Why did you get into fostering?
For years I have been involved with HART in some way. Whether that
be treating the dogs the would come into the veterinary clinics I
work at, helping recruit strays for the rescue at the Alberta Spay
and Neuter Task Force clinics or going out to support some of the
great fundraisers HART holds. Not till this year though, did I jump
into the Foster clan. I thought fostering would be a great for me
to be helping out the organization (and a pooch!) continuously
instead of only during certain times throughout the year.
Which hart dogs have you fostered?
ZAYA (who came in at first as Zatar...thought that was too harsh
of a name for a little lady like Zaya and it sounded a bit too much
like a Disney villain name)
What has been the most rewarding aspect to
fostering?
To see how thankful the dogs are for the littlest things: whether
that be a simple chew toy, some good food, or even just a hug. Many
of these dogs have come from having none of these or little of it;
so when they all of sudden are given these they are at first taken
back. You can see how appreciative they get because they suddenly
become full of life and make a 180 in their behaviour. A once timid
lady that was too shy to come out to eat is now an energizer bunny
whose favourite time is meal time and loves everyone. Watching that
transition occur (which can happen in a matter of days sometimes)
is the most rewarding aspect for me. To see them realize that they
have a caring companion now and because of that, unconditionally
love you is very moving. Knowing at the end of the day that you
helped one dog off the street and they are now comfortable gives
you and indescribable feeling.
If your foster dog(s) could speak, what do you think
they would say to you?
Give me more peanut butter and food! And of course a thank you,
for providing the resources and love for them to be comfortable and
feel like a puppy again.