Bridget 12-118

Profile

Sponsored by:

Paul and Mary T.
"Finally on your way to the "golden life" you deserve!"

In memory of my first PM girl Gracie.  In memory of my first PM girl, Gracie. From Cheerie

April 3, 2012

Bridget is one of 21 adult golden retrievers rescued from the retirement of a commercial breeding facility. Bridget was born 6/14/09 (probably in captivity) and remained there until she and a total of 29 were liberated and are now fostered in RAGOM's care.

Bridget is a thin beautiful PB golden with very light blond hair. Her coat is short from spending her lifetime in an enclosed environment but once her nutritional status improves and she spends time outdoors it should become more full. None the less she will shed just like any other golden and require care and brushing frequently if not every day to keep shedding in your home at a minimum.

Bridget has bilateral ear infections (receiving medication) and left ear hematoma (from shaking her head and ears because of the infection and pain there is bleeding in the tissue of the ear now flap resolving on it own). Her heart worm was negative :) , fecal was negative :) , and vaccinations were brought up to date. She is in need of a bath but that will wait until she become more comfortable with her new foster home and our routines. She will also be spayed (not believed to be pregnant) sometime after she is more calm and less panicky as we move outside the realm of her foster home.

Bridget came into my home (with two goldens, foster golden Abby 11-376, and a 10 month old minigoldendoodle to welcome her) this past Saturday. Her behavior could be described as in a panic mode seeking any method to escape her new environment. By Sunday pm she was running in and out of the patio doors as if she had been doing it her whole life and on Monday pm her running had changed to a gentle trot. Bridget prefers corners (very typical) to lay down so she is in the bedroom sometimes with Abby or one of the others. She comes running always thinking it is time to go outside ( I really think she enjoys running in and out of the house) and it really makes no difference what I say (even if I am calling one of the other dogs) she comes running out of the bedroom as if in great expectation.

Bridget is eating Taste of the Wild both dry and soft mixed in. She eats in isolation as her preference and I can hear her eating as if it is her last meal. I have not seen her drink but suspect she is either very quiet or drinks at night when she cannot be seen (again very typical). All her bodily functions are working and there has only been one accident in the house.

Bridget is wearing a martingale collar and a lead at all times which was helpful trying to get her to come into the house the first two days. These are imperative for her and foster moms safety and will remain on indefinitely. Bridget's adoptability window is dependent on her time table only as she overcomes the obstacles of learning to live in a kinder human environment. It can be done but requires time, patience, and lots of love. Bridget's adoptive family of the future must be ready to address these issues and the immense time it will take to make her part of the family keeping in mind her past at all times. As you will see under her picture and name in the box the nonnegotiable needs her future family must possess to be considered eligible to adopt her.

Thank you to all those who have given the gift of themselves to get these goldens to a safe place.
Thank you to all of those who have sent in donations to help defray the cost of their expenses so we can do it all over again with the next rescue whether it be one or many who need us. Enjoy the few pictures I can get when she is not running the backyard marathon.

Bridget's foster mom

At a Glance #12-118

Golden Retriever Born: June 2009
Female Weight not specified

Status: Adopted

Profile

Sponsored by:

Paul and Mary T.
"Finally on your way to the "golden life" you deserve!"

In memory of my first PM girl Gracie.  In memory of my first PM girl, Gracie. From Cheerie

April 3, 2012

Bridget is one of 21 adult golden retrievers rescued from the retirement of a commercial breeding facility. Bridget was born 6/14/09 (probably in captivity) and remained there until she and a total of 29 were liberated and are now fostered in RAGOM's care.

Bridget is a thin beautiful PB golden with very light blond hair. Her coat is short from spending her lifetime in an enclosed environment but once her nutritional status improves and she spends time outdoors it should become more full. None the less she will shed just like any other golden and require care and brushing frequently if not every day to keep shedding in your home at a minimum.

Bridget has bilateral ear infections (receiving medication) and left ear hematoma (from shaking her head and ears because of the infection and pain there is bleeding in the tissue of the ear now flap resolving on it own). Her heart worm was negative :) , fecal was negative :) , and vaccinations were brought up to date. She is in need of a bath but that will wait until she become more comfortable with her new foster home and our routines. She will also be spayed (not believed to be pregnant) sometime after she is more calm and less panicky as we move outside the realm of her foster home.

