In 2020, I needed something that mattered—so I started volunteering with a local animal rescue. That quickly turned into fostering.
One of the questions I get all the time is:
“How can you say goodbye? I’d end up keeping them all.”
And honestly? Foster “fails” happen all the time—and they’re not a bad thing. I call it:
Falling
Absolutely
In
Love
We’ve “failed” four times—Oly, Fuji, Lenny, and Hurley.
Oly was my husband’s itty-bitty kitten. After a month or two of me saying no, I finally gave in. Fuji stayed long enough to bond with Oly… so that decision kind of made itself.
Lenny was different. He wasn’t comfortable with people and wasn’t adoptable to the general public—but he chose us. So we made it official.
And then there’s Hurley.
Old, toothless, shut down, and not thriving. I adopted him because I truly thought he was dying. He wasn’t eating, barely used the litter box, and kept to himself.
The moment the paperwork was done, everything changed.
He started eating. Using the litter box. Opening up. Now he’s an affectionate little love bug who sleeps on my face.
Over the years, we’ve fostered 120+ cats and dogs of all ages. For me, kittens are the hardest to let go—spunky, chaotic, and impossible not to love. Puppies are adorable too, but between potty training, nipping, and general chaos (especially in groups), they can test your patience. After your antique coffee table gets chewed, it’s a lot easier to say, “Enjoy your new puppy!”
Because the truth is—fostering is hard. It’s endless cleaning, potty training, vet visits, and socializing. Some come in sick or injured and need more care than you ever expected. Bottle babies are a 24/7 commitment, and the exhaustion is real – but the tiny ear wiggles and slurping sounds somehow make it all worth it.
And sometimes, despite everything you do, they don’t make it.
But at the end of the day, you’ve given them a chance. A real one.
Whether they find that forever home with someone else—or with you—it doesn’t matter. What matters is that they’re safe, loved, and exactly where they’re meant to be.
If fostering is something you’ve ever thought about, reach out to a local rescue. There are thousands of organizations around the world looking for fosters.
I’m in Alberta, Canada and work with Second Chance Animal Rescue Society, but there are many incredible foster-based rescues in the area, including:
- Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society (AARCS)
- Greater Edmonton Animal Rescue Society (GEARS)
- Zoe’s Animal Rescue
- Edmonton Humane Society
If you search your city and “animal rescue,” you’ll almost always find a group nearby. Most rescues provide everything you need—food, supplies, support and veterinary care—so you’re not doing it alone.
And if fostering isn’t the right fit, that’s okay too. Sharing posts, donating, volunteering, or even just showing up to cuddle kittens or walk dogs makes a real difference.
Fostering isn’t always easy—but it’s always meaningful.
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