I have been involved with animal rescue most of my life starting as a child. My mom ran the adoption program at a high kill southern shelter. It was very hard seeing so many beautiful creatures euthanized and my mom used to bring home the dogs on death row that were considered "unadoptable." Many were sick or injured and we would just add them to our menagerie or heal them and find homes for them outside the shelter system. It was ingrained in me forever that there are so many great dogs that given a chance will become wonderful companions, and that there is something special in the soul of a dog who has looked death in the face and then found love. They understand that you have saved them and are forever grateful.

I became a puppy foster because I realized I could save even more dogs -- a litter at a time! Puppies are so innocent. I am an artist so I equate them to little blank canvases. Their needs are so simple, their affection so pure. Fostering puppies is a joyful experience. They keep you in the moment and are a laugh a minute, which makes up for the work that goes into it.

I feel as a puppy foster my job is twofold -- to give a beautiful vulnerable creature a chance to live and have a wonderful life and to give a human being or a family the opportunity to make their life so much more fulfilling and joyful with the limitless and unfailing love of a dog.

I believe deeply in the philosophy that dogs make us better. That the attributes of a dog compliment those of humans and fills gaps in our emotional lives. A dog or a puppy can provide joy, laughter and unconditional love where more is needed.

I also recommend fostering puppies to families with children. It can be a huge growing experience. Learning to care for and love a creature and then turning it over to bring happiness to someone else is a perfect gesture of selflessness. And, as hard as it can be sometimes -- it is deeply gratifying.

YOU can help! To learn more about becoming a puppy foster, email [email protected].