From the moment I first cuddled with our family’s soft-coated wheaten terrier, I knew I was a dog lover for life. But it wasn’t until I found a stray and decided to foster her that I truly understood the depth of love and connection that comes with saving a life. When I moved out of my mom’s house, I knew fostering was something I had to keep doing, this time on my own, in the place I call home—Memphis.
One of the dogs who will forever hold a piece of my heart is Donavan. He came to me through Memphis Animal Services (MAS), heartworm positive and battling tumors, with the odds stacked against him. Watching Donavan struggle, yet still manage to wag his tail, broke my heart and made me more determined than ever to help him. But finding him a forever home seemed nearly impossible. That’s when the magic of Memphis showed up. A rescue group in New England agreed to fund his surgery, and generous Memphians stepped up to give him a safe, loving place to recover.
After Donavan, I continued fostering, joining Schnauzer Love Rescue (SLR). The first schnauzer my fiancé and I fostered wove himself into our hearts so deeply that we couldn’t let him go. We “foster failed” in the best way possible—by adopting him and giving him his forever home. Each dog I fostered has taught me something new about love, resilience, and the power of giving.
SLR fosters!
Fostering is not just about giving a dog a temporary home; it’s about giving them a chance at life. In Memphis, where too many dogs end up on the streets or in overcrowded shelters, fostering can be the difference between life and death. When you open your heart and home to a foster dog, you’re giving them the love and care they desperately need to heal and thrive. And sometimes, they give you something back—an unbreakable bond, a sense of purpose, and maybe even a new best friend.
MAS transport fosters and foster field trips!
If you’ve ever thought about fostering, I urge you to take that step. Memphis needs more people like you, people who care and are willing to make a difference. Consider signing up with local organizations like:
You might just save a life—and find your own heart growing in ways you never expected.
