If I had a different situation, I'd definitely want to foster. I picture our house filled with a rotating line of wonderful dogs, and maybe even a batch of puppies or two, a whole bunch of love to share and pass along. It's a little fantasy I have.
Tracey Schall and her family of five are living out my fantasy. They have opened their home to seven dogs over just the last year, six of whom have gone to their forever homes. They currently have sweet Hailey living with them and are diligently searching for her perfect adopters while teaching this lovely dog what it means to have a real family of her own.
Tracey, who also works as the Executive Director for the March of Dimes, started fostering over a 4th of July holiday...the busiest day of the year for shelters, when dogs panic at the fireworks and escape their yards. The shelter had a glut of little brown chihuahuas. Tracey took one in.
That was it; she fell in love with fostering. Since then, there has been a succession of lucky foster dogs and each and every time one is adopted, it takes a couple of weeks for Tracey to stop crying.
Seven dogs in one year is such an amazing accomplishment. Seven dogs who now are living happy, healthy, well-loved lives because of this family who opens their hearts again and again.
For anyone who is considering fostering, here's a little taste of the difference you can make with a quick look at Tracey's six fosters...
Kind eyed, grateful Bubba now lives in the country with a mama who works from home and spends plenty of time with him.
As Tracey was crying both happy and sad tears about Bubba's adoption, Petunia went home with her. Overweight and desperately needing socialization and love, this poor girl was very confused and showing signs of shelter stress. After time to heal in loving foster care, Petunia was adopted by a wonderful family who sends regular updates on her happy life.
Gracie and Buster, a brother and sister pair, came to Tracey and her family through NorCal Bully Breed Rescue. Buster was adopted by a dear family friend and Gracie went to a Bay Area family. Buster still visits most weekends and helps teach the new foster dogs how to play.
Henry was a 10-week old puppy going downhill quickly at the Rocklin Shelter. He was quite the handful and was adopted by an energetic couple and their dog Bosley. Henry's now a "60 pound hell-on-wheels" big baby and he and Bosley play non-stop. An adoption match made in heaven.
Logan (now Harley) had been at Bradshaw for several months and was too soft for shelter life. He was on the "list" when Delyse asked if Tracey's family would help save him. Brad and Crystle adopted Harley, love him dearly, and still thank Tracey's family for saving their "baby".
While she's fostering, Tracey dreams of opening a dog sanctuary on their El Dorado Hills property, where she can take in dogs who otherwise wouldn't have a chance. While I dream of fostering sometime in the future, we're walking dogs, writing blog posts and making videos. And every single day, so many wonderful people are working so hard to help these dogs.
Dreams keep us all going, but doing what you can, right now, is crucial. If adopting isn't possible for you, think about fostering. If fostering isn't a fit, we'd love to have your help as a volunteer. If that's too much for you right now, please donate and share posts to help us find the perfect families for these dogs.
Whatever you can do, please join us. As much as you'll do for the dogs, they'll give so much more back to you, paid in love.
And slobbery kisses.
xo
Chandra
Update: Hailey has been adopted by the family who also adopted Tracey's last foster dog, Harley. It's a very special Happily Every After!
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