A Life-Changing Impact
Fostering gives animals a second shot at happiness
In the summer of 2017, Hurricane Irma was approaching the Florida peninsula, and the Leon County Humane Society (LCHS) was lining up foster homes in case animals from neighboring counties needed assistance. My husband, Timothy, and I opened our house and have been fostering ever since.
Over the years, we’ve welcomed 35-plus fosters into our home, and each has left a permanent mark on our hearts.
Our first foster fail, Kona, has transformed from a once-abandoned, broken husky that would shut down in a shelter kennel, to a thriving, “head husky in charge.” She guides each of the foster dogs that enter our home, from reassuring the broken dogs that it’s OK to trust again to keeping the young puppies in line, and each leaves with an imprint of Kona on their training.
Three other dogs have earned the title of “furever foster.” Their names are Cody, Mila and Carlos — a young dog from an overflowing shelter in Louisiana who, at 10 months old, was diagnosed with hip dysplasia and tested positive for heartworms; a 4-week-old puppy that had to be separated from its mom; and a feral junkyard pup, once adopted and abandoned again, who somehow knew he belonged in the Little home.
Kona is the OG “furever foster” that allowed us to see the impact of our efforts day after day; she set our path without us even realizing it. Kona is a testament to the influence a kinder community can have.
We have fostered dogs from many backgrounds — cute, wiggly puppies from unexpected litters, dogs from hoarding/breeding situations and those left at shelters without reason. With a little patience (and maybe some dog treats or deli meat), we break down barriers and rebuild their perception of humans.
I can’t say I’m always ready for the lessons these dogs will impart, but I can say I am who I am because I have fostered. I have been granted the opportunity to make a lasting impression in the life of a dog and its future owner, who is always beaming with happiness when they find their furry companion.
I have a challenge for you. Look around you — is there an opportunity for you to share your home with a foster animal? You don’t have to have a “furever foster” like Kona, but you could make a big difference in an animal’s life by saying “yes” to fostering and being the reason LCHS can say “yes” to rescuing more animals. I promise you, being part of their journey to finding happiness in a home is pure magic.
