Foster Friday: Just Take the Leap of Faith
Welcome to our January edition of Foster Friday! This week we are celebrating an incredible member of the Wags family who has fostered a whopping 12 rescue dogs! Onilee has most recently fostered Prada, a sweet mama and her babies! Onilee is a committed volunteer and foster who finds joy in helping rescue pups along their journeys to forever homes. Read on for more of her experiences as a foster parent and advice for potential foster families!
Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Onilee and I’m originally from Winnipeg but bounced from the coldest place in Canada to NYC to sunny Los Angeles. I’m an Interior Designer who drinks copious amounts of coffee and loves to spend time reading or swimming at the beach. I’ve also convinced myself that I can telepathically speak to dogs so I like to say hi or give them a compliment when I see one out walking (but not out loud – that would be crazy).
What got you started fostering for Wags & Walks?
I worked with someone who adopted through Wags and I developed an interest in volunteering at their center. I attended the volunteer training and walked dogs on weekends before finding the courage to answer an email calling for fosters after a big intake. I picked up my first foster dog Queenie and witnessed her confidence grow each day. It made my heart explode!
To date, how many dogs have you fostered for Wags? Do you have a favorite? (Don't worry, we won't tell the others!)
I’ve fostered 12 dogs for Wags, including a beautiful poodle Prada and her 4 newborn puppies! Rod and Dixie were also fun little souls. It’s extremely rewarding when you can help a dog overcome fears or neglect and see their true personalities shine through. Don’t tell the others but my love for Prada is far beyond anything else; we’ve been through a lot so she’s my little homie.
What has been your biggest challenge fostering?
Foster dogs might poop in the elevator, pee on your pillow or try to zoom out of your apartment when your Postmates order arrives (all true stories). The challenge was to understand that dogs, much like people, have unique back-stories that we may not know or understand. It’s been an exercise in acceptance, amusement and compassion. Dogs (and people) are just doing the best with what they were taught or what they know to be ok, and understanding that has been transformational.
How has fostering affected you?
Fostering has made me more understanding of all living beings. Dogs really come from a place of unconditional love; they are playful and truly live in the moment. Seeing a content and happy dog makes me feel grateful and equally appreciative of my life. Especially during this unprecedented time, I’ve enjoyed the routine having a dog provides and it’s been valuable to get outside, see other dog walkers, and feel like you belong to a larger community again.
What has been your biggest surprise as a foster parent?
Last week was wild! Prada went into labor even before her appointment for an x-ray. I had no experience with whelping and thought I required a PhD to assist in a dog's birth but it’s 2021 and possibilities are endless! Turns out dogs have amazing maternal instinct and it was a beautiful, natural thing to witness. It brings me so much joy to know I played a role in rescuing such a sweet girl and could provide her with the love and safety she needed to deliver four beautiful babies! I am thankful for the support I received from Wags and their stellar medical team. The process was a life-changer, literally!
Do you have any advice for someone who is interested in becoming a foster?
I know that if you are reading this, you have a big heart and a love for animals. Just take the leap of faith. If you feel hesitant, I think volunteering for some Black Paw shifts can really empower you. When you show love to a rescue dog, that dog can go on to bring love to their new family and it’s extremely rewarding to realize that your one act of kindness can ripple out and expand the hearts of so many people. It’s such an awesome feeling.