Why I Foster Animals: Making Time to Give Back

For many years, I felt I wasn’t equipped, capable, successful or simply enough to help with any of the world’s major problems, let alone solve them. And then, one day, everything changed. I had a mindset shift, and I realized that small, imperfect action was better than none at all. That’s where it started for me. Thats why I foster animals and why I’ve made giving back to animals a routine part of my life.

But how do you weave giving back into your daily life? Who has the time?

Information Overload

It’s usually the news stories that get me. And to be clear, I never watch the news. But in an effort to stay informed, I do make a daily pass at an online news outlet just to make sure I’m tuned in. And since I leave my home even less now, it seems like a good thing to just make sure I’m in the know. That said, once in a while, there is a news story that stops me in my tracks. 

Today, it was this article titled, Humanity’s Suicidal War on Nature. If that’s not a title that grabs you, I don’t know what is. These crises are nothing you likely aren’t aware of: climate change, extinction, plastic-clogged oceans, water shortage, disappearing forests. Goodness…

 …it can be a lot to take in.

It often feels that I need to stop what I’m doing and immediately address the crisis; that I should call everyone I know and say, “OMG —did you know this is happening??!!” But, most days, and like most people, I just sigh and go back to my inbox and check my email. 

This is the reality for most of us. If we were to really digest all the current crises around us, we’d be compelled to jump on top of our desks, grab a megaphone and summon the troops. And because most people have long to-do lists, kids at home (these days) and a job to do, we carry on with our daily lives. 

We shake our heads in disbelief and overwhelm when we hear about another world problem that seems too big to solve. 

A Mind-Shift

Trust me, I get it. For the longest time, I felt I didn’t have enough time, money or influence to really make a difference. What was one donation really going to solve? Or one afternoon of volunteering? On the other hand—what is no donation, or no afternoon of volunteering going to accomplish?

Imperfect action is better than none at all. 

As Margaret Mead so famously said:

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

When I have those thoughts of Who am I to (insert something big and scary)? I’m reminded of another one of her quotes: Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else.

Amen, Margaret. 

And while I’m not suggesting you need to quit your day job and fight global crises on the daily—in fact, I’m suggesting the opposite—I am proposing that you can do more than you imagine with just a little time, resources and some consistent effort. 

How I Came to Foster

That’s where fostering started for me. In middle school, in Northern Nevada, my Mom would drive me out past town, towards the fairgrounds, to the remote animal shelter where I’d walk dogs. My motivation was mainly self-serving, as I just wanted to be around more dogs. But, it was a good deed nonetheless. 

Much later in life, once I met Chad, we became volunteers at our local Humane Society here in Miami. We volunteered one day out of our week to walk the dogs. It was a hilarious team exercise, getting in and out of kennels and taking the cooped up and excited dogs outside, while ensuring none of them got away. 

Later, that contribution evolved into shooting portraits of the dogs; first, just in the run, and then later with a more elaborate backdrop and props. All of it in an attempt to make the dogs more adoptable and to help the shelter out. 

As our business grew, our time became more scarce and the weekly days at the shelter were no longer realistic. 

So we applied to be fosters. 

Having a dog of our own at the time, our beloved Axl, we opted to foster puppies who were either too sick or too little to be vaccinated and spayed or neutered in order to be adopted (both required). Rescue organizations aim to get these little ones into foster care ASAP. Often the stress and viruses at the shelter don’t allow them to get healthy, grow and become socialized as quickly as they need to. In a foster home, they’re much more likely to grow into a forever fit for their future family. 

Since we started fostering, we’ve seen so many  puppies and kittens come through our home. Each one leaves their own special mark (& mess!) on us.

I know what you’re thinking: how do we give them up when the time comes? 

Well, the benefit of puppies and kittens is that there is about a 99.9% chance they will get adopted quickly, since they are so desirable. When they spend time in a home environment, getting them used to it, being around different people and working on their manners and training, they are more likely to succeed in their new home. And since we don’t live on a farm (at least not yet!), we only have so much space to spare. 

Yes—many, many times I’ve contemplated how we will make it work, spatially and logistically; but most often, I realize it’s all part of the process. It’s better for me to adjust my life for a short period of time, in order to equip them as best I can and do my part to ensure I’m part of the solution. 

Why I Foster Animals

You may be asking, what does fostering have to do with global crises? 

Well, each year, approximately 1.5 million dogs and cats are euthanized in shelters (670,00 dogs and 860,000 cats).

When I read these numbers my heart stops. I’ve been in the shelters and walked the kennels to meet the eyes of so many animals who deserve a loving home and a happy ending. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case for so many.

Of the dogs entering shelters, approximately 48% are adopted and 20% are euthanized. Fostering highly increases an animal’s chance of getting adopted. Animals in foster care tend to be less stressed, better socialized, and have a lower chance of getting sick than animals in shelters. You may even be the first to teach your foster pet basic house manners, making them more appealing to potential adopters. That’s why I’m so passionate about adopting an animal over shopping for or ‘buying’ a dog. 

Since the passing of our beloved Axl, we have branched out and began fostering for a local Great Dane rescue. It’s wild and fun, and I love showing people that adopting an animal doesn’t mean you have to give up your love or desire for certain breeds. I come across every breed imaginable in the Instagram and Facebook feeds of  the rescues and shelters I follow, and I consider myself a bit of a matchmaker for helping people find the right fit without having to call a breeder. 

In fact, as I write this, we are currently fostering a one year old Newfoundland/Poodle mix (yes, a doodle) and two tiny, Chihuahua puppies that look more like piglets than pups. The purebreds and the odd mixes abound in shelters, all looking for loving homes.

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An Invitation to Action

Ultimately, when confronted with the troubles of the world, big and small, I believe that we can all do something—in our own, big, or small, way. It hurts my heart that so many animals suffer. So we foster when we can. And yes, it helps animals, but ultimately, it brings us so much joy. It might not solve the entire problem, but it certainly helps. 

We all have causes that pull at our heartstrings, and I like to view these as invitations to take action. Maybe it’s signing up for that beach cleanup or joining a mentor program; maybe you also want to volunteer at your local shelter, or offer a few hours a week to a nursing home or a food bank. There are endless opportunities to do good in the world these days. 

The important thing is to make time for it on a consistent basis.

Just like our business, we need to schedule and make time for what’s most important. Whether you have one day, a week or two hours per month, imagine the impact we could have if we all did good, consistently. 

I like to think of it as a ripple effect on a calm lake. One tiny stone dropped in the water can create a  ripple effect that  reaches the shore line. It’s truly immeasurable. Its why I foster animals, why I give to the causes I care about, and why I build giving directly into my business.

Take one action today towards doing good in your community. Put it on the calendar. Call up a friend and volunteer together. Commit your actions to the causes that matter to you.

Why volunteer your time? Will one donation to the local food bank really make a difference? Why foster animals? Because it’s up to you and me. Our actions have the power to do good and create change in the world. So let’s work together.

Tell me in the comments below how you’re going to make time for giving back.