Animal foster moms and dads are some of the most underrated heroes of our society.
The role of a foster parent is to look after one, often several, “unwanted” cats or dogs, showering them with love and attention until they find their furever home.
It’s hard to let go of a pet who meant so much to you, but fostering is only temporary, so it’s a bittersweet moment when foster parents have to say goodbye.
Nicki Clawson is doggy foster mom – and she never expected her story to turn out the way it did.
Like all doggy foster moms, Nicki was used to having dogs coming in and out of her home all the time.
She formed a close bond with all the pups in her care – but there was one dog, a boxer named Cookie, that Nicki had a special place in her heart for.
Cookie and Nicki were pretty much soul mates.
It was obvious to all of Nicki’s friends and family that Cookie was a dog she shouldn’t let go of. The pair got on like a house on fire and were never far away from one another.
Nicki had a gentle heart, and her friends decided that they’d find a way to unite Nicki as official “adopter” and “adoptee” – and it involved a playful prank.
Nicki’s husband, Tim, and the adoption coordinator, Jessica, worked behind the scenes on the surprise.
They brainstormed with Nicki’s friends, and a plan was formed – not that Nicki knew!
And then the day came: an adopter reached out and asked to do a meet and greet with Cookie.
Nicki had prepared for this sad moment, so she brought Cookie to meet the mystery caller.
We can imagine that Nicki’s journey to her favorite boy’s adopter was a difficult one. After giving Cookie a piece of her heart, Nicki had to let him go. She’d loved him, cared for him, seen him grow into the beautiful dog he was today, and now she had to say goodbye… or so she thought.
When Nicki arrived at the meeting location, there was no one there. So she waited.
And waited…
And waited…
AT first, Nicki thought the adopter was just running late.
But after so long, she decided that they must have canceled without letting her know. Before leaving, she opened the folder to call the adopter.
And that’s when she was confronted with a confusing sight: her own phone number.
She asked Jessica why her own number was on the form, and Jessica replied:
“Well, that’s the number of who is adopting her.”
The moment Nicki realized what was going on, she fell to the ground and burst into tears.
According to Nicki, that moment was the happiest she’d ever been – and she’d been crying for four day straight thinking she’d have to give Cookie away.
Though Nicki feigned anger at her husband and Jessica for the prank, she was truly happy to be with her friend Cookie, telling him:
“You are part of our family now! Forever.”
This story is guaranteed to make you hold your furry friend close and thank them for being in your life.
You can check out the story of the surprise in the video below – but be prepared, it’s an emotional one!
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
