Story #48: A Journey We Never Planned
As told by Steve Lyles and Kim Kofink – Adopters, Fosters, and Volunteers
From One Adoption to a Family Mission
Our connection with Anderson Humane began in July 2017, in a simple, everyday kind of way. We were walking our five-year-old lab, Abby, when we noticed our neighbors fostering three puppies. We would stop and watch them play, and it did not take long before we started talking about how much Abby would love a companion.
When the puppies became available, we adopted Bella.
From the very beginning, Bella and Abby bonded quickly and became best buddies. They played together, rested together, and truly balanced each other out. Bringing Bella home felt like the perfect decision for our family.
In November 2019, our son chose Anderson Humane for his Eagle Scout Service Project.
Being involved behind the scenes opened our eyes to the depth of care happening every single day. We saw the dedication of the staff and volunteers and the heart behind the mission. It left a lasting impression on us. We realized this was more than a shelter.
It was a place changing lives, both animal and human.
We have always loved animals, so in July 2020, during COVID, we decided to start volunteering.
At first, it was simply something meaningful to do with our time. We began by walking dogs a few hours a week, and our son joined Cat Care. But the more we showed up, the more connected we felt. Soon, we were helping with transport arrivals, assisting in animal care multiple times a week, and becoming part of the Anderson family.
In April 2021, an urgent call went out for fosters for a transport coming from Texas.
We had never fostered before and already had two dogs at home. It felt like a big step.
But we decided to say yes.
Two puppies were still waiting for placement. We chose a white boxer mix named Cielo. She was just four months old. We brought her home not knowing what to expect, but within a short time, she blended in beautifully with Bella and Abby. They helped teach her everything, from potty training to how to play and be part of a pack.
As the days went by, we grew more attached.
When it was time for her to be listed for adoption, that phone call was hard. Really hard. Kim shared how strongly she felt about keeping her. For Mother’s Day 2021, we made it official. Cielo became ours, and we proudly became a foster fail family. We renamed her Cici.
That experience changed us. It showed us how powerful fostering can be, not just for the dog, but for our family.
In August 2025, we were approached about another foster situation.
This time, we went into it determined to help that dog find her loving home. And she did. Since then, we have welcomed several more fosters and are now on our fourth since August 2025.
Each one who walks through our door has a different personality and a different story. Some are shy. Some are playful. Some require patience and structure.
All of them deserve love.
It is incredibly rewarding to watch them grow in confidence and then find the family meant for them. Letting them go is never easy, but knowing we can open our home again and help the next one makes it worthwhile.
What started as a single adoption for Abby has become a way of life for our family.
Anderson brought Bella and Cici into our home. Volunteering and fostering have allowed us to give love, stability, and guidance to so many others as they prepare for their next chapter.
Anderson Humane did not just change the lives of our dogs. It changed ours. We hope our story encourages someone else to say yes, whether that means adopting, fostering, or volunteering.
Sometimes one small decision can grow into something you never imagined.
Do you have a story about how Anderson Humane changed your life?
We would love to hear it – Submit Your Story Here!
Ready to start your own rescue story?
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.
Interested in becoming a Volunteer?
Visit ahconnects.org/volunteer/ for more information on how you can get involved.
Interested in starting your own Foster Journey?
Visit us at ahconnects.org/foster-2/ for more information or email fosters@ahconnects.org
