15 Foster Dogs find Forever Homes Despite ‘Black Dog Syndrome’

Hear how CAC Foster, Genevieve Monier, combats Black Dog Syndrome to find forever homes for her black and white foster dogs.

At Cincinnati Animal CARE, we’re lucky to have foster parents like Genevieve Monier, whose journey began as a small step and blossomed into a life-changing experience. Genevieve and her partner, though new to fostering, have opened their home and hearts to over 15 dogs, all while learning about the unique challenges of fostering, including the heartbreaking reality of black dog syndrome.

We recently sat down with Genevieve to hear her story about fostering and the incredible impact it has had—not only on her life but also on the lives of the dogs she’s helped.

Starting the Journey: From Weekend Fosters to Long-Term Commitment

Before fostering, Genevieve and her partner had no pets. Despite growing up with dogs, they hadn’t had the chance to care for one during their adult lives. When they moved to Cincinnati, they knew it was time to change that. “One of my ‘must-haves’ for a house was a fenced-in yard so that we could eventually get a dog,” Genevieve shared with us. It didn’t take long for the fostering adventure to begin. “Less than a month later, we had our first weekend foster.”

What started as a weekend foster quickly turned into something more significant. The very next weekend, they welcomed their second foster—a dog who never left, becoming their beloved foster fail. “We thought fostering would be a great way to test the waters of dog ownership, and it certainly did that, but it also became so much more,” Genevieve said.

Since then, Genevieve and her partner have fostered 15 dogs and taken several more on day trips, making a huge difference in the lives of many animals, especially those impacted by black dog syndrome.

The Power of Social Media and a Special Adoption Story

One of the most memorable moments in Genevieve’s fostering journey came when a former manager drove from Alabama to meet one of her fosters, a dog named Tolstoy. Genevieve had been sharing photos and updates about Tolstoy on social media, which caught the attention of her old boss, who had been looking for a new dog. “He saw my posts about Tolstoy and decided to come meet him. He and his girls fell in love and brought him back to Alabama from Cincinnati!” she shared.

This story highlights the incredible power that foster parents have to advocate for the dogs in their care. By sharing their experiences online, fosters can reach potential adopters who may not have otherwise considered adopting a dog. This is especially crucial for dogs affected by black dog syndrome, as black dogs often go unnoticed in shelters simply because of their appearance.

The Challenges and Rewards of Fostering

While fostering is incredibly rewarding, it’s not without its challenges. “It has taught us patience for sure,” Genevieve admitted. Each dog comes with a different personality and set of needs, and part of fostering is understanding and adapting to those differences. Some dogs need time to rest and decompress, while others immediately blend into the family routine. Some are leash-trained and potty-trained, while others need more guidance.

Black dogs, in particular, face a unique struggle due to black dog syndrome. For reasons that are often superficial or superstitious, black dogs are frequently overlooked in shelters. This can make fostering these dogs feel even more urgent, as their chances of adoption are often lower. “Regardless of their needs, each dog has a place in our home, and we try to honor that as best as possible,” Genevieve shared.

Despite these challenges, Genevieve remains committed to fostering because of the profound impact it has on both the dogs and her own life. “One of my favorite things ever is watching a scared, timid dog warm up to me, my boyfriend, and our resident dog. We all tend to grow through the process.”

Why Fostering is Worth It

For Genevieve, fostering is about more than just providing a temporary home—it’s about saving lives. “Fosters getting adopted is the best-case scenario,” she said. Not only does adoption mean that the dog has found their forever home, but it also opens up space in her home for the next dog in need. By fostering, Genevieve is playing a direct role in combating black dog syndrome by helping these overlooked dogs find loving homes.

When asked if she had advice for anyone considering fostering, Genevieve didn’t hesitate. “Do it! Even if it’s just a day trip or an overnight. I started with weekend fosters, and now we long-term foster until adoption. Regardless of the type of fostering, it’s extremely rewarding and worth it.”

Continuing the Mission

Genevieve’s fostering journey is a testament to the power of compassion and the difference that one person can make in the lives of many dogs. By opening her home to dogs in need, particularly those affected by black dog syndrome, she’s helping to break down the barriers that keep these wonderful animals from finding their forever families.

At Cincinnati Animal CARE, we’re grateful for fosters like Genevieve, whose dedication and love provide a second chance for so many dogs. If you’re considering fostering, take Genevieve’s advice and give it a try—you might just change a life, including your own.

Ready to give fostering a try? Sign up to foster with Cincinnati Animal CARE today!