My love of dogs began at a very early age and I have always had at least one dog in my life. Currently, I own four – Joey and Spike, Chihuahuas; Hannah a Yorkie-Poo; and Princess a Shih Tzu. And then there’s Toby a 22 lb cat who is just part of the pack.

I had always thought that someday when the time was right, I would volunteer with a rescue group. Well, that time came when a small Shih Tzu walked up to me while I was working in my yard. After unsuccessfully trying to locate the owner, I contacted a local rescue group that I found on the internet and asked them to help her find a home. I offered to foster her until a home could be found. Little did I know that I would still be fostering 3 ½ years later.

Fostering is the most rewarding thing that I have ever done. It can be heartbreaking at times but the rewards of taking a discarded, homeless dog and watching it turn into a beautiful animal with some training, good food, and a lot of love and attention far outweighs the heartbreak. But the best part is seeing your “baby” off to a home where you know they will be loved and cherished as part of a family for the rest of their lives. There is no better feeling in the world.