WHY I FOSTER
and why you should too.
Fostering is a critical component of animal rescue. We value the time, energy and passion of each and every one of our Volunteer Fosters. Most importantly, we recognize and nurture the sacred connection that is formed between the human and the animal during one's time as a Foster. With that in mind, we make it a requirement in every adoption agreement, that the Foster of the animal who is being adopted, is legally allowed to remain in contact with their Foster dog and/or cat through the adoptive family. This includes joining authorized TCV Representatives on scheduled home visits, pre and post-adoption, so that they too are able to remain in touch with their Foster fur baby, having peace of mind that they are safe, happy, healthy and LOVED! As a Foster, we are indeed their first human "parents" and we will always love them like our own! Scroll down and read some of our Foster's testimonials below.
Interested in becoming a Foster? Submit your Foster application today!
Kim Earle DelMonte
FOSTER & VOLUNTEER
"I started fostering in the 90’s just out of love for animals and wanting them all to have a good home. It all started with a dog named Midnight and my neighbor who never took him off a 5 ft chain or would even hardly acknowledge the dog.. after a few months of making sure he had unfrozen water and food, I marched over there and asked if they wanted the dog as I would be glad to take him.. they said sure, take him.. one of the best dogs I’ve ever had.. the look on his face to sleep INSIDE a house and have love is what started my fostering. Even though I’ve had countless foster fails I still love that I’ve placed some animals in wonderful homes. I currently foster for an organization that helps soldiers with fosters while on deployment.. we currently have a military foster named Madonna who is just the loveliest dog. People who know me know my 2 passions are military and animals! I get frustrated with people who say “ you can’t save them all”.. I always respond..No, but I’m going to save one animal at a time and that’s a start!"
Candice King
FOSTER & VOLUNTEER
"I love animals. I love that unconditional love they give us. I began fostering because I believe they all have a chance at at a furever home. I admit that I cry at every adoption but I realize that they are going to be loved and that they will love that family unconditionally too. It’s so worth seeing the happiness on that new families’ faces."
Melissa Wortham Schmitt
FOSTER & VOLUNTEER
We fostered with TCV as a chance to both make a difference and to see how our elderly dog would do with younger dogs. We planned on adopting the bonded pair, but wanted to make sure it wouldn't be too much stress on the current household or the fosters (official foster fails!). I love the chance to train dogs to both increase my learning and increase their confidence and ability to thrive. We've never been so grateful as to have already had our fosters when we unexpectedly lost our older rescue to long-standing health issues. We don't feel like we could have made it through without them. And they thrive now on training and adventures. We enjoy even in the challenges knowing we are making their lives the absolute best they can be. And since then, being able to help with grooming and husbandry needs after hours for emergency rescues that have come in to TCV has allowed them to meet even more pups and us to continue to help more. We look forward to many more in the future.
Connie Cupilary
FOSTER & VOLUNTEER
"I fostered seven years ago and only had one "failure." I went back to work, had 5 pets and didn’t think about it again until I started seeing TCV all over Facebook saving these animals in need. I lost my 3 elderly dogs in a span of 15 months. Broken hearted I couldn’t adopt another right away so I figured I would try fostering again. My TCV Foster dog, Frank, has been my blessing in disguise. He has filled my home with love and laughter again."
Jeanne Laffartha
FOSTER & SUPPORTER
"Why am I fostering? Because I can, because I have room in my heart and my home to love unconditionally and to let them go when they're ready for a furever home. Barbie Sue, a TCV kitty, needed a warm place to stay, to heal and learn to trust people. I'm able to give her that. When she was brought to me a few weeks ago, she was shy and shut down. Now she comes up to me meowing and rubbing against my legs and wanting attention and it makes my heart explode seeing how far she's come. This is my first time fostering and it definitely won't be my last. So let me ask, why aren't you fostering?"
Brittany Meade
FOSTER & VOLUNTEER
"I stumbled in to fostering accidentally, but it was such an exciting new adventure! I love my foster babies with all my heart, and I can't wait for them to find their forever homes. These babies deserve a chance and they need us! If you've ever considered fostering, now is the time to go for it!"
Lesli Dani-Smith
FOSTER & VOLUNTEER
"When I first became a foster fur mom like most I stumbled into it. I came to the aid of this beautiful, but sadly in need of a lot of TLC fur puppers. What I saw was a very nervous, skinny and very cold fur baby which wore as much heart in her eyes as i do on my sleeve. I took her in without even knowing this wonderful rescue group was going to swoop in to help me in any and every way they possibly could which allowed me the ability to concentrate on what she truly needed. Which was and still is trust, love, warmth and kindness as well as compassion. The idea of fostering is great! To be able to open up my arms and heart to just pour everything into an animal who is in need of all of what a person can offer. My favorite part of fostering has been the time spent with my foster fur baby and being here first hand to see her grow from that unsure, scared skinny pup Into this incredible bond that we share full of trust and love and healthy happiness. I would encourage anyone if they have even a tiny bit of extra love to share these fur babies in need of fostering could really use just that.
Now in my case the bond I have created with my foster has turned into so much more. And I have been in the process of adopting her as she is already one of my family pack. But I would still foster at any point If it was needed. My families live for animals is huge and they all deserve it."
Britni Wilson
CO-FOUNDER, PRESIDENT, PHOTOGRAPHER, GRAPHIC/WEB DESIGNER, FOSTER & VOLUNTEER
"I Foster because it literally saves lives. Without Fosters, the euthanasia rate would be significantly higher. Upon Co-Founding The Compassionate Village, it was a personal mission of mine to see that we truly nurture the human-animal bond, and not with just the families we work with throughout our community alone, yet with our Fosters too. This is such a special journey. One to be cherished and respected, even after our Foster animals are placed in their forever homes. This is why we created an adoption agreement that allows our Fosters to remain in touch with their Foster dogs and cats, post-adoption. Fostering isn't always easy, especially when it's time to see our babies off to their forever homes, yet knowing that we are all able to remain in touch, visit and receive updates etc., makes this experience an even better one for both the human Foster and their Foster fur baby! I encourage everyone to open their heart and their home to a Foster dog, puppy, cat or kitten. It will bring you such joy and the blessings are truly full-circle.
Come join our team and save a life (or two) with us, while inspiring our community in positive ways!"
Tiffany Dargahi
FOSTER & VOLUNTEER
"I technically Fostered-to-Adopt, and I’m so glad we had the opportunity to foster our Rosie before officially adopting her. We were able to work with her first and make sure that she would be the right fit for our family. After a few months of fostering, we knew she was meant to be with us. If we had more room in our house, I would absolutely foster again just to give animals a space to feel comfortable and loved... until I can do that, I will support and volunteer with The Compassionate Village any time I can."