The Rewards of Animal Fostering 

People often wonder why foster parents invest time, effort, and love into caring for an animal only to see them leave for a permanent home. Yet, once someone fosters, these questions are often replaced with a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment that one can only truly understand after having jumped into the fostering world.

Take the story of Norman, a 10-year-old red Heeler mix. After spending his entire life in one home, Norman found himself surrendered to Ely Animal Control through no fault of his own. As would be the case with any living being, the sudden shift to an unfamiliar,  frightening environment left Norman traumatized and petrified. He dug a hole in his kennel at animal control and remained there for days, unresponsive and devastated. This poor guy was literally heartbroken. 

Lucky for Norman, Ely has a little-known secret weapon…The Bristlecone Animal Aid and  Rescue Express or BAARX for short. The loving souls at BAARX pulled Norman from the shelter and placed him in their Foster & Adopt Program. Though a wonderful out-of-state adopter stepped forward, Norman still needed medical care before he could be placed. In the meantime, he went to the foster care of Kelli Petersen and her daughter, Dayne. Their love and attention transformed Norman from a shut-down, fearful pup into a happy,  secure, lovebug. Kelli described him as scared and looking to her for help to a completely different dog within days, happily laying on his back for belly rubs and begging for treats with her other mutts. Just check out the before and after pics below to see the proof for yourself.

While fosters do become emotionally attached, they know that they are just a small part in these little guys’ journey to becoming emotionally and physically well enough to succeed in an adoptive home. Fosters can literally help save and protect hundreds of dogs knowing that they will move on to their new and improved lives. Kelli can rest easy knowing that she played an enormous role in Norman’s recovery and success as he lands in a soft place to live out his golden years. She helped prepare him for a second chance at life, giving him the opportunity to find love and happiness once again. That is the ultimate reward for a foster parent: knowing they’ve made a life-changing difference for an animal that has no one to help or protect their little hearts. 

The experience, as Kelli’s story shows, may not always be easy, but it is always deeply rewarding.  

Please consider giving your time and energy to these helpless pets as they make their way home. If you’re interested in fostering and giving an animal a chance at a better life, BAARX  and Ely Animal Control are always looking for people to help.  

If you would like to foster an animal for BAARX, please email us at baarx1313@yahoo.com. If you would like to foster for Ely Animal Control, call ACO Andrew at 775-296-0567.