Why I Foster: Meet Jenny
For Jenny Tou's family, it all started with a flyer at Houston Humane Society. Since that first litter of puppies, Jenny and her family have opened their home to over 180 animals in need. In this Q&A, Jenny talks about what it really means to foster, and why she keeps coming back.
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? My boys love animals and our German Shepherd had recently passed away earlier in 2020. I signed the kids up for volunteering and that’s when the older one, then 11 years old, saw a flyer for fostering while at the shelter. The foster coordinator was really helpful to match us up with what would work for our family, puppies. The kids were so happy as they have never seen such small puppies before.
2. Was there a specific animal — or a moment — that made you realize fostering was something you were meant to do? When we were able to match wonderful families for these pets was when we decided to continue our foster journey.
3. What does fostering mean to you personally? Fostering means providing a safe loving place for an animal whether it’s a few hours or a few months.
4. How do the animals you foster seem to change between day one and the day they go to their forever home? We usually foster puppies and kittens and it’s amazing to see them grow to become healthy, social and loving animals. Seeing the spicy ones become cuddly and purring is very rewarding.
5. How do you think the animals you've fostered have changed you as a person? Fostering taught me to become more understanding with my kids. Anything the puppies and kittens do are not on purpose, like kids when they are young. It’s just a stage they are in and with patience and guidance, things will be okay.
6. What keeps you coming back to foster again and again? Seeing a positive change, whether it’s health issues or behavioral, in the animals and then seeing them adopted into loving families.
7. What's the most meaningful thing an animal has ever "told" you without words? A spicy kitten curled on my chest purring, a scared mama dog walking up asking for pets with tail not strongly tucked under.
8. How does your household — family, kids, other pets — respond when a new foster comes through the door? My kids help with socializing with the animals with excitement. If I don’t have a foster for a few days, my dad will ask me when the newcomer will be here. The animals also provide companionship for my dad when the kids are in school and I’m at work. He socializes them as well by talking and playing with them.
9. What would you say to someone who's hesitant to foster because they're afraid of getting too attached? I’ve cried many times since I do get attached, but the purpose of fostering is the provide what they need at the time and have them go to a forever home. After an animal is adopted, cry some happy tears and save the next animal in need.
10. What does giving an animal a safe, loving temporary home actually do for them — in your experience? For puppies and kittens it gives them a safe place to grow up. It gives them a place to feel loved and they become social and confident and fit in with the new family quicker. I’ve had foster kitten go to a new home and snuggled right up with an hour with the new mom & grandma.
11. Have you ever received an update from an adopter that made your whole day? Loving pictures from adopters make my day. Seeing how the animal has grown so healthy and happy is just such a great feeling!
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