Bridget came into my home (with two goldens, foster golden Abby 11-376, and a 10 month old minigoldendoodle to welcome her) this past Saturday. Her behavior could be described as in a panic mode seeking any method to escape her new environment. By Sunday pm she was running in and out of the patio doors as if she had been doing it her whole life and on Monday pm her running had changed to a gentle trot. Bridget prefers corners (very typical) to lay down so she is in the bedroom sometimes with Abby or one of the others. She comes running always thinking it is time to go outside ( I really think she enjoys running in and out of the house) and it really makes no difference what I say (even if I am calling one of the other dogs) she comes running out of the bedroom as if in great expectation.

Bridget is eating Taste of the Wild both dry and soft mixed in. She eats in isolation as her preference and I can hear her eating as if it is her last meal. I have not seen her drink but suspect she is either very quiet or drinks at night when she cannot be seen (again very typical). All her bodily functions are working and there has only been one accident in the house.

Bridget is wearing a martingale collar and a lead at all times which was helpful trying to get her to come into the house the first two days. These are imperative for her and foster moms safety and will remain on indefinitely. Bridget's adoptability window is dependent on her time table only as she overcomes the obstacles of learning to live in a kinder human environment. It can be done but requires time, patience, and lots of love. Bridget's adoptive family of the future must be ready to address these issues and the immense time it will take to make her part of the family keeping in mind her past at all times. As you will see under her picture and name in the box the nonnegotiable needs her future family must possess to be considered eligible to adopt her.

Thank you to all those who have given the gift of themselves to get these goldens to a safe place.
Thank you to all of those who have sent in donations to help defray the cost of their expenses so we can do it all over again with the next rescue whether it be one or many who need us. Enjoy the few pictures I can get when she is not running the backyard marathon.

Bridget's foster mom

Updates

Sunday, June 23, 2013

 Bridget had a new playmate for about two weeks this past month named Mia 13-135. Mia is about the same age as Bridget and I was surprised how much fun Bridget had playing with Mia. For the first time Bridget enjoyed the rolling around mouth open playing the fake bite game. She has been more relaxed and while Mia was here would run in and out of the house without even thinking about it. She is exploring the yard more or will run full speed around the yard with the resident small dog. Although Bridget is coming out of her shell you can still see some hesitation approaching two legged humans for spontaneous affection but she now approaches even when I am sitting on the sofa.

Yesterday was spa day with my groomer in her van. Bridget and resident Katie went out to the van and Katie was first to go in. I was surprised that although Bridget was initially reluctant to enter with a very little coaxing she hopped right into the van. Once in the tub she was not as frightened this time when the water sprayer was turned on. Overall her behavior was much improved and I expect it to get better over time. Bridget still prefers her space but does come out of the bedroom to join the crew on the floor and chew the bones or toys laying about.
I have been giving her a medication called Xanax for her storm anxiety and it is working well. She is able to find her safe place and just rest while the storms are going on.
Bridget's adoptive home in my opinion still requires a fence as I know she will bolt if frightened. A younger resident dog that is active, enjoys playing, and being engaged with the humans would help Bridget's adjustment and transition in her forever home. If you are interested in Bridget please let your placement advisor know and we can talk more about her.

Monday, February 18, 2013

Bridget had a great time at the Iowa Greet and Meet at Leash on Life on Saturday. I was greatly surprised how responsive she was to all the strangers who wanted to pet her as well as listen to her story. She did think the first hour that every time the door opened she wanted to go out it but after that she settled down and just watched people come and go. She did very well with all the dogs she met though she was really smitten with that wonderful boy Vinnie. What a handsome lug and great personality and his behavior was exemplary.

Bridget continues to improve and she now comes out and lays down on the pet beds. She was a little more aloof after my Gracie passed in Oct. but that seems to have passed. She continues to steal all the chew items and hoards them in her spot in the bedroom. I managed to get more pictures but when she sees the flash she retreats back to her comfort zone in the bedroom. I really never thought she would use the open door kennel in the bedroom but now every night after the lights to out I hear her go into the kennel circle about 6-8 times and then stays there until morning.
I gave Bridget a bath before Saturday in my new shower stall without doors(yet) so I got a bath, Bridget got a bath, and my bathroom got a bath when the nozzle fell out of my hands. Oh well! I clipped her nails the next day and used an electric shaver (canine) to get the fur between her toes. OH MY!! She laid right down and waited patiently for me to finish. I was so amazed and she did not act anxious at all. Entirely different dog then when getting a bath and she absolutely freaks when the water goes on.
Bridget will always seem to be a work in progress as most puppy mill/breeding dogs are. But they are amazing, loving, and resilient creatures who will leave indelible memories in your life. Bridget continues to look for her forever home and I know there is one out there just for her so if you are interested give us a jingle.

