People often tell me, “I could never foster. I’d get too attached.”

And honestly? They’re right. You do get attached — and that’s exactly why fostering works.

My very first foster was a little Pomeranian named Allie. She had spent her whole life in a puppy mill and arrived terrified of everything — the grass outside, open spaces, shiny wood floors, normal household sounds, even her own reflection in the glass doors.

At first, she barely moved. The hum of the TV, the roar of the vacuum, or even the creaks of the house would send her running. I laid down rugs and runners so she could safely navigate my home and gave her time to explore at her own pace.

Step by tiny step, she gained confidence. She discovered that rugs led to sunny spots, sunny spots felt safe, and hands reaching out meant love instead of fear.

When it came time for her first adoption event, I packed a small rug so she’d feel secure on the store’s hard floors. I expected her to stay timidly by my side, but Allie surprised us all. She explored, sniffed, and investigated with a confidence I hadn’t seen before. Watching her blossom like that was pure magic.

Some dogs require medical care when they come into foster care, and that has become one of my favorite parts. Helping them heal physically — watching them regain strength, recover from illness, or simply feel better in their own bodies — is incredibly rewarding. It’s another way fostering transforms lives, both theirs and yours.

For a moment, I thought I couldn’t let Allie go. But rescue volunteers reminded me, “You’re just a pit stop. There are more waiting to start their own journey.” That perspective helped me remember that fostering isn’t about keeping them forever — it’s about helping them heal and preparing them for the life they deserve.

So yes, I get attached. And yes, it’s hard. But it’s worth every trembling step, every quiet moment, and every brave little victory. Love is what helps these dogs heal — emotionally and physically — and it’s exactly what makes fostering so meaningful.

When people tell me, “I could never foster because I’d get too attached,” I smile and say, “That’s exactly why you’d be perfect at it.”