What makes a house a home? You walk in and feel a sense of soulfulness, like people actually live there. It feels storied, like the home has taken on an identity of it’s own.

My friends and I have been discussing the idea of gifting experiences instead of things this Christmas. Maybe it was all of that time at home during the pandemic that made us realize experiences are truly what gives life meaning. Many people took advantage of bringing that experience into their homes through fostering. I personally became a foster during a time of personal and professional transition. The experience of fostering made me see life in an entirely different light. As we approach Christmas, I know there are a lot of people who may find themselves in the same boat. For my first blog, it made sense that I would reflect on something I am so passionate about. I interviewed several fosters at Dallas Animal Services and included their thoughts as well.

One of my biggest take aways from fostering is that your loneliness or suffering will be greatly lessoned by relieving someone else’s. You may be going through something undeserved but so are hundreds of dogs patiently waiting for their new homes. The really cool thing is you get so much in return. One foster said, “I suffer from PTSD and fostering helped give meaning to my life. Seeing my fosters warm in bed and spoiled makes me feel like I’m doing something right.” A kitten foster had similar things to say. “I was going through a rough time- layoff, break up- and needed a positive focus, a real reason to get out of bed each day. I knew bottle baby kittens needed me.” You are asked to be hands on, set aside your worries and help an animal through a transition to become adoptable. You are rewarded with their progress, gratitude and love.

There is something really primal about nursing an animal back to health. Especially if you have young children in the home, it can be a great learning opportunity for the whole family. You have all of these moments like one foster had “watching my too terrified to walk Meeks overcome his fear so quickly and blossom into a playful boy.” Then there was Timon, “the neglected, emaciated pup who showed me how much even the most mistreated animals just want to trust and love.” As more of us move to big cities and become detached from nature and the natural processes of life, fostering puts you right in the middle of it. One foster said, “my husband and I decided to foster because we love dogs and we love helping animals in need. For us, saving the lives of dogs is the best way we can give back.” It is so rewarding to bring a dog into our home and give it all the love while in our care.”

This holiday season, if you are looking for a way to shift the focus off of yourself, get back to nature or bring an unforgettable experience into your home, consider fostering. You will remember the faces of every dog or cat you helped along their journey and you will think of them from time to time wondering where they are. Perhaps they think of you too. One foster said it best, “I think that once a person realizes the depth of communication that is possible with a non-human animal, it is amazing that animals are often treated the way they are. A meaningful bond is certainly possible if not inevitable.”

If you would like more information on fostering with Dallas Animal Services, reach out to DASfoster@dallascityhall.com