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Bridget has a new nickname. We now call her the "hoarder". She removes methodically every rope toy and one single chew antler to her special corner in the bedroom. She is not aggressive about it in any way nor does she guard them from the other dogs. Maybe she is a clean house freak or just believes that is where they belong. In fact when the dogs are together they are all on the same bed chewing the items without issue :)).

Bridget readily seeks attention in the morning or anytime I am on the bed (caught the bug and have been really laid low the past two weeks) but if I approach she will go the other way. A couple of weeks ago I awoke to someone smacking my arm really hard. Here was Bridget with her front feet on the bed rail raising her leg up and over into the bed to hit my arm with her paw. Guess it was time to get up right now and she wanted me to know it. She still loves to dance and prance away as if it is just a game. She does not come into the house unless I walk out to the patio and then she runs right in. She rarely needs coaxing but sometimes she is in such a playful mood she dances all over the yard teasing me. I just tell her to "knock it off " it is time to come in and she does.
We have not had any snow except the blizzard the week before Christmas and that was rain, sleet, and very wet snow. So the yard has been frozen tundra and now mostly solid ice where the dogs travel. No fun there and certainly we have not had issues with iced toes/coats. Just got all the ice chipped off the patio just in time for the next one expected sometime this week. OH BOY!
So overall Bridget continues to develop her trust in humans though some of the puppy mill behavior (crouching, ducking, avoiding touch) will last a long time but it will eventually become less noticeable. She is very hard to get a good face profile as she moves away when the camera is out. I have added two new ones. Enjoy.
Thank you always to her sponsors and token givers. The gift of love is so appreciated for these special pups that make their way into our care and home. Bridget hopes someone will think she would make a great companion with a little more work and patience. No commitment just come meet this cutie and see what you think.

Thursday, January 10, 2013

From one Missouri girl to another-I'm so proud of how far you've come! Love, Betty 12-101 From one Missouri girl to another-I'm so proud of how far you've come! Love, Betty 12-101

Friday, December 7, 2012

 Bridget has had a great week. We have started in earnest working on getting in and out of the yard gate. In the past she has avoided at all costs leaving the yard for walks. I know that she feels safe in my yard with its privacy fence but it is now important to expose her regularly to the activities outside her comfort zone. Bridget walks amazingly well with her flat collar (slip/martingale collar). Although, you would think someone had used a glue stick to put her shoulder next to my leg. She no longer walks two steps behind but right along side me. Bridget's routine in the past was to play the "I sit" and will not move game so as not to move toward the gate. No amount of coaxing would get her to get up and move forward (even with a resident dog) but but she would move if I continued to walk around the yard with her on a lead as long as we stayed in the yard. The minute I moved toward the gate the butt would plunk right down . Check and checkmate.

