Congrats, it's a boy!

Congratulations, it's a boy!

These were the words I delivered to Nancy in California last week to let her know that she would be adopting Tiger. As with any expectant parent upon learning such news, she was ectastic. This is the amazing privilege I have as a BRAT coordinator, and as this was my first time, I hope you will indulge me in reflecting on the process.

Tiger's journey is not unlike others, but it was a multi-state effort. He was surrendered in MS, fostered in both Louisiana and Texas, and ultimately found his home in California. As with all adoptions, it was definitely a team effort, and each individual contributed mightily to the end result: a basenji boy finding his forever home.

The team:
-His surrendering family: they chose to work with BRAT and not send him to a local shelter. It is obvious that they cared for Tiger very much, though their circumstances did not allow them to keep him any longer.

-The foster, Melissa, in Texas. She willingly offered to take him when I had surgery and could no longer foster Tiger until he was placed.

-The wise BRAT advisors, Liz and Debbi, who helped me understand the placement process and supported me with answers to all my questions.

-The Pet Care program staff at Continental, who provided a safe, secure transport for Tiger from Texas to California. If you have never talked with them about pet transport, I think you would be impressed. They are really dedicated to making sure it's a good journey.

-The DFW Continental Cargo service desk agent, Cheryl, who fell in love with Tiger and at 5 a.m. this morning, helped me get him ready for his cross-country journey. Her kindness made letting him go much easier.

-The adopter, Nancy, whose heart was ready to love Tiger and provide him the only-dog environment he needed. At our last call this afternoon, Tiger was settling in nicely and she was a proud parent.

It's a great team to be a part of and I am grateful to each for the role that they play on a daily basis to ensure that basenjis have a forever home to call their own.

I've been up and going 15 hours now, have driven from Dallas back to Baton Rouge, and when I finally lay my head on my pillow tonight, I will say a prayer of thanks to the entire team.

It's been another great basenji day.