Sierra

Sierra Emmersen May 26, 2009 - Aug 22, 2025 I thought I was saving you. But, that wasn't the case at all. You were the sweetest, loving, treat eating pup I could ever hope for. Thank you for 13 amazing years.

Sierra Emmersen
The Story of a “Foster Fail”

Hello Facebook, I wanted to tell you my short story. Last week was the biggest week in my 3 year life so far. First a big truck came and picked me up from my home in Kentucky. My original mom and dad picked me up as a puppy from a shelter, after a little while they didn’t want me and gave me to the neighbors. My new home kept me outside (even in the winter), I was so bored I dug a few holes (honestly, I have to admit … I love to dig – I’m working on that) and so they also wanted to get rid of me. So, I got on the scary truck and it took me to the house of a nice lady with the DC Shiba Inu Rescue, this is where the real story begins. The next day my foster mom came to pick me up … I have to admit, I didn’t know what a foster mom was but I was inside the house and that was amazing. I heard the nice people from the rescue tell my foster mom it would probably only be a couple weeks until I was adopted.

Let me tell you about my foster mom … it was love at first sight. She was so nice and knew all the right places to scratch. I loaded up again in a crate and took off with my foster mom in the car. After a short drive, we arrived at a big house. When we went inside I met my foster sister, Roxy, she is a puppy – I liked her right away. She loves to play, I love to play – perfect! My foster mom took us both for a walk around the neighborhood. Once we got home I got to see the backyard – jackpot! Then the best things happened my foster mom showed me how to use the doggie door. I was a little scared at first but my foster sister helped me – did you know doggie doors let you go in and out on your own? Do you understand what that means? I get to come inside anytime I want! Next, I met my other foster sister, Phoebe, she’s a cat – she is older and runs the house – I gave her lots of respect. At this point I knew I wanted to stay here. Things couldn’t get better. In a matter of hours, I had been given more love than I had received in my whole life! Just when I thought life couldn’t get better, my foster mom and sisters went to bed – guess what?! I got to go too!!!! Best night ever!

In the morning, I was right next to my foster mom, as soon as she moved – I had some kisses waiting – she liked that! Then my foster mom had to go to work so I showed her I had figured out the doggie door and she let me stay inside the house with my foster sisters all day. Can you believe it? I had to be a good girl – no accidents – no chewing the house (even though my foster sister chewed the door mat) … guess what? I was awesome, I’m just saying!

When my foster mom got home, I was so excited I thought my butt was going to wiggle off. After some serious play time with the family, my foster mom was on the phone and I overheard her talking about being a “foster fail.” After thinking about it I figured out what “foster fail” meant – you get to stay and your foster mom becomes just “mom.” I wanted that so bad. I knew my foster mom was looking for another dog but she is a self admitted “dog snob,” and I am a mix, I don’t look like my foster sister who isn’t a mix. I had my work cut out for me. Challenge accepted!

Fast forward to yesterday – when my foster mom got home from work she sat all of us down and she told everyone that she had decided to be a “foster fail” and I was now a member of the family! She looked into my eyes and told me thank you for making her a better person. Thank me – are you kidding?!!! – I just won the dog lottery! Oh, she rambled on about mixed is beautiful and not choosing who you love … blah blah blah – mom is funny, I totally chose her and I am a mix – whatever, I am home! My furever home is awesome, I have two sisters, good food, a yard, beds, couches … and most importantly … my mom! I love my life!!!