From Shelter to Home: The Impact of Long-Term Dog Fostering

Why Long-Term Fostering Matters: One Foster’s Story of Love and Goodbye

At Cincinnati Animal CARE, fostering plays a crucial role in giving dogs a second chance at life, especially for those who just need a temporary place to stay. For many of our foster parents, like Brandy Burkey, the journey of fostering is one of love, connection, and bittersweet goodbyes. Brandy’s experience with long-term fostering, defined as two weeks or more, highlights not only the immediate impact it has on the dogs but also the deep personal fulfillment it brings to the foster families.

Why Long-Term Fostering?

Long-term fostering provides immediate relief to the shelter, giving dogs a break from the crowded, often stressful environment. It can be a lifesaver for dogs in need. Brandy shares, “Life is never going to be ‘perfect’ for fostering. I realized it doesn’t need to be perfect, but I CAN provide a safe, loving home for some dogs who need it.”

The flexibility of long-term fostering makes it accessible for many. Whether you’re a busy professional or a family with a full schedule, taking in a dog for a just a few weeks allows you to make a significant impact. Plus, it gives dogs a much-needed break from the shelter environment, helping them relax and show their true personalities.

The Heartwarming Connection of Fostering

One of Brandy’s most memorable fostering experiences was with Apollo, a puppy who was rescued by CAC from a rural shelter. “I fostered a puppy named Apollo for five weeks while he was on hold for My Furry Valentine,” she recalls. During that time, Apollo became part of Brandy’s family, blending seamlessly with her resident dogs. “He experienced his first snow with me, slept in the bedroom next to my bed every night, and quickly became part of our pack.”

The bond that forms between a foster family and their dog can be profound, even in just a few short weeks. Apollo’s story is a perfect example of the emotional highs and bittersweet goodbyes that come with fostering. Brandy recounts how difficult it was to say goodbye when Apollo was adopted at the My Furry Valentine event. “It was love at first sight when a mom and daughter spent time with him. He went home with them the next morning, and they still send me updates, pictures, and stories of his adventures. They love him so much, and I know he’s exactly where he’s meant to be.”

Long-term Fostering with Resident Dogs

Fostering doesn’t just benefit the dogs being fostered—it can also have a positive impact on the resident pets in the home. For Brandy, fostering has helped her own dogs, Ecko and Koda, learn and grow. “My grumpier dog, Ecko, has learned tolerance, and my happy-go-lucky dog, Koda, has become Uncle Koda to the many foster dogs and puppies we’ve taken in.”

Finding the right foster dog to fit with her resident dogs’ personalities can be challenging at times. Brandy explains, “My biggest struggle is that my resident dogs have VERY different personalities. Puppies usually work out easiest because Uncle Koda Bear loves to play with them and keeps them occupied and out of Ecko’s face.” Despite the challenges, fostering has brought out the best in her dogs and deepened their bond with her.

Saying Goodbye

One of the hardest parts of fostering is saying goodbye when the dog finds their forever home. It’s normal to feel a mix of joy and sadness during this time, and Brandy doesn’t shy away from that. “Is it sad to say goodbye sometimes? Yes, it’s bittersweet. But it’s so rewarding to watch these dogs feel safe, feel love (sometimes for the first time), and just see them able to be a dog.”

Brandy’s advice for anyone considering fostering is simple: “Go for it!” She acknowledges that it’s okay to cry when saying goodbye. “Most of my fosters’ families have sent updates, and that helps a lot.” And while saying goodbye is difficult, she knows that “there’s always going to be another one who needs your love.”

Why Fostering Matters

The work done by foster families like Brandy’s is essential to Cincinnati Animal CARE’s mission. Without fostering, many dogs might never find the comfort of a loving home, even temporarily. Brandy reflects, “Had [Apollo] not been saved by CAC and fostered by me, who knows where he’d be now. And THAT’S why I foster.”

Long-term fostering of even just a few weeks leaves a lasting impact. It allows dogs to experience love and safety while they wait for their forever families, and it gives people a chance to make a difference, even if only for a short time. As Brandy puts it, “Dust yourself off and go pick up another.”

If you’re considering long-term fostering, know that you don’t have to have everything perfectly in place. All that’s needed is a safe, loving environment, and a willingness to open your heart to a dog in need. At Cincinnati Animal CARE, we support our fosters every step of the way, and we’re always grateful for the love and dedication they bring to our animals.

Join us in making a difference—one foster at a time.