This week’s vlog is a big one: I became a first-time foster mom. A month after saying goodbye to my childhood dog, Jerry, I signed up for a shelter foster event (minimum three-day commitment) because I really just wanted to give a dog a break from the kennel and show them what a loving home feels like. After a little “matchmaking” call with a volunteer, I picked up Mickey—an anxious, super sweet 4.5-year-old American Pit Bull Terrier—who didn’t have much info about what he’s like in a home. Once we got settled, it was a lot of couch naps (he’s literally a little potato), tail wags, a bit of tug-of-war, and figuring out what helps him feel safe. He destroyed the rope toy the shelter sent home (lol), so I grabbed more enrichment like a lick mat and a sniff mat to slow down meals and keep him busy. Because Mickey is special needs, I also picked up a raised food and water bowl after the vet recommended it. The biggest update: I extended the foster, so he’s now in the permanent foster program with us until he gets adopted—because he’s so much more comfortable out of the kennel.