𝑸. 𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖?

𝐀. Fostering isn’t just a temporary home – it gives a dog the chance to be seen, understood, and loved. To me, fostering means stepping in when others stepped out; entering a dog’s world when they are most vulnerable, confused and let down; offering them stability, patience, structure, and an opportunity they may not have otherwise gotten; or at least a chance to decompress from shelter stress. It’s about creating a safe space where a dog can show who they really are, a side of them that their previous home may have never even seen. A side of them that can build confidence and start learning the bridge of communication and connection with us humans. Through fostering, I’ve personally witnessed these dogs go from shut down, misunderstood, and anxious, to playful, trusting, and ready to become part of a family, not just a pet. And that transformation is truly a gift to be a part of. Selfless and rewarding too.

 

𝑸. 𝑾𝒉𝒚 𝒅𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒇𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓? 

𝐀. So that I can help those without a voice. It’s a lifesaving opportunity that cannot be ignored. I know I cannot save them all, but I can try to save a few, it’s better than doing nothing. Long before I became certified as a trainer I spent years fostering and rescuing dogs and animals of all shapes and sizes. I saw the heartbreaking cycle of dogs losing their homes from being misunderstood and not given the tools, guidance, and patience they desperately needed. When a dog is given a calm environment, structure, and the right communication tools, they blossom. And when families and owners learn alongside them, they create forever homes and an education that lasts a lifetime and can be passed down, so that hopefully we as a society can be better moving forward in the future.

 

I strive to find ways to educate others, teach the next generation how to properly care for and commit to any animal, or help those in need and call others to a real, lasting purpose.

 

𝑸. 𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒂𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆?

𝐀. If you’re considering fostering, know this – fostering isn’t always easy. You’ll have moments that challenge you, but the reward of seeing your foster dog go from scared, let down, and discarded, to confident, happy, and ready to give humans another chance, are some of the most meaningful things you’ll ever experience. 

 

You could be the reason a dog learns trust, starts behaving like their true self, and is able to find a family that will love them forever. You don’t need to be a perfect trainer – just be patient, kind, consistent, and willing to learn with them. You aren’t just a roof over their head; your home, routine, guidance, and calm energy can help a dog more in a few weeks or months than being in a shelter or kennel ever could, and as you help them, you grow too.

 

𝑸. 𝑨𝒏𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒆𝒍𝒔𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒆?

𝐀. People tell me all the time, “I could never foster because I would keep them all.” I’ll tell you, fostering is a rollercoaster. Some days are fun and full of joyful kisses and clumsy little paws scampering through the house. Other days bring chewed shoes, potty accidents, and moments of frustrating leash pulling or barking, but each challenge is an opportunity for learning and growing for both the dogs and their foster families. What’s more is, these dogs have been let down before but through fostering you get to show them that good people do exist and there’s a good-hearted loving family or person out there with a hole in their heart searching just for them. You get to aid in that connection! If you keep them, you can’t keep saving lives, and helping others, so you let them go be loved, to make room for the next one coming in who may not know what love is…yet.

 

In the end, fostering is about healing hearts – both canine and human. It’s about giving second chances. Every dog you foster will stick with you, leaving a paw print on your heart. I know they certainly have for me. And in return you get to be a part of the journey to their best life.