A question asked by Don's caring daughter in law - "My Father in Law is eighty nine, and lost his adored little Cairn about two years ago. It was his constant companion, he has never got over the loss. He would love an 'Oldie' to look after, and would pay someone to walk the dog (and he does have a small garden so it wouldn't be confined to the bungalow) but is realistic about his age. He couldn't afford huge vet bills either! I wondered whether he is too old to be considered as a permanent fosterer, so that vet's bills would be covered, and rescue backup would be there if anything happened to him? He has an awful lot of love to give!"

A dog in the pound - Ben a collie X boy of between 10 and 12 yrs of age, the pound wanted to put him down because he is old and has a lump on his head (probably a birth defect). But Four Paws said NO we'll find him a loving home to see out his time in comfort. So Ben came into a Four Paws foster home while he waited for that special place.

A Four Paws committee member saw Don's story and got in touch with his daughter in law, asking if Don would be interested in fostering Ben on a permanent basis. Don was so pleased that he would be able to take Ben on. Don patiently waited for 2 weeks while Ben was neutered and had a full health check done. The day finally arrived when Ben's fosterers in South Wales took Ben on a 2 hour trip to Don's home to meet Don and his daughter in law (who had also made a 2 hour trip especially to meet Ben). Ben and Don hit it off straight away.

While his fosterers had a nice cup of tea and some nibbles, Ben made himself at home. When it was time for them to leave Ben was lying by the door, the moment he realised they were leaving he went straight over to Don's side and sat down, as if he was saying I'm not coming with you I'm staying right here with Don thank you very much". Ben and Don were lonely no more, they now had each other. Ben has settled really well with Don, and Don is so happy to have Ben to care for. Ben has 4 beds in various locations around the house to choose from, even 1 in the shed so that he can lie down out there while Don is out there doing his model making. Don did have a bit of a scare with Ben a few weeks ago when he couldn't stand on his back legs, but a visit from the vet, an injection and some anti-inflammatory tablets later Ben is doing fine once again.