New Year 2026

Happy New Year! Yeah, I'm a few days late. Circumstances beyond my control, but I'm here now, and ready to talk to you about a subject very dear to my heart.

Fostering.

Since we were last together before the holidays two momentous events have happened!

One -- my foster Bacon was moved to a new foster home. This was necessary for her continued growth and development. Bacon had become too dependent on us as her care givers. She was also dependent on her sister always being there. Bacon needed to experience a new environment and other people to learn that she could survive and thrive with other people. She was moved to a new foster home with our group just a few weeks ago, and she is doing wonderfully! It was the best thing for her, although I do miss my Bacon Butt!

Two -- just when we were getting used to having one foster puppy, an adoption application came in for Bacon's sister, Biscuit. The applicant was a perfect fit in every way! Much to my sadness -- and happiness -- Biscuit is now in her furever home with her new mommy. And I am waiting for my next new foster baby.

Speaking of fosters, have you ever thought about becoming a foster to a furry baby? While we work to control the population growth there are still plenty of dogs and cats waiting for a place to live, even temporarily while looking for their furever home. A loving foster parent would get them out of the shelter -- or worse, off the streets -- while the rescue works to find them a great home.

Let's look at some of the objections that might be preventing you from making the commitment to become a fur baby foster parent:

I've never fostered before. Neither had I, until my first foster Roe showed up at my door. A reputable rescue group will give you everything you need to be successful at fostering. This means everything from food and pee pads to emotional support and training classes. You will bring the love!

It costs money to foster. Again, a reputable rescue will pay all expenses associated with the rescue animal. This is not to say I haven't bought things for my fosters! You can't help but love them like your own.

I don't have a fenced yard. That is not necessarily an issue, because many people foster who don't have a fenced yard, like people who live in rental homes or apartments. This just means you will need to walk the dog on a leash so it can do its business, several times daily. This is actually a good thing because it begins the leash training that is important for the proper development of the doggo. Often new pet parents travel or hike and need their dog to be properly leash trained.

I'm not sure what kind of dog I like. No problem! Rescues will find dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds that need a furever home, so you will have the opportunity to spend time with many different types of dogs, either as fosters in your home or at rescue events.

I might need some time off for vacation. Again, no problem! Let your rescue know in advance when you will be gone. A reputable rescue will work with you when you need to hand your foster off for a few days or more.

Giving them up is too hard. It is hard! And it's not like sending your children out in the world, because they will eventually find their way back home. When a foster leaves your home the intention is that it is a forever arrangement. And you will fall in love with that baby and you will be sad when they go. But that's what fostering is all about. The goal is to take abandoned, neglected, and sometimes abused creatures and show them that the world is not a terrible place, that some humans are kind to animals, and that there is a home out there waiting for them to arrive.

And after your foster has moved on to their furever home, when your heart has healed a bit and you are feeling stronger, there will be another needy baby waiting for you and the love and protection you can provide.

Until next time....