I adopted my first G.R.I.N. dog just last December and started fostering soon after. I'm currently fostering two dogs, my 5th and 6th dogs simultaneously. The fostering component of our adoption process is the heart and soul of our organization because, without it, we are no more than an animal shelter, and if you have ever attempted to adopt a dog there, you know they cannot tell you much about the dog.

G.R.I.N. has so many hard-working and dedicated volunteers. From those who read applications and conduct the phone interview to those who are out there raising funds to support our dogs. To me, fostering is the jewel. By fostering, I get to see and experience the whole thing come together. I am like the actress on the stage witnessing the standing ovation, when, in truth, behind me are a cast of thousands who gave their support along the way.

When I initially pick up a dog, he/she is usually scared, many times not feeling very well (but now fully vetted by G.R.I.N.), desperate to connect to one human to re-establish that precious bond which exists only between man and dog. But as a foster mom, I get to be the one honored. And that's not all. When the Meet and Greet is set up, I so often think that no human being will be good enough in my eyes for this wonderful dog but, due to our strict application standards, I only see quality potential adopters who are as eager to adopt one of our dogs as a 5 year old on her way to an amusement park. And if that is not enough, I can actually behold these adopters in the process of falling in love with my foster. And if you have ever been able to witness "falling in love", no matter dog or human, it is a wonderful thing to behold.

We can't save them all. We all wish we could. But for that one dog , you can make all the difference in the world. It is so worth it.

If enough foster placements are not available, our wonderful goldens sit in kennels waiting for us to come through for them. Scared and lonely and sometimes not feeling well. If you can open your heart to this enriching experience, please consider doing so. It is a blessed thing.