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by Lori Hazan Midwest Regional Director
Kaya was being transported from Minnesota to Steward, Illinois. She was going to be fostered by Sally Ranken. Rachel Nilsen volunteered to transport Kaya on the final leg of the trip. It was her first time volunteering for CBRR&R. As she waited in her car for Kaya to arrive, she looked at Kaya's photo on Facebook. Something told her she needed to foster this Chessie. She was hesitant though, because she was feeling emotionally vulnerable, having recently lost both of her Chessies to cancer. She decided to call me.
"Can I foster Kaya, instead of taking her to Sally's?" she asked.
"I don't see why not," I replied.
Rachel completed the foster paperwork, and I approved it. I also notified Sally, who replied, "That is awesome!"
When Rachel and Kaya arrived home, Rachel brought out a basket of toys her previous Chessies played with. Kaya took out a purple plush toy. She carried it in her mouth and immediately proceeded to walk upstairs to Rachel's bedroom. It was as if she had done it before.
In the following weeks, Rachel stayed in touch with me. Rachel and Kaya were bonding, and Rachel was beginning to think about adopting Kaya. But she needed more time, still grieving the loss of her two previous Chessies. We talked about this at length.
"When you're ready, let me know," I told Rachel. It was a relationship not to be rushed, in my judgement.
Several weeks after this discussion, Rachel called me.
"This girl isn't going anywhere," Rachel said. "Does this mean you want to adopt Kaya?" I asked. Rachel replied emphatically, "Yes!"
And so, she did!
Rachel continues to help with Midwest transports. She also helps our foster, Sally Ranken. It seems she has worked through her grief by adopting Kaya and by helping other Chessies.
Rachel's adoption of Kaya is a story of love and healing.You might say it's a perfect example of a statement I occasionally refer to: "We rescue Chessies and sometimes people, too."
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