Story #41: A Foster Home Full of Heart
As told by Kim Saxton, Foster & Volunteer
The Beginning of the Journey
I started volunteering at Anderson Humane in the summer of 2023, and by that fall, I welcomed my first foster dog into our home. At the time, I had no idea how much fostering would change my life or how quickly one dog would turn into many.
Since that first foster, I have opened my home to five more dogs. One became a foster fail and stayed with us permanently, while the others moved on to loving families. Each dog brought something unique into our lives and left an imprint on my heart that will never fade.
One of the most rewarding parts of fostering is watching a dog relax and slowly reveal their true personality.
In a home environment, you see them come alive. Some become playful and silly. Others show a quiet confidence that was hidden before. I love watching how my foster dogs interact with my own pets, the little quirks they develop, and the joy they bring into the house. Life with a foster is never boring, and it is always meaningful.
Saying goodbye is the hardest part.
The house feels emptier, and we miss them instantly. But that sadness is always balanced by happiness. Knowing they are stepping into a loving home makes every farewell worth it.
Yennifer, Max, Bingo, Dallas, and Wallace all started as temporary members of our family, and I treasure the time we had together. Yennifer never left, and she has been a steady, loving presence, helping welcome every foster who came after her and sharing in every goodbye and every new beginning.
Seeing these dogs thrive in their new homes is an incredible reward.
All five of my fosters are now in loving families, and that brings me a sense of pride and joy I cannot fully describe. Fostering does more than make space at the shelter. It changes the life of the animal, the family that adopts them, and everyone who opens their home along the way.
Fostering has shaped my life in ways I never expected. It has brought joy, purpose, and a deeper connection to the animals and the people who make this work possible.
Every foster is a reminder that love, patience, and a little space can change everything.
Do you have a story about how Anderson Humane changed your life?
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Meet adoptable animals at Anderson Humane by visiting ahconnects.org/adopt, or help make the next 60 stories possible by donating in honor of our 60th Anniversary.
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Interested in starting your own Foster Journey?
Visit us at ahconnects.org/foster-2/ for more information or email fosters@ahconnects.org
