Margaret Thornton

My life is childless by circumstance but far from fruitless.

My journey has been endless, arduous, painstaking, distressing, burdensome, some regrets, what ifs… an emotional rollercoaster.

It stems from past traumas, upbringing, mis-intentions, positive and negative relationships, growth, development, self-reflection - a culmination of an endless list of events, situations and life experiences.

The pain has cut deep with a seemingly endless penetration but can prove surmountable given time.

The yearning to belong to the expected and conventional family pathway can pass.

It’s not “all that” as I learn over time, through wisdom and observation of the “other side”.

It can be interesting to learn how others apparently perceive me – perhaps I am not so unlucky after all.

My time belongs to me to embark on new challenges, learnings and skills.

A BSc (Hons) no less, a Senior Activity and Health Practitioner, a coach, a welfare guardian, learning a foreign language and a new instrument, I am free to travel,etc., etc., my bucket list is endless – tick, tick, tick …

The childless benefits are enormous – new friendships, hobbies - dreams become realities.

I reap the rewards of living my unimagined and unexpected childless life.

Since owning dogs throughout my life and the great sadness that came with losing my last canine, I decided to direct some spare time to becominga “mum” to canines, in particular, puppies as a foster carer.

These dogs and young puppies are abandoned, vulnerable, injured or convalescing, frightened, confused, andwithout a tribe to call their own … sound familiar?

I have particularly gravitated towards younger and younger puppies - I nurture, I care, I train, I dedicate my spare time and patience to these young canines who desperately need a temporaryloving foster care environment. I help them on their journey to find their forever home, their own tribal place of belonging.

When they are sick, I nurse them;when they are hungry, I feed them; when they are lost, I comfort them; when they cry, I reassure them; when they need love, I hold them.

When they want to play, the child within me bursts at the seams and we have crazy FUN FUN FUN !

Often these young puppies are malnourished, under-weight and need to gain strength; others have lost limbs, suffered other physical injuries, recuperating from surgery or finding a way back from experiencing devasting emotional traumas.

Their stories can be disheartening, but I know I have helped make a difference in their recovery and in preparing them for a more positive life ahead.

I feel a strong connection with each one of these extraordinary canines.They are very endearing animals, and I feel blessed to be a part of their lives.

My accomplishments have been immeasurable - I feel proud to have recently achieved a Level 3 ‘Ethical Care of Dogs’ qualification. I can utilize my additional learnings to do the best I can for my canine warriors – I feel so happy it brings tears to my eyes.

My side of life is a continuous adventure – I have value and I ‘add value’.

I have the gift of life-experience, embracing change, self-reflection, sharing skills and giving back to others.

Plus, I AM a mum after all to these most amazing creatures who give me so much love back – my life is one to embrace and I continue to look forward.

I have shared a few photos of some of the wonderful canines I have felt privileged to have in my foster care.