By Lisa White, G.R.I.N. Volunteer Coordinator

Judy has been a G.R.I.N. member since 2005. She has fostered 35 G.R.I.N. Goldens; helping them transition to their ‘furever’ homes! She’s currently awaiting Foster #36.

Why does Judy foster? She loves Golden Retrievers, wants to be a ‘step’ in helping a dog find a home, and her heart goes out to dogs who may be “just sitting in a kennel,” since all they need is a temporary loving home. Judy added, “While I have them, I LOVE them.” She bonds with her foster dogs so they feel safe and they build trust in her so she can work with them.

How did Judy get involved with G.R.I.N.? Judy met some G.R.I.N. volunteers at a local pet supply store; she was attracted to the Golden Retrievers at a G.R.I.N. booth! G.R.I.N. volunteers reach out to our community at many monthly retail locations and other community events to build awareness of rescuing Golden Retrievers. At that time, Judy hadn’t heard of rescue and she was experienced with Goldens. The G.R.I.N. volunteers told Judy that G.R.I.N. always needs foster homes. Judy thought, “I can do that!”

If you love them and you bond with them, how can you let them go? Foster home volunteers host a “Meet & Greet” with the potential adoptive family. Judy observes the family’s interaction with the dog, and she can tell right away if there’s a “connection” between the dog and the humans. Judy feels great when she knows she’s been part of the process in helping both a Golden and the family they adopt to find happiness and love together!

What else do you like about fostering? Judy saw 4 of her foster dogs at the G.R.I.N. Reunion picnic this past September. She has on-going relationships with the adoptive families; she receives Christmas cards and pictures of foster dogs in their ‘furever’ homes. Judy recently “doggy-sat” for former foster “Riley,” and although he was thrilled to spend time with Judy, she could see how happy he was to go back home with his ‘furever’ family. Win-win-win situation for the Golden, the family, and Judy! Job well done!

What’s next for this dedicated G.R.I.N. volunteer? Judy has agreed to step up and be a Foster Buddy. Foster Buddies are a great addition to G.R.I.N.’s Foster Team; they assist G.R.I.N. foster home volunteers with overall training and support. Judy says she has “learned a lot over the years” from other Foster Buddies and members of the Foster Team. Now she wants to ‘give back’ by helping other foster homes successfully participate in the fostering process. THANK YOU, JUDY!

Interested in fostering? Contact: foster@grinrescue.org

Interested in volunteering? Contact: volunteer@grinrescue.org