I never knew the two-legged ape beasts could be so nice until I met my foster family.

Until then, I thought humans just cooped you up in a chicken-wire cage.

Nobody ever brushed the dirt out of my coat or fed me treats. Sure, I got fed but just the usual gruel every day in a crusty bowl.

I never really got to know the humans in my old life. One day strange humans plucked me out of my cage.

I traveled in a rolling cage to a place where I received veterinary care and my first bath. A rescue group took me in and handed me handed me over to my foster family.

I had never been in a house before – it was much bigger than my cage and it was lined with this soft stuff called carpet. Little ape-beings bounded to me, showing their teeth and trying to pet me. I tucked my tail between my legs, cowered and skulked away.

The big ape-beings cautioned the little ones not to make any quick moves around me or talk too loud. The first few weeks I crept around the bit weird cage and sniffed the rooms.

The humans had bright things called toys for me but I didn’t know what they were for. But I didn’t hesitate to scarf down the yummy tidbits called treats. The humans gave me treats to win their trust and eventually I learned that hands can be used for scratching behind ears or rubbing tummies.

When little humans show their teeth it meant they were smiling and happy to see me. They can romp with me for hours and are generous with the treats. The humans taught me “sit,” “stay” and other commands. Every day they let me explore the wide world in our daily walks.

One day I knew I was in for a big change when the humans were crying. They sobbed as they gave me to my new family, another group with little people eager to play with me.

If it weren’t for my foster family, my furever home would have been completely alien to me. But my foster family taught me how to live among them and more importantly, how to enjoy life.

Image from Karma Rescue