation. Adoptions would be coordinated through the dozens of animal shelters that currently exist in the region.

Telling Watson’s story is the first step toward this goal, hopefully it’s not the last.

Oval: SHELTER DOGS Puppies are great! But if you’ve ever raised one, you know how much effort it takes over a longer period of time as they grow through the “puppy stage”. If you are just looking for a family companion, consider adopting an adult shelter dog before you purchase a puppy from a pet shop or breeder! Adult dogs are mature and their personalities and size known. They’ve graduated past the puppy stage. So don’t walk past an adult dog just because they are older, some of the best pets are mature dogs! Approximately 6—8 million pets enter our animal shelters every year. Only 3 – 4 million are adopted, 3 – 4 million are euthanized. Five out of every ten dogs are euthanized just because there is no one to adopt them……. Consider a Shelter Dog First!!

MANUSCRIPT STATUS

Fostering Watson—April 4, 2010… literary agents tell me this book won’t sell because there is no human drama… sorry folks but the story is about dogs. In any event, if you’d like an electronic copy in PDF format, just send me an email!

The Willows (NEW) —April 4, 2010, the next chapter in Watson’s life….. With Watson’s journey toward rehabilitation complete, the time finally came for him to fulfill his mission and purpose in life and with it comes a new and incredible adventure for both human and canine.

For more info email: lisa77@rochelle.net

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