09/23/2026
I’ve had two foster fails: Rowdy and Cassidy.
I brought Rowdy home intending to rehabilitate him and find him a new home. I was an inexperienced trainer and had no business taking on a dog with such severe behavioural issues.
As my life changed, Rowdy became increasingly dangerous around people in my home. I gave myself a year to work with him, consult professionals and make a decision. But his bites weren’t fear-based or attempts to create distance. He became more confident and continued moving forward.
When he began trying to bite others in my home, I made the devastating decision to let him go in January 2025.
Before Rowdy, I never imagined behavioural euthanasia could be a decision I’d make for a dog.
Cassidy came into my life under similar circumstances. I never intended to keep him, and at first, I didn’t feel much of a connection. He was sweet, but his unpredictability was incredibly challenging.
Cassidy also bit out of fear, but unlike Rowdy, he would nip and retreat. I genuinely thought I might lose them both.
Instead, I slowed down and learned to see them as individuals.
Cassidy is an odd dog, and I say that with love. He enjoys being alone, needs time to himself and loves short, wild bursts of running before settling in for a long nap.
I’ve watched his nervous system relax, his body fill out and his goofy personality emerge. He’s finally enjoying being a dog.
Rowdy taught me that love, training and time aren’t always enough. Genetics matter, and we can’t always train a dog into becoming safe.
Cassidy taught me that two dogs who bite aren’t necessarily telling the same story.
Together, they taught me to slow down, see the whole dog and stay honest about what’s possible for both the dog and the people around them.
I’m grateful to them both for shaping the trainer I’m becoming—and to my entire pack for patiently accepting every dog I bring home.