Wordless Wednesday – Foster Dogs Have Changed My Life

I started fostering rescued dogs with Gateway Pet Guardians last April. They have changed my life as much as I’ve changed their lives.

In order of when they came into my life…

Gateway-Pet-Guardians-foster-dogJojo and Sylvie
Named after my wonderful grandparents Joe & Sylvia

Jojo was adopted by a young couple living in their first apartment together. Renamed Toby, he is looking forward to another summer filled with hikes and camping. Sylvie was adopted by a wonderful family with 2 teenagers who spoil her rotten.

Gateway-Pet-Guardians-foster-dogPadme

Padme was adopted by the foster parents who took her in when she was first rescued and helped her find her first adoptive family. When it didn’t work out with that family, she was returned Gateway but since her original fosters were living outside of St. Louis, she came to stay with me. When they moved back, they expressed interest in taking care of her again…and before long they made her a permanent member of their family.

Gateway-Pet-Guardians-foster-dogBenji

Benji was adopted by a PhD student living in a tiny apartment near SLU. Now known as Theo, he goes on lots of walks throughout The Grove and is a regular day care visitor to K9 Athletic Club…where he spent some time after he was first rescued by Gateway learning how to get along with other dogs.

Gateway-Pet-Guardians-foster-dogRomper (photo credit Erica Moler)

Romper was adopted by the mother of my good friend Pamela. Romper, now named Mickey, follows his new mamma around and loves hanging out in his fenced yard in Hermann, MO.

Gateway-Pet-Guardians-foster-dogJodie

Jodie was adopted by a loving couple who created a happy family when they married and gave each of their 5 year old girls a new sister who is the same age. Jodie was overjoyed when she met her family, running from one person to the next as she soaked up the love of 4 people.

Gateway-Pet-Guardians-foster-dogJessica

Jessica was adopted by a friend of my neighbor Cindy. Now known as Lucy, she has a huge house and yard to play in, a couple of kitty siblings and a dog just her size who visits every weekend.

Gateway-Pet-Guardians-foster-dogClemson (but I call him Teddy)

Teddy lived with me for about a month while he was undergoing heart worm treatment. He is now living with another foster parent who plans to adopt him when the treatment is completed.

All of these dogs have such different lives than the ones they would be living if Gateway hadn’t rescued them. All that is stopping us from getting more dogs the lives they deserve is money and foster parents.

How you can help Gateway Pet Guardians

There is always a need for new foster parents who have a dog of their own who would make a good playmate. There is an equally big need for dog lovers who currently don’t have a dog of their own to become foster parents. These people can give a dog that doesn’t get along with other dogs well (yet) a place to thrive.

If you live in the St. Louis region, please join me in working with Gateway. If you live somewhere else, I guarantee the need is just as great in your area.