Time As a Dog Fosterer by Gabriella

Time As a Dog Fosterer by Gabriella - April 2022 Scholarship Essay

I have spent many years caring for dogs that do not have a home. My family and I have worked with the Forsyth County Humane Society and a rescue called Three Paws Rescue. I met so many different dogs, each of whom had a different story to tell. One of them, named Lucky, was found on the side of the road with two fish hooks in his front paw. Another dog, named Petey, had terrible crate anxiety. A big dog named Tank would nip at children trying to pet him. I didn't learn the backstory of most of the dogs we fostered, but the fear and sadness in their eyes told me that it was one most would rather forget.
Whenever we would get a new foster dog, I would help set up a safe space for them so that they could get used to their new temporary home. I would feed them and would make sure they were comfortable. We cared for each dog for up to 6 weeks. During this time, they were able to live in a proper home and socialize with our family and other pets. In every case but three, all the dogs were adopted out to their forever homes. The three found their forever homes with my family.
While fostering I’ve learned so much about the struggles that dogs endure. I’ve heard horror stories of dogs being abandoned, abused, and bred for the purpose of selling or fighting. My heart breaks for them. I want to save them all. I know that is an unrealistic dream, but I still wish over everything that my dream could come true.
Over my lifetime, I have fostered over 100 dogs, all of whom found their forever homes. I know that is less than a droplet in the 70 million dogs who are constantly struggling to live without a home, but I believe I’ve made a positive impact on the lives of those I have saved.