The backbone of any rescue is it's foster homes. These selfless animal lovers open their hearts and homes to dogs who many times are not house or crate trained, have behavior issues and often medical issues. A dog can be in foster care undergoing vet work or training for months before it is ever listed on the TBR website. Sometimes we have dogs at a foster home for well over a year before the perfect home is found. It is a special person that can give that much love and affection to a dog while nuturing it back to health and providing necessary training only to let it go when the right home is found. It also may be one of the most rewarding experiences of a lifetime. A fellow dog rescuer, Diane Morgan, wrote a poem to her foster dog that pretty much says it all.
I am the bridge Between what was and what can be.
I am the pathway to a new life.
I am made of mush, Because my heart melted when I saw you, Matted and sore, limping, depressed, Lonely, unwanted, afraid to love.
For one little time you are mine. I will feed you with my own hand I will love you with my whole heart I will make you whole.
I am made of steel. Because when the time comes, When you are well, and sleek, When your eyes shine, And your tail wags with joy Then comes the hard part. I will let you go--not without a tear, But without a regret. For you are safe forever-- A new dog needs me now.
by Diane Morgan
KATIE ALLEN
Katie is TBR's latest foster, and a teacher in Harnett County. She is seen here with her foster Dale.
LISA TATKO
Lisa adopted Dotty in June 2007 and started fostering in August of 2011. Clyde was her first foster.
NICHOLE KRIST
Nichole (right) her beagle Isa, and her bird Maggie. Nichole is a very active volunteer and short term/vacation foster for TBR. Nichole takes Isa everywhere, even rock climbing!!!
THE BUSBY FAMILY
Olivia with beagle Hannah (upper left). Anne with TBR Alumni Ginger (upper right). Colin with beagle Bailey (bottom). The Busbys have been active fosters with TBR since 2010. Anne is the definition of a "dog person".
THE IRWIN FAMILY
The Irwins, (top) Connor, Lance, Shannon, Zack, and their furkids (bottom) TBR Alumni Maisy, TBR Alumni Chloe, TBR Alumni Nolan, and Betty (the blind beagle).
Since 2007, not including their personal dogs above, the Irwins have fostered 35 other beagles! In addition Shannon is a member of the TBR Fundraising committee. Here is what Shannon had to say about fostering....."It has been a joy for our entire family to be part of such a great group and to be able to help so many beagles in need. It is so wonderful to welcome in a beagle to our home and eventually see them happy in forever homes of their own."
Dan (Santa), TBR Alumni Henry (in Santa's Arms), Tina (sitting on floor), TBR Alumni Sampson (in Tina's lap), TBR Foster Lil' Buck (under Tina's right arm), TBR Guest dog Lady (Chihuahua in Tina's lap), TBR Treasurer Mary Price (Elf), TBR Foster Jesse (In Elf's arms), TBR Alumni Roxie (bottom right)