As we walk the neighborhood she is in constant surveillance of her surroundings and her head constantly moves side to side watching everything. She does startle with loud delivery trucks and cars plus being very nervous with anyone she sees close by. As we progressed through the week it only took 4 days to leave the yard with no sit down games so I also added the newest challenge of just getting in the car (just sitting in the back with her) as car riding really makes her uncomfortable and she trembles all the time. Bridget is not treat motivated so this makes it more challenging to move forward but anticipating the end result of seeing her progress and just being happy is really the what puts a smile on your face.
Now, for the not so great issues. Bridget's potty training is still a work in progress. She knows the patio door routine but does not cue me on when she wants to go out. If I am not there to see her want to go out (she will go to the door)she will potty in the house(not often but it does happen). Free roam privileges only when I am home to see her or let her with the others out at minimum every 4 hours is the rule. On the plus side Bridget goes from 10pm to 7am without accidents. Bridget will not eat unless you set it down and walk away. This is not an issue as I don't wait to see them finish their food anyway. Bridget is testing/tasting her way through her environment (normal puppy behavior she did not experience)so the stuffed dog pad will soon be gone as I finish make a new one out of an old mattress cover (the old one was a old bed comforter/spread). Bridget does not get excited to go for walks so she is hesitate to be leashed but will allow me to do this. Once leashed it is no big deal and she readily follows along. I hope once she sees (consistently) she is not hurt, that the leash and walks are exciting to look forward to, she will be excited as any dog to go outside and see the world.
As you see Bridget has been with me several months and she still has a ways to go. All of the girls from this particular rescue have had a variety of issues to overcome. Their debut into our world will be ongoing for a long time. If you think and compare the exposure/handling we typically give new puppies this group missed so much in those formative years of development. But, we move forward (some days a little backward) because the past is where it should be, and only those of us who rescue and foster them know the best is yet to come.
My first token from Betty 12-101. My sister mate from the rescue "THANK YOU" you make me smile inside and out.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Bridget continues to adjust to living in my home.  She is beginning to slow down and not as frantic to get past me though she is still slow to approach me.  Often she assumes the crouching tiger position never sure what my hands are going to do to her.  This is very typical and as they gain confidence and trust this will disappear.  Bridget newest quirk (besides eating poop) is stealing the rope toy from the girls and Finney.  She comes out of the bedroom and in a very nonchalant manner stands in the group on the floor, observes everyone, and when the other dogs are looking at me she snatches the toy and runs back to the bedroom.  I really think she believes she has scored a coup.  Plus, she now feels confident enough to chew the dog bed and destuff it :((.  Morning is the best time for attention because she comes right up to the bed with her head right on the mattress for lots of loving and that could go on forever she is so comfortable and less threatened.  Standing and sitting positions are still frightening for her though she will come up for finger sniffs.  More often than not she creates a runway between the family room, hall, and bedroom wanting the attention yet still not secure to come forward to her humans.  Always a work in progress and this takes many months of patience and understanding moving at her pace but trying to offer some small challenges to keep her moving forward.  That is why it is so important for Bridget to see my interaction with the resident dogs and how they respond to me.
 
The only way Bridget will come in the house is if I walk out to the end of the patio and in she runs.  That is after she dances her little jig, tosses her head a few times, and wags her tail standing high in the air.  That is one of the ways I know she is getting better is the position of her tail as dogs coming from not so nice backgrounds tuck their tail up under their belly.  I just tell her "inside dancing girl" and if its dark I clap my hands which my dogs know this is when they need to come in and stop fooling around.  I am not looking forward to keeping the doors open this winter (hoping for it to be warmer as almanac says) and I may go back to using a long lead to help with this depending on how she responds to it.
 
As Thanksgiving approaches we are reminded to be thankful for so many things and my family, residents Katie, Finney, (RIP my Gracie girl) and my fosters Abby and Bridget are wishing everyone and their families the best of times especially for our sponsors and token givers.  You make our world such a better place :)) .

 

Monday, September 17, 2012

Bridget had her first bath on a very warm day this week.  I can't say she was having a great time but did as well as I expected given her dislike for the garden hose.  Bridget really has not made any real milestones recently in her puppy mill behavior.  I don't find this unusual as it takes months and sometimes years for them to relax and just be a dog.  I did discover she has some storm anxiety.  With the drought here in SE IA we did not have the usual summer (loud) storms until recently.  They came during the night and Bridget would pace, pant, and did pee on the floor.  My pack could care less about storms so hopefully she will take cues from them.  I bought a thundershirt and fosterhelp suggested melatonin when the next big storm rolls in. 

Bridget will also have her last appointment for her leg next week and hopefull with their release become available for adoption.  Please remember this criteria:  no children under 10 years, must have a physical fence, needs an adult dog in the home.  Bridget loves to engage in play so fostermom is looking for an adult dog that loves to romp, play, and engage in doggie fun. 

 

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Bridget completed her follow-up at the vet clinic.  We are tapering her cardiac med over the next two weeks to off.  She will remain on an antibiotic for her leg over the next two months.  Healing has improved and she is now showing bone growth to the back of the fracture.  We will repeat her appointment in 6-8 weeks which will probable be her last :( set of films.  The surgeon is very happy the way it is looking.
 
