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Foster Volunteer Testimonials

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We’ve fostered over 40 puppies and dogs now but being part of helping introduce 3 of the Envigo rescued beagles to a real life as a dog and to know what it is like to be loved was an unbelievable experience. They have such an innocence to them, so sweet and yes skittish and spooked by all the new things such as butterflies or the wind blowing a leaf, but we got to be part of helping them gain confidence, learn about a life outside a kennel and to know what a kiss and a lap to rest your head on feels like. Watching them do zoomies in our backyard was something else. We loved fostering them and introducing them to being loved.
Alice and Family
Foster Volunteers
Fostering with Helen Woodward Animal Center makes it easy to give the best care to every animal. They give you everything you need (including supplies and medical support) to set the pups up for success so you can enjoy your time fostering. I'm so glad we have been able to foster with Helen Woodward!
Sara
Foster Volunteer
During the pandemic I knew that Helen Woodward might need some extra help fostering dogs and cats. So I bit the bullet (or should I say dog bone) and volunteered. Fostering has been quite the roller coaster ride of emotions. Like most fosters seem to do, I fall in love with every one of my furry foster friends and then want to adopt them. However, I fight the feeling because I know that my fosters will ultimately find great homes due to Helen Woodward’s excellent vetting practices. I am continually amazed at how these foster animals, who have been through so much, can enter my home and, within 24 hours, trust me completely and return the love and affection that I shower on them. It’s such a gift to give back and help these animals blossom and finally get the homes they deserve!
Gail
Foster Volunteer
Fostering has been the best bonding experience for our family of five. My son skateboards, and my daughters are into field hockey and gymnastics— activities the five of us obviously can’t enjoy together. Two of my three kids are teenagers and if it wasn’t for some of our foster pets I don’t think they would ever come out of their rooms. Fostering orphaned animals has given us a mutual passion. Never have my kids stayed in their rooms when a foster pet arrives. Everyone wants to participate in helping out an animal in need of a fresh start. We not only share a love for our foster animals but we are all working together for a greater cause. It has made our kids more aware of pitching in and lending a hand when needed.
Whitney
Foster Volunteer
Our fostering journey started 7 years ago when my son, Roby, was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. We were constantly focused on Robys care, and he felt the loss of control and fear that came with daily injections and finger pricks (approx 8/day or 56/week). In order to bolster his spirits and distract him from our constant surveillance, we decided he would benefit in taking care of something besides himself. Fostering became our lifeline. Roby was so happy, responsible, and engaged with each assignment that we couldn’t stop. Eight years have passed and Roby is now 15, but the joy continues as each new batch of fosters enriches our lives. The lesson that we learned is that animals truly have the power to heal!
Karen & Roby
Foster Volunteers
We will never forget Pam! She was our first Mama cat. Our family got to experience the birth of her kittens and watch them grow. My boys learned so much about kitten development from seeing them open their eyes, take their first steps and learn to hunt and play. While the kids learned how to be gentle and caring, the kittens learned to trust and love people.
Tyra and Family
Foster Volunteers
How can you give them up?”— a valid question I constantly get asked by friends and neighbors when I bring home my adorable foster pups—one I may even ask myself when I gaze into those puppy dog eyes, become the lucky recipient of their warm fur cuddles and open my home to tons of unconditional love and licks. I do it with the knowledge that for every dog that I foster, I’m making room for another to be rescued and make its way to a “ furever” home. A cycle of hope for every abandoned pup to bask in a love it will easily reciprocate. Though it’s true a piece of my heart is given away every time I return a foster, it’s more than filled with the gratification of making this world just a little better---one rescued family at a time!
Marsha
Foster Volunteer
I have been fostering with Helen Woodward since 2010. Since 2019, my husband has been stationed over in Germany. My five adult children were all on their own and now so was I. Fostering the cats, kittens, expectant moms, has absolutely saved my sanity these last 3.5 years. Going through the Pandemic, without my husband and children, it gave me purpose and something I could love and that loved me back. I have successfully fostered 198 cats/kittens and look forward to hitting 200 by the end of 2023. Thank you, Helen Woodward and the Foster team, for trusting me with these amazing little animals. I look forward to many more years fostering felines.
Camille
Foster Volunteer

Due to Hurricane Hilary, all  departments will be closing at 3pm today.  Stay safe!