For the past few weeks, I have had a little secret, and if you know anything about me, you would know that I'm a horrible secret-keeper.  I usually get so excited and can't wait to spread the news, but this time I kept my big mouth shut.  Well, I woke up this morning and decided that "enough was enough" and it was time to let the cat doodle out of the bag...drum roll, please...

 My newest foster, Shiner!!

I know I ask this question with each of my fosters, but isn't she THE CUTEST THING EVER?  I certainly think so!  Shiner is a born-and-bred Texan (like me!) and came my way through the DRC from a child-filled home in San Antonio. She is 8 months old today and is a small standard F1 goldendoodle from a breeder in the Central Texas area.  While her parents were both in the the 65 pound range, Shiner is only 30 pounds now and I really don't expect her to weigh any more than 40 to 45 pounds when fully grown.  Her stunning black non-shedding coat is fading to a gorgeous silver -- what an absolute beauty! I think her name is very fitting as she definitely SHINES, at least in my eyes!

Unfortunately for Shiner, her previous home had a great deal of activity with 3 young children and their friends coming and going, and Shiner did not respond well.  She became fearful and displayed her fear with constant barking.  In a nut shell, Shiner's very social family did not take the time to socialize her.  I remember those busy days myself and certainly am not here to criticize -- the right thing was done when the DRC was called.  Yes, Shiner has some issues, but nothing that training and lots of love can't handle.  If truth be known, Knox and Courtney are probably helping her as much as me in reducing her anxiety around people as they have no fear in that regard!  After having three other fosters, they are finally learning that they have a job in this passion of mine!

Finally, I want to say that I ADORE THIS DOG and the DRC and I are committed in making sure that Shiner's next home will be her FOREVER home.  Most likely, it will not contain children and will already have a well-adjusted dog in it.  Along with a great deal of patience and love, I hope it has buckets and buckets of balls...