Fostering dogs is more than just opening your home—it’s opening your heart. Jackie, a dedicated foster mom since 2018, has been a lifeline for countless rescue dogs, helping them transition from fearful, neglected animals to confident, loving pets ready for their forever homes. Her journey has been filled with challenges, triumphs, and unforgettable moments, each dog leaving a lasting impact.
“One of my earliest fosters was a pair of dogs I named Lilly and Daisy. Poor Daisy had been through so much—she walked in circles constantly and was afraid of everything. It broke my heart to see her so scared. For the first month, even when I left the door to their room open, Daisy wouldn’t leave, even when the other dogs ventured out. But then, after a month of patience and gentle encouragement, something amazing happened. Daisy finally stepped out of the room on her own. Even better, she stopped walking in circles. I remember feeling such joy seeing her make that progress. After five months of fostering, Daisy was no longer the timid dog she had been, and she was ready for her forever home. That transformation is something I’ll never forget.”
That transformation is something I’ll never forget.
Not every rescue story is straightforward. Jackie recalls a distressing call about a dog with an injured leg. “They assured me it probably wasn’t broken, but when I picked her up, it was clear her leg had been broken for quite some time. The next day, the vet confirmed what I suspected. Despite the pain, this little trooper didn’t complain as the vet tried to align her leg and splint it, hoping it might heal. Unfortunately, she ended up needing surgery to insert a plate and screws. But once she healed, she was so happy to use her leg again, and watching her run and play without pain was a moment of pure joy.”
Through these experiences, Jackie has learned that fostering is about more than just providing shelter—it’s about helping dogs rediscover their ability to trust humans and experience love. “Fostering helps them learn to trust people, feel safe, and become part of a family,” she says. “It prepares them for a permanent, loving home.” Though saying goodbye to her fosters is never easy, Jackie finds comfort in knowing that her efforts help each dog get their best chance at life. She also recognizes the critical role fostering plays in saving lives, as making room for new rescues is just as important as placing dogs in forever homes.
Of course, fostering comes with its share of funny moments too. “I’ll never forget the mystery of the dining room table! Things kept “falling off,” and I just couldn’t figure out why. I finally set up a camera to see what was going on, and I caught Callie, one of my fosters, boldly climbing onto the table and helping herself to whatever she could find! It gave me a good laugh and is one of those memories that reminds me how each dog has their own personality and quirks.”
Among all of her fosters, one dog stands out as particularly memorable: “If I had to choose the most memorable foster, it would be Crystal. She was such a clever dog—she quickly figured out how to use the dog ramp to get onto my bed, something none of my other fosters seemed interested in doing. I had three other foster dogs at the time, but while they preferred their beds on the floor, Crystal made herself right at home, snuggling up with my two personal dogs as though she had always belonged. It was clear from the start that Crystal had found her place in our little pack.”
“After four months of fostering, I just couldn’t let her go. Crystal ended up being a foster failure, and she officially joined my family. Watching her fit in so seamlessly and seeing her bond with my other dogs made the decision easy. Sometimes, a foster dog just captures your heart in a way you can’t ignore.”
For Jackie, fostering is a labor of love that comes with its share of challenges and rewards. “It’s always hard to let them go,” she admits. “But I know they are getting their best life, and I’m keeping room to save more lives through fostering.” Her commitment to helping dogs heal, trust, and find their forever homes is what keeps her going.
Jackie’s stories remind us that fostering is about making a difference, one dog at a time. Through patience, love, and a willingness to open her home and heart, Jackie continues to transform the lives of her foster dogs—just as they transform hers.
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