How Fostering Dogs Changed Our Family's Life

Let's talk about something that has truly changed our family's life: fostering dogs of all kinds.

Our fostering journey began five years ago through Rat Terrier Rescue Canada, the same rescue where we adopted our beautiful little Mavis. Mavis came from a heartbreaking hoarding situation in Louisiana and arrived terrified of the world around her. And when I say terrified, I don't mean a little nervous, I mean this girl was afraid of everything. She didn't trust people, didn't understand love, and wasn't sure how to simply be a dog.

With dedication, patience, and understanding, we slowly showed Mavis that humans weren't scary after all. In fact, her humans became her entire world.

Five years later, Mavis is still healing. Every single day, she becomes a little more confident. Is she perfect? Absolutely fricken not.

She has the highest-pitched bark imaginable whenever someone unfamiliar comes to the door. If we're away too long and she's forced to stay home with a dog sitter, she'll spitefully pee on the couch blanket just to make sure we know she's displeased. But if I'm being honest, she gives the best snuggles, the stinkiest kisses, and can launch herself into our arms like she has springs attached to her back legs.

Most importantly, Mavis taught us something invaluable. She showed us how trauma affects animals and how healing takes time, patience, and unconditional love. She gave us the confidence to open our hearts and home to foster dogs who needed a safe place to land before finding their forever families.

Our first foster was a tiny Rat Terrier named Foxy. She had a spunky personality and ears for days. Foxy arrived from Louisiana and already had a potential adopter lined up. Thankfully, it turned out to be the perfect match.

When Foxy left, we felt an incredible sense of purpose, but also sadness. Lilly cried when we said goodbye. Thankfully, those tears didn't last long because the very next day we welcomed Snickers and Lola into our home.

Lola stayed with us for only four days before heading to her forever family. Snickers remained for two weeks before being adopted by my grandmother's sister, making it easy for us to keep tabs on her.

We lovingly nicknamed Snickers "the ugliest dog we ever fostered"—and I say that with complete affection. She arrived as a scared puppy-mill survivor, covered in mats and hot spots, looking like she had lived a very hard life. She truly had a face only an owner could love. Today, she's healthy, happy, adorable, and living her very best life.

Then came Vernon, the big guy from Texas.

Oh boy, did we fall in love with this meathead.

Vernon was an exceptionally good boy, despite being just a little bit on the dummy side. We fostered him over Christmas and quickly realized there was absolutely no way we were letting him leave.

And just like that, Vernon became a Westman.

A foster fail? Absolutely.

Do I regret it? Not even a little.

Next came Lip, a fawn pug under a year old who had been used for breeding and had no idea what house rules were. Anyone who knows me knows that pugs hold a very special place in my heart, so most people assumed I'd end up keeping him too.

But four dogs was never part of the plan.

Thankfully, a wonderful local couple adopted Lip, renamed him Douglas, and he is now spoiled absolutely rotten.

Then there was Rey, our first tiny puppy. Lilly begged us to take her, and while she was adorable, I was quickly reminded that I do not miss the puppy stage. Rey was adopted by friends of ours, and like so many of our foster dogs, we still receive updates. Watching them flourish in their new homes is one of the greatest rewards of fostering.

Most recently, we've had the cutest, cuddliest little guy named Riley. We are completely obsessed with him. I have no doubt he'll find his forever family soon, and whoever adopts him will be incredibly lucky.

So why am I sharing all of these stories?

Because I want to encourage you to consider three things.

First, if you have the space, time, and love to give, consider fostering. These animals need safe homes while they wait for their forever families, and they will reward you every single day with love, laughter, and gratitude.

Second, if you're thinking about adding a furry friend to your family, please consider adoption. There are so many beautiful dogs, puppies, and animals waiting for someone to give them a chance.

And finally, support your local rescues whenever you can. Attend fundraisers, donate supplies, volunteer, or simply share their posts. Every little bit helps.

One rescue that is especially close to my heart is Helping Paws Rescue, located near Aylmer, Ontario.

Recently, I hosted a Puppy Yoga fundraiser in support of Helping Paws, and good gravy, it was one of the cutest things I've ever done.

Did we do a lot of yoga? Not really.

Did we spend the evening cuddling puppies, kissing puppy noses, holding them in our arms, and watching them tumble around with each other? Absolutely.

And honestly, it was the best medicine after a long week.

Some of the puppies from Puppy Yoga are still looking for their forever homes, and I highly encourage you to check them out.

If you've ever thought about fostering and have questions, please don't hesitate to reach out. I'd be happy to share the good, the bad, and yes—even the ugly.

Until then, remember:

Adopt. Don't shop. 🐕💜

Namaste,

Jackalynn Westman

Water Lilly Holistic Healing

Puppy Yoga-More Puppy than Yoga lol