As for Bridget she is growing every day.  She now plays in the family room with the gang and is frequently rolling on the floor playing the oral bite game.  I think she is a little exuberant with her play but she is never harmful.  She bounces in and grabs anything handy like a tail, foot, or Finn's neck and then bounces back as if to say "OK lets play".  I remind myself she is just thinking like a free puppy and my girls are confident enough to tell her when enough is enough.  If I think she is too rough I just call her name and tell her to slow down.  She has also found the numerous balls and chew items.  I think she has sniffed everything in the house that is unfamiliar and has shown no signs of being destructive.  She did find the corner of the rug under the kennel and needed frequent reminders so I just adjusted the kennel over the corner so now she does not even miss it.  
 
If you are out of site (like the bathroom) I peek around the corner and I can see her head stretching out to see where I have gone.  She is ever curious if you are not in site.  Bridget will seek pets if I am sitting or reclining on the sofa but if I move to an upright position she scoots away.  She sleeps all night from 10 pm to 0630 at least.  No accidents at all but I do gate then in the bedroom if I am gone for several hours.  She is developing a delightful personality and I suspect happy and active when she finds her perfect home with a playmate and active family.  
 
When outside Bridget has got her routine down very consistently.  We go out first thing in the morning and enough time is allowed for her to complete all her pottying and then she eats.  Bridget has learned no matter how small the pill she will seek, identify, and remove from the bowl so...I just open her mouth now and pop them to the back of her throat before she eats.  She accepts this without any problem but given the choice I think she would rather skip this ritual.  Bridget has decided she does not like the garden hose and I usually water while we are out so I wait till I know she is done and then pick up and turn on the water.  She makes a bee line for the house and does not look back.  Hopefully when we do her first bath she will realize that being wet especially in this heat is a great thing.
 
*I am very happy with Bridget's progress so enjoy the pictures especially the one where after living in a cage she has discovered the kennel is not a bad threatening place in this home.  She sees the gang use it so that is her clue it is ok to go in there when she wants as well as leave freely without negative repercussions.  As you can see Bridet's favorite play partners are little Finnegan and Gracie my PM girl from 07.     

 

 

 

 

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Bridget returned at the beginning of the month to review her progress with the leg. The films continue to show healing but the bridging of the fracture had not occurred yet. We will continue the antibiotic for another month as well as the heart med. Her heart rhythm strip showed not abnormal beats. Next month we will do it all over again but hope this time to taper off the heart medication. Her activity has been liberated but only a smidgeon. I am probable more liberal than they want but very protective in the amount I do allow. Bridget bears 100% weight on her leg except if she is caught loping and then I slow her down. She has been without the trailing leash for some time but needs a leader to show her it is ok to come back into the house. Most of the time I just have to walk back outside and say "come on" time to go in. She will come to the door and look at me (some times I turn my back) and if I peek she is looking at me as if to say "is it ok for me to come in?). Both of the PM girls do no eat unless I leave the room which is typical. Unlike my three who obviously need little encouragement to dig in.

Bridget has shown remarkable improvement in the past couple of weeks. She is happy. Her mouth is open and she has the golden smile. It is hard to explain how you know they are changing but it is no different than a human who exhibits depression, fear, anxiety, or abusive neglect in some way or another. You see them become less fearful, more trusting, engaging other dogs/people/environment, and especially seeking to be out of their comfort zone/corner to learn about everything around them. That is what I have seem in Bridget. She has discovered chew items and balls but not to the extent of my gang but it is emerging. She PLAYS. Finnegan my mini-goldendoodle who just turned 1 year interacts with her and brings out the puppy play. And she can play just like a puppy. He may only weigh 18 lbs but he plays with the big dogs like he is one of them. It is great to just sit on the sofa and watch the interaction take place but to also see Bridget initiate the interaction. Finney never says no to play time with the girls. He is such a flirt they have a hard time resisting when he is ready to romp.

The biggest and best part of her becoming comfortable is we sleep from 10 pm to at least 0630 am now. No more getting up in the middle of the night when I hear her collar jingling. Bridget also has not had an accident in more than a week. I was surprised one morning sipping my coffee checking e-mails to hear her bark. They had all been out, down their duty, and eaten breakfast so why was she barking? I thought I would just continue but this little voice said "check it out" "she might want to go outside again". So out we went again so she could poop. Now some would say "what's the big deal" but for Bridget that was the little light bulb above her head signaling she was learning that outside is where we do our business. Spending years in a cage where you eat, sleep, and do your business makes potty training PM dogs a slow process and lots of forgiving patience. So Foster mom is very, very, happy to hear Bridget bark for potty breaks. Foster mom smiles a lot these days as I see my pretty girl emerging from her former shell of a golden. So move over world because Bridget's cocoon is cracking and a beautiful butterfly is ready to show the world what a survivor she is becoming.

