I adopted my sweet girl Kobi from Homeward Bound in 2008. A year later I received an email asking if I would like to volunteer with the organization and decided to give it a try. Four years and over 60 foster dogs later I am still at it and can't imagine not doing this. Knowing there are so many homeless, neglected and abused dogs around breaks my heart and the little bit that I can contribute to correcting this problem keeps me going. Fostering isn't always easy, and it isn't always fun, but the satisfaction of placing a dog in what I think is the perfect home is indescribable. Fosters get paid in sloppy kisses and warm furry hugs as we are all volunteers, and when someone tells me they couldn't do what I do, I know that isn't true. Yes, foster moms and dads may be a special kind of crazy, but it isn't all that different from being a parent. When those big, soft eyes look at you and you receive a goofy dog smile that tells you they think you are the greatest.. well, who can resist that? Certainly not me. So why do I foster? As I said, I have over 60 reasons to date and I'm still going strong.
I have been a doggie foster mom for 6 years. I was very nervous in the beginning, as I wasn't quite sure what I was getting myself into, but fostering has opened up a whole new world to me. I knew there were too many dogs in shelters and too many were being euthanized (all my dogs came from shelters) but I didn't really get involved besides donating to animal causes. I had to stop working due to a disability and I found myself without an identity. I didn't realize how much purpose my job gave me until it was gone. Fostering has given me a new identity...
Foster dogs vacationing with the Mosca family at camp in Saranac Lake. Here are some of the happy campers!
Fostering dogs for Homeward Bound has been an incredibly rewarding experience for us. Knowing these dogs get a second chance at life because we give them a home and warm lap for a short time is very humbling. Seeing a frightened, confused dog come out of his shell and realize that he can be loved and give love in return; watching the fear fall away and seeing a dog let loose and run crazy circles around the yard with a new friend; all these things make it is soooo worth it. Fostering can be a bit of work, but the rewards are amazing. Some have been 8 week old puppies, others adults, some are only with us a week and some are here longer, but each one wiggles their way into your heart in their own special way...
Adoption Clinics: Saturdays, by Invitation 202 Front St. (our entrance is really on John St.) Schenectady, NY 12105
Member Login
Maintained by MVINTECH © 2005 - All Rights Reserved
