Returns
Dear Frankie,
I was adopted for the second time a year and a half ago. I never thought I could love another mom, but I was wrong.
My new mom is single and treats me like a best friend. She takes me with her anywhere dogs are allowed. We go for bagels and coffee on Sunday mornings on sunny days. I don’t drink coffee, but the doggy bagels with liver and bacon cream cheese are fantastic.
We often go for rides in her convertible and hikes at the beach and outdoor fairs. She makes me wear a visor, sunglasses, and sunscreen on my nose. Dogs can get sunburned and blinded if they don’t protect their skin and eyes.
Last week, a lady from the shelter called to ask my mom if she would be willing to give me up because my first mom called and said that things were better at home and wanted me back. My mom said she would let me decide and would get back to her.
I know it will upset my first mom if I choose not to go back. It wasn’t her fault that she gave me up. We were evicted, and the new place didn’t take dogs. How can I tell her that I still love her, but I think I’d be best staying where I am?
Lorraine
Dear Lorraine,
Your new mom sounds like a lot of fun and responsible. However, I don’t think she should have asked you to make the decision. This is too heavy a burden to place on your young shoulders. You are not a ping pong ball to be bounced from one home to another.
Your mom should call the shelter and tell the person who called that adoptions are permanent, and she has no intention of surrendering you.
She might also say that she should read the shelter’s adoption policies and procedures before calling adoptive parents. She should also contact the shelter’s director and request that they train their staff to prevent distressing calls like this from being made to other families.
You made the right decision to stay where you are. Your mom provides you with a safe and stable environment. However, that doesn’t mean you don’t love your first mom.
Best, Frankie
© 2025 Geneva Woodruff
Comments and letters can be sent to Frankie at dearfrankiecolumn@gmail.com. The Fairhaven Neighborhood News publishes the Dear Frankie column. To receive a free online subscription, readers can email neighbnews@comcast.net, request their name be added to the email list or visit www.neighbnews.com to read the paper online or to download the latest issue.
•••
Click here to download the 8/7/25 issue: 08-07-25 FishDerby
Support local journalism, donate to the Neighb News with PayPal
