Old Dominion Humane Society Fosters Are Vital To Saving Hundreds Of Rescue Dogs’ Lives Annually

Deborah Christensen, who’s fostered 81 dogs in the two years she’s been with Old Dominion Humane Society (ODHS), makes some snuggle time with foster dogs, Wilyum (left) and Presley. Christensen, of King George, is one of nearly 300 fosters at ODHS who are integral in saving rescue dogs’ lives. ODHS is celebrating its dedicated fosters during National Foster a Pet Month in June.

Debbie Christensen, of King George, and Makenzie Clower, of Spotsylvania, are two of Old Dominion Humane Society’s (ODHS) 300 fosters who help the nonprofit organization save lives. Each dog fostered provides space for another one, which is vital because millions of dogs each year are abandoned, neglected, surrendered, mistreated, hoarded and crowded in overfilled shelters. Many of these dogs are transported to ODHS to provide them with caring foster families until they’re adopted. ODHS is honoring its fosters during National Foster a Pet Month in June.

ODHS fosters are a lifeline to rescue dogs, giving them temporary, safe homes where they’re fed and socialized. They’re key to identifying the dogs’ personalities, likes and dislikes. The more knowledge adopters have, the smoother the transition from foster to forever home.

Christensen began fostering at ODHS two years ago and has brought 81 dogs home--and she isn’t stopping any time soon. Knowing she’s making a difference and saving lives is fulfilling, because it makes room for another dog that comes from a bad situation or possible euthanasia. 

“It’s gratifying to know you helped a dog that only knew fear, hunger and horrible conditions transition to one that learns about love, seeks affection and becomes healthy,” said Christensen. “The first tail wag and lick of your hand is exciting.”

Happy and sad tears are involved when she says goodbye to a pup she’s attached to, but it warms her heart to watch her foster dogs get matched with adopters. Of all the fosters she’s had to bid farewell to, she just couldn’t do it with Glinda the Good Witch (renamed Munchkin), who was adopted and returned. Christensen adopted her and says she gets along great with the grandkids and plays a big role in welcoming new fosters into her home.

Christensen has had memorable fosters, including dogs from a hoarding case that arrived emaciated, scared and unfamiliar with a kind hand. In another case, dogs lived in horrendous conditions and were terrified (but sweet) and suffered from serious skin conditions. She needed to provide them with medicated baths, which, in time, resulted in the skin healing, fur growth and tail wags. When she fostered Patsy, an overweight, unhealthy, cowering dog, who never knew a loving hand, Christensen celebrated the first tail wag. Patsy became healthy, lost weight and had increased mobility, and she was adopted by a loving “mom” who had five acres for her to run. 

“I’m amazed at how resilient dogs are,” said Christensen. “They transitioned at ODHS and do so again in their permanent homes. Thanks to the many adopters who keep in touch with me about the dogs, I see how happy they are. Now, the next foster needs me.” 

Makenzie Clower, of Spotsylvania, has been a volunteer and foster with Old Dominion Humane Society (ODHS) for a year after having adopted two dogs from ODHS and joining the Sunday Hikes for the community. Summer (left, available for adoption) and Tugs (adopted) are two of Clower’s most recent foster dogs. Read Summer's profile!

Makenzie Clower, of Spotsylvania, began fostering after adopting two dogs from ODHS. The friendly environment, where the volunteers really cared about the dogs and finding them homes, prompted her to foster. She’s currently caring for Summer and Tugs--her 18th and 19th fosters to date. 

“I like being able to give the dogs extra love and a quieter, less stressful environment,” Clower said. “It’s helpful to learn things about the dogs, such as house manners, friendliness toward other dogs and energy levels, which makes it easier to match them with adopters. It’s an added bonus, because my dogs love having new friends to play with.”

While Clower admits it’s hard to let a dog go after fostering, it’s worth it. It’s rewarding to see them happy and healthy with their new adopters, and it makes room for the next foster.

Clower does admit to “foster failing” (adopting) the second dog she fostered.

An initiative of Petco Love, National Foster a Pet Month was created to end preventable euthanasia of shelter pets. According to Petco Love, data shows if two percent more of the 85 million pet-owning households fostered just one pet a year, preventable euthanasia would be eliminated. Per the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, an estimated 1.5 million pets are unnecessarily euthanized in U.S. shelters annually. The dogs brought to ODHS are not in danger of being euthanized, because it’s a no-kill organization.

ODHS is honoring its fosters during National Foster a Pet Month in June. Visit https://www.olddominionhumanesociety.org/foster to fill out a foster application and get started with helping save rescue dogs’ lives.