The story that ends before it begins
I foster dogs through the Humane Society of Lincoln County. But this story is not about me. This is Mystic’s story that began October 18, 2025, when Village of Ruidoso Animal Control brought her to the shelter as a stray. Her microchip revealed her name but not her history and after the required 3-day hold to allow owners to claim lost animals, she became available for adoption as well as entry into public life in Ruidoso.
A possible Black Mouthed Curr, Mystic’s gold eyes were sweet and pleading for love and hugs. Her endearing way of communicating emphasized her intelligence as she would walk closely, putting her head under a person’s hand requesting attention. Characteristics not so different from any other special guest at the HSLC awaiting a family.
As with many of the HSLC special guests, exposure to the community is essential in finding the perfect furever family. Mystic experienced her first tasty pup cone when visiting Sabor and was able to pick out her own treats at No Bones About It. Feather and Stone Emporium was the perfect place for a cool breather from her walks about town. She visited GoodLife Senior Living and became a regular on the Huff and Puff hikes where she met four-legged friends – Henry, Ivy, Mig, Lula, and Honey as well as their two-legged sidekicks. These outings had purpose, challenges for Mystic who took them on with grace. We learned that she was good with seniors, children, other dogs, walking through stores where strangers lingered, and riding in cars. Characteristics not so different from many special guests at the HSLC awaiting a family. Though she loved being outside, sniffing, walking through tall grass, hiking with her pals, Mystic had an unusual gait that slowed her down and shortened her hikes. Her left leg seemed to roll loosely at the hip.
Ruidoso Animal Clinic x-rays told the story of a malformed, possibly crushed left femur ball and turned pelvic box. The recommended surgery Femoral Head Ostectomy, (FHO), is a procedure that removes the head and neck of the femur to alleviate pain and restore mobility in pets suffering from hip problems. This characteristic was very different from other HSLC guests.
Understanding that surgical recovery is a challenge for canines, but extremely stressful at the shelter, Mystic came to stay in our home before Thanksgiving.
Her first three days (destressing) went quicky. She loved quiet. A giant pillow on the deck provided her with perfect viewing of the wildlife coming and going. The memory foam guest bed in the two-legged room served as bed, toy storage, blanket pile, and safe private area. Mystic became a “Velcro dog” not leaving my side. So much so that it was necessary for her to stay with another Volunteer couple and their sweet Boxer Maggie if I would not be at home. She grew on me too!
December 4th arrived quickly. The caring Vets and staff at Ruidoso Animal Clinic worked magic on Mystic’s left femur, though she was not so enthusiastic about their work. Post surgery, she modeled different types of neck cones and pillows as well as shirts cut to cover her sutures so she could not chew or lick. The middle of the night outdoor potty walks were not as enjoyable for her when she was restricted with a support sling. Mystic learned to take care of her business quickly and then lay down in tall grass so she could stay outside longer. We would sit watching birds or deer as long as she wanted to be out or until the sun set. She was allowed to heal quietly, slowly. Initially.
Mystic was cleared for Physical Therapy with Old Dogs, New Tricks mid-December. Her own private Physical Therapist came to our home once a week to walk her over low obstacles and up ramps. Mystic even had her own course of pillows, ramps, and roundabouts that she practiced every day. We loved our walks, finding hills, rocks to step over, and soft grass in which to complete squats. Mystic might initially refuse post-workout massages and stretches but smoked salmon was always a good incentive. I loved my months with Mystic, but my job as a foster was coming to an end. A very active, outdoorsy couple in Pagosa Springs, Colorado had spoken for her after seeing posts of her hikes. We communicated throughout rehab. They spoke to Mystic’s vet and PT and even came to meet her early in her healing. It became clear that as her story with me ended her forever story was just beginning.
On the day she was to leave with her new family, I lifted her from my car at the HSLC for the last time before taking her to the Meet and Greet Pen. We showed off her skills, stretches, and massages with her new people. A bag of her favorite toys and blanket was exchanged, her bed was loaded into a new car and I walked away. She sat at the gate looking after me before being taken to her new life.
I foster dogs through the HSLC. My job is to love, gently teach, and provide experiences to my charges before they leave with their “furever” families. It is not easy, as there are many clean-ups, challenging moments, and middle-of-the-night walks or feedings. However, it is the most rewarding job when my house guests pick up their harness for a walk, bring me a toy to play with, or lie on my feet after a long walk. I have loved and prepared The Christmas Puppies, Delilah and The Leap Year Litter, Nala, Rene, and Mystic. Comfort was given to puppies Burrito and Tatum before they crossed the Rainbow Bridge.
This story is not about me but the animals whose lives can be changed through the foster process. The HSLC has several Foster Volunteers. You too can be an HSLC Foster helping to end each guest’s story with a perfect beginning.
Special thanks to the angels who supported Mystic and me through the writing of her story: Darrell Pickard, Jan and Greg Claeys and Maggie, Dr. Botkin, Katy and Ely, Kimber Ware, Jessica Sherman, the special staff at the Humane Society of Lincoln County, and mostly my patient husband Alan from whom I will always ask permission even if I have already made the decision to foster.