06/18/2026
🎀WHY I FOSTER: Elissa Zoerb🎀
I foster because I hope I can help someone else find their best friend like I found mine. I started volunteering with Safe Hands shortly after I adopted my Safe Hands dog two years ago. I added foster sitting and fostering shortly after that. Seeing how much a puppy can heal and grow in just a short time is amazing. When they curl up next to you and sigh with relief it’s like they’re saying thank you. It can be a lot of work. You’ll clean up lots of dirty newspaper and puppy pads. You’ll wash blankets and toys a few times. And you’ll learn lots of good tricks to get puppies to take their medication. But the puppy snores and snuggles make it worth it.
I was, like some, initially resistant because I was worried I would want to keep all of them. It’s a risk worth taking. I’ve come close to foster failing a few. But I’m also happy to give them some love and a fenced backyard to run around in until their true family comes along. I met my dog at a Meet & Greet; and recently I had a foster at a Meet & Greet and got to see her meet her forever parents. It feels great when you know your foster has found their people.
Learn about our foster program on our website safehandsrescue dot org (link in comments). Complete a foster application and a team member will contact you to discuss a potential match and answer any questions.