by Anna Dinelli
Charlie is my very first foster dog, and he is definitely not my last. I truly believe fostering is important because it gives dogs a safe, calm place to stay while they search for their forever homes — something a busy, noisy shelter often can’t provide. Shelters can be overwhelming and frightening environments for dogs, especially young puppies. At just 8 months old, Charlie was scheduled for euthanasia simply for lack of space. I don’t think I could have lived with myself if that had happened. Opening my home to him felt like the only choice.
The day I picked him up, all he wanted was to be in my lap. I will never forget how he smelled so bad, but all he wanted was love. We drove straight to the dog wash.
Since bringing Charlie home, I’ve seen his wonderful personality shine in ways it never could have in a shelter setting. He is so goofy! When he gets excited, he hops like a rabbit. He loves treats and new toys, and it took him about a week to adjust to my dog, Archie. He’s very independent, at least when it comes to humans. He stays close to Archie and hardly pays any attention to me. All he wants is for Archie to play with him.
Fostering allows dogs to relax, learn and show who they truly are, which is so important for future adopters. It gives people the chance to know how a dog interacts with other dogs, cats and children in everyday life. That insight helps create better matches and better outcomes, and that is why fostering matters so deeply to me.
My biggest fear with fostering was, “Could I do it?” It sounds so silly and simple, but when you already have a dog and live in a small space, you hesitate on bringing another dog into the mix. I was also worried that a foster wouldn’t be able to adjust or that I wouldn’t be able to provide enough for the foster.
Luckily, since I’m fostering through OKC Animal Welfare, all of his medical needs are covered, and that really gives me peace of mind. Knowing that if something happens — if he gets sick, which is so, so common in puppies and dogs from a shelter — it will be taken care of through them. That’s why, if you can’t foster, it’s so important to donate, so people who can foster get that help thanks to donations.
It’s hard not to get attached, and I realize that. I like to think I’m just walking my foster dog home — to his forever home. I find peace knowing I am providing comfort to him while his future family is getting ready for him.
