Why I Foster: Meet Debbie

Sometimes, all it takes is one “yes” to change everything. Debbie Allen's first foster experience was filled with growth, connection, and joy. In this Q&A, she shares how opening her home to one dog led to helping many more, and why providing a safe, loving space can make such a lasting difference for shelter pets.

1. What made you decide to foster for the first time, and do you remember how you felt the moment your first foster animal arrived home? I saw a post asking for people to consider fostering a dog for the holidays (Christmas’25). For a weekend, a week or whatever. I signed up and picked up a 3-year-old that had been at the shelter for a year. He was a well-mannered dog and an absolute joy. I fostered him for 6 months until he was adopted.

2. Was there a specific animal — or a moment — that made you realize fostering was something you were meant to do?
Yes, the above dog was such a joy. I fostered 4 groups of puppies while fostering the 3-year-old dog. All have been adopted. Each one filled my cup and brought a lot of joy to my life.

3. What does fostering mean to you personally? I love nurturing and watching them grow while caring for them. Watching their little personalities evolve and develop as they grow. Fostering them allows them to grow in a safe, quiet, and comfortable environment. I am a bridge to their forever home.

4. How do the animals you foster seem to change between day one and the day they go to their forever home? Change occurs every day! They evolve into happy bundles of joy and mischief.

5. How do you think the animals you've fostered have changed you as a person? I have come to realize how each one looks for comfort and reassurance they will be safe and cared for. That makes me want to do my best for them.

6. What keeps you coming back to foster again and again? The joy they bring to me as they get comfortable with me and their personality begins to come out.
 
7. What's the most meaningful thing an animal has ever "told" you without words? They feel safe and loved in my care.

8. How does your household — family, kids, other pets — respond when a new foster comes through the door? They are curious to meet them. 

9.   What does giving an animal a safe, loving temporary home actually do for them — in your experience?  The shelter animal seems to decompress/relax and not as anxious after a bit. Reassuring them that they are okay and will be cared for helps them to be comfortable. A regular and consistent routine helps.
 
10. Have you ever received an update from an adopter that made your whole day? What happened? The foster shelter team has updated me. Really made my day!

11. How does it feel to see a foster animal find their forever home? Absolute joy! A bit sad as I will miss them, but very happy for them to find their forever home.

12. What would you say to someone who's hesitant to foster because they're afraid of getting too attached? Thank God for shelters, but a foster home is so much better. It is better to share and receive their love as they journey to their forever home. They are much happier as they are loved and nurtured on their journey to the forever home. 

Sign up now to become a foster.