Foster Friday: Emily Robinson, Who Saved Who?
This Foster Friday we sat down with the wonderful Emily Robinson, who adopted Wags alumni Mort in 2020 & has fostered several pups over the past couple of years. She’s currently fostering adoptable Balto! Read on to learn more about why fostering saves lives and why Emily continues to welcome at-risk pups into her home.
What got you interested in fostering for Wags & Walks?
After losing my first dog, Pierre, the most perfect, adorable Frenchie, I was adamant I would never own a dog again. I could not go through the pain of losing another one so decided I was just going to be a fun Aunt. But, after a while, I was really craving dogs in my life and started volunteering at NKLA/Best Friends. One of the dogs I was obsessed at NKLA (formerly named Milo) was a Wags dog and I reached out to Erica, the Wags & Walks Foster Coordinator, to ask if I could take him home for the weekend to give him a break from the shelter and she said yes - the rest is history!!
To date, how many dogs have you fostered with Wags & Walks? Do you have a favorite? (Don't worry, we won't tell the others!)
I started fostering in 2019 and have fostered 5 dogs with Wags. Mort is definitely my favorite — I adopted him!!! #fosterfail
What has been your biggest challenge fostering?
Getting enough space on the bed for me to sleep! Just kidding…kinda…but really I think it can just take a beat to get to know your fosters personality and behavior. But, this is also one of my favorite parts of fostering - you can literally see the dog opening up and becoming more him/herself as the days go by as they get more comfortable and decompress! They all have such different personalities, it’s fascinating! Sometimes it can be challenging - but in a good way - to adapt your style to fit the needs of the dog to help him/her flourish!
How has fostering affected you?
Everyone always says how nice I am for fostering (I mean, duh! ;)) but truthfully I feel like I get more from the experience then what I give to the dogs. If you are an animal lover and have the means to foster an animal (I have done kittens too!!) do it - it will give back to you in a way that is truly indescribable.
What's been your biggest surprise as a foster parent?
I thought I would end up with 100 dogs (dream) because I would be unable to give my fosters back. While that can be hard - very hard - I really believe that the dog picks you…the guys I fostered are now in their forever homes, where they are supposed to be. Without fosters, recuses like Wags can’t save as many dogs.
Do you have any advice for someone who is interested in becoming a foster?
Just try it! Request a small or senior dog if you want it test the waters.