Fostering Pets: A Heartwarming Journey of Love and Rescue
Local Resident Shares Heartwarming Story of Fostering Pets in Need
Park City resident Julie Hooker Dicker may be considered a “foster failure” by some, but in her eyes, she is simply in awe of the true heroes of rescue – the foster families who open up their homes and hearts to animals in need.
Julie’s first foster fail was Houston, a deaf dog with limited vision who stole her heart the moment he arrived at her home. Since then, Julie has become a dedicated foster parent, providing temporary homes for pets in need until they find their forever families.
According to PJ Saylor of FetchCares, fosters play a crucial role in the rescue community by providing a safe landing place for animals in need. They take in pets at their worst, love them at their best, and then say goodbye as they move on to their forever homes.
Fostering is essential for reaching the goal of No Kill by 2025, as it allows shelters to learn more about pets in a home environment, market them effectively, and free up resources for other animals in need. Pets are often adopted directly from foster homes, bypassing the shelter altogether.
In Summit County, there is a need for more foster families to support local rescues. Heidi Black of Paws for Life Utah emphasizes that all supplies are provided to fosters, making it easy for anyone with a passion for animals to get involved.
Danielle Barnhart of Best Friends Animal Society highlights the positive impact of fostering on the mental and physical health of animals. By becoming a foster caregiver, individuals can help save more animals and provide them with a comfortable environment while they wait for their forever homes.
Julie’s experience with fostering has been incredibly rewarding, from finding homes for kittens to caring for senior pets in their final days. As spring approaches, she encourages others to consider opening their homes and hearts to pets in need.
If you have room in your home and your heart for fostering, consider reaching out to a local rescue organization. You never know how much of a difference you can make in the life of a furry friend in need.