Enjoy the pictures of my beautiful butterfly. Thank you sponsors and token senders for you make all our lives so much better and our goldens a chance to heal with your generosity.

 

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

From Tyler, Jeanine and Ally Bridget, we know you will be chasing bunnies someday. We hope you are on the mend and know you have good days ahead! You are lucky to be in the perfect foster home for you. Good luck. -Tyler, Jeanine and Ally.

Get well soon! Matt and Jenessa K.  Get well soon! Matt and Jenessa K.

 

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Bridget how has her dressing off and bearing 80% of her weight.  We have had some concerns for occasional temp elevations but so far she remains fever free at home.  Her elevations have always been at the clinic visits and we really suspect it is her anxiety getting to and while at the visits that may be the cause.  None the less we are very diligent about daily monitoring.  Her incisions are healing well and I never see her bothering them though at night when I am asleep anything is possible.  She does all her daily duties and eats well.  We will be maintaining her weight at a mid 40 lb range and her last weight was 45 lbs.  Though she could use about 5-8 lbs that will come later when her leg has healed adequately.  
 
Bridget's personality remains timid but she is very comfortable with the pack and maintains her activity restrictions without trying to jump or play.  She allows rubs and pets but is not reciprocal in giving love back yet.  In the morning when we are up to eat and do bathroom breaks she is up with the rest and I actually saw a tail wag this morning.  She tries to come close like the rest of the pack for morning affection but is just not feeling secure enough at this point.  Bridget does not like the kennel I set up in the bedroom but my senior Katie is making use of it.  At this point I don't feel it is necessary for kennel/crate training until she feels more secure plus after spending her life in a cage that is not my priority and obviously not hers.  Hopefully seeing the other pack members use it with freedom she will see it is not the old life repeating itself.
 
Potty training is definitely an issue but having the medical issues she has had so early we will just continue to work on it.  I will enjoy watching her when she is less restricted become and develop that Golden personality feeling happy and free to be who she is meant to be.  As silly as it sounds I know many of the RAGOM foster parents feel that same way that it is hard to put into words when you see them become loved, secure, happy dogs.  Finding that perfect family is really icing on the cake.  Not missing a step is having sponsors supporting us all the way and volunteers who do anything and everything reminding us even on bad days our vision is strong.  
 
Enjoy the pics.  It is very hard to get Bridget to always look at the camera but not untypical of this shy girl.

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Bridget had an unfortunate accident this week when we went to visit the vet for her prespay exam.  Upon jumping out of the car she broke her left front lower leg requiring surgical repair with a plate and screws.  While in the hospital she was found to have abnormal high and low heart rates with many abnormal beats.  While this is not unusual with the bodies response to trauma and pain it could not be corrected with just the fluids and pain meds typically given.  A further work up found Bridget to have an inflammation of her heart.  Sometimes tick borne diseases can cause this but Bridget's were negative.  It was decided that she needed to have medication to stabilize her heart rhythm until the inflammation could be treated with antibiotics.  Once the heart has healed we hope to discontinue the heart rhythm drug.  While Bridget was having her broken leg prepared we also decide to complete her spay as long a she remained stable under anesthesia which she did.  This way she only need to receive anesthesia once.  Bridge will get leg films at 6 and 12 weeks to follow the healing of her leg.  She will also be followed by her heart rhythm.
 
Although Bridget has had to experience new health issues we expect her to heal and do well which should not interfere with her adoptability.  We knew coming from a puppy mill environment this group would be slower to acclimate to living outside a confined space but as you read about them your will see many are moving at a faster pace while a few other are much slower.  Each of these beautiful goldens progress at their own speed and as fosters you evaluate them constantly to see how they are adapting and when they are ready for the next challenge.  What seems small to one dog is an immense step for another.  
 
One might think this accident was terrible which I agree it was unfortunate but I do see some positives such as her experience outside my home, the number of hospital staff she was able to get to know with all their kindness and caring (getting to know humans can be kind and loving), and then all the activities while in the treatment area.  Lots of observation time which is where most of the learning takes place for these dogs.  Bridget is home!!!