I have always had a tender place in my heart for animals, especially dogs. In fact, my first word as a child was “dogga”. When I was born my parents were also proud dog parents of a female Collie named Saddie and male collie named Sam. One of my favorite things to do was look out the window at my dogs. I still have vivid memories of the times I spent with my dogs even though it was at a very young age. I also remember the first time my mom cried, when Sam crossed over the Rainbow Bridge late one night. It was then we had our first Shih Tzu, Ginger, then our Lhasa Apso, Missy, and finally our Lhasa Apso, Addie.

As I went through college and lived on my own I became very intent on having another dog. I thought it would be beneficial for Addie, with her “Lhasa-tude,” to have a companion. After graduating college I had my own apartment and a full time job and began to feel that I was responsible enough to have a furbaby of my very own. So, on my couch one day, I happened to be looking on petfinder.com and noticed that a rescue organization was having a meet and greet at a Petsmart location very close to my home. So, I convinced my mom to go meet them with me. End of story. I fell in love, well, one of the volunteers convinced me I was in love with Hagan, a skinny, blonde, one-eyed Lhasa Apso. She did the home visit that day at both my mom’s house, where we spend a lot of time, and at my apartment. Hagan immediately curled up on my sofa and began to fall asleep after a long day at Petsmart. I never had a second thought.

After a year of participating in fun doggie-related activities with Hagan, I am volunteering and fostering for DFW Tzus and More Rescue. My first foster, Eva Longoria, was adopted by my parents since my Dad so quickly fell in love with her. My second foster, Dee Dee, wiggled her way into our hearts but has found a wonderful forever home. There were many, many tears shed but I was reminded of why I foster when Fred Astaire came into my life. He was emaciated, bald, and shivering. Now after almost a month, Freddie Bear has hair, barks, plays, and is very, very loved in his foster home.

Fostering is an emotionally challenging process but it is also very rewarding. I can honestly say that I have grown tremendously through the people I have met through fostering and the emotional journey that fostering a loving animal takes us on. I will continue to foster because there are too many individuals who continue to abandon their loved ones, sell puppies for a living, and choose to neglect the innocent. Fostering has changed my life and is something that I have incredible passion for. It is one of the easiest ways to make a difference. My fur babies have brought many smiles and moments of joy to my life that would otherwise not exist.