ohmidog!

My brief experience fostering a dog over the weekend — a lively and lovable pup named Fanny — renewed my admiration for those who do it regularly, my own fading memories of puppyhood, and my appreciation for my dog Ace, who was, for the most part, both dependable role model and patient host.

Fanny, who was pulled out of BARCS by the new local rescue group Stop Killing Dogs, is back at the Downtown Dog Resort & Spa, out of which the group works, and available for adoption.

My best guess is she’s part chocolate Lab, part German shepherd, with a small sprinkling of pit bull. Eight months old, she’s sweet, smart, recently spayed, with a lush silvery-brown, short-haired coat. She’ll probably grow into a good-sized dog, and, with proper upbringing, a well-behaved one.

She’s sociable, but sometimes snarly with other dogs. A couple of times she growled and jumped on Ace, but he quickly put Fanny in her place. By weekend’s end, she seemed enamored with him, following him like a shadow, which Ace tolerated.

Ace, who is four, also came from BARCS (Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter). Fanny’s let’s play, let’s play, Energizer bunny enthusiasm brought back memories of his puppyhood — at least to me, if not him.

Fanny’s previous name was Wonder Woman, and she ended up in shelter when her owner could no longer care for her.

Sunday afternoon, we returned her to Downtown Dog Resort & Spa and said our goodbyes. The new kennel and veterinary center was built by Baltimore attorney Barry Glazer, who is also involved in the rescue group. His hope, according to its website, is to rescue dogs and make a profit at the same time. In addition to seeking new permanent homes for homeless dogs, the rescue is seeking volunteers to serve as foster parents.

It’s a good way to liven up a weekend, or more, and the hardest part, most foster parents will tell you, is saying goodbye at the end — breaking the bond you just made.

While the time’s not right for me to have another dog, there were times it entered my mind — such as when both of us were on the couch, and she, her head on my belly, gazed into my eyes for about 60 seconds.

Twice, I had to ask her to stop doing that.

If you’re interested in adopting Fanny/Wonder Woman — the rescue charges a $200 adoption fee – send an email to  sallyannjennings@gmail.com, or stopkillingdogs@gmail.com.