The Heartwarming Experience of a Dedicated Dog Foster
The Fairfax County Animal Shelter (FCAS) foster program relies on dedicated volunteers who graciously open their homes to provide compassionate care for shelter pets. Each year, these foster families play a critical role in providing customized attention, a nurturing environment, facilitating the recovery of shelter pets from illness or injury and offering them a respite from shelter life. FCAS extends its fostering program to every species, from dogs and tiny kittens to guinea pigs and rabbits.
In this interview, FCAS foster Heather Cooper discusses her experience fostering, including how a meaningful encounter with a shelter dog influenced her decision to open her home to pets in need.
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Q: How did you get involved in fostering for FCAS?
A: After volunteering at FCAS for almost a year as a dog walker at the West Ox facility, I decided to attend the “Foster Information Session” so that I could take dogs for off-site walks ("Power Hours") on weekends. Even after attending the Foster Information Session, I was only planning on fostering for short-term Power Hours and didn't think I would actually foster a dog in my home. My interests were limited to taking dogs for walks in the community.
That all changed in the fall of 2023 when I met Joji during a volunteer shift. Joji was a bulldog mix who had been surrendered and needed a quiet place to wait for, and recuperate from, a surgical procedure. There was just something about Joji that pulled at my heartstrings, and I knew immediately that I wanted to bring him home.
Q: What is your favorite part of fostering?
A: My favorite part of fostering has been watching the dogs gradually come out of their shells as they begin to relax and realize that they are safe.
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Q: Tell us about an especially memorable moment or experience with a foster pet. What made it special for you?
A: My most recent foster was an English Bulldog mix puppy named Belle. She had been found on the side of a busy road two days after Christmas.
When she arrived at my home, Belle was wary and suspicious of her new surroundings. I remember describing her to a friend as "shell-shocked." After she relaxed, got a good night's sleep in a warm bed and had a few hearty meals, Belle climbed up in my lap and rested her head on my shoulder. It was like she was thanking me, and it's a moment I'll never forget.
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We are thankful to Heather and all our fosters who dedicate their time and attention to helping our shelter pets! For more information on becoming a foster and upcoming foster information sessions, visit our website.
Keeping Pets in Homes Through Behavior and Training Support
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Our team is dedicated to ensuring more pets stay in loving homes, and one of the ways we achieve this is by offering behavior and training support to adopters!
Kato, previously known as Taz, was adopted from FCAS over the summer. His new family happily shared, "Kato is incredibly sweet, affectionate and wonderfully quirky! He constantly looks out for us and ensures everyone, including every dog, feels included."
When Kato began displaying signs of separation anxiety, his family reached out to us for assistance. That's when we connected them with our behavior specialist, Randy.
Randy worked closely with Kato's parents, providing them with invaluable tips and techniques to manage and better comprehend his behavior. Kato's parents felt equipped to support him more effectively, fostering an even deeper bond with their beloved pet.
Whether it's been a few days since adopting a new companion or several years, FCAS remains a dedicated resource for families, offering ongoing support to ensure the well-being of both pets and their adopters.
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Thrifty Tails: Affordable Ways to Enrich Your Dog's Life
Creating a fun and engaging environment for your dog doesn’t have to break the bank—dog enrichment can be both budget-friendly and easy to start with items you already have around the house! Here are some fun (and inexpensive) ways to keep your dog mentally and physically stimulated:
1. Make Use of All Those Empty Cardboard Boxes
At the shelter, our volunteers gather boxes and packing materials to orchestrate nose-work games with our shelter dogs! This involves concealing small portions of hot dogs within the boxes, prompting dogs to engage their olfactory senses when locating the hidden treats. Give it a try with your dog! Just remember to start where it’s easy for them to locate the treat and then make it progressively more challenging.
For dogs who exhibit a penchant for tearing and shredding, strategically conceal an enticing treat within a box and tape it shut. Observe as your dog engages in the cognitive task of disassembling the box to get to the enclosed reward. Just make sure they don’t swallow any pieces of cardboard or tape!
2. Rotate Your Dog’s Toys
Does your dog have a basket full of dog toys—some of which go completely ignored? Periodically rotate them by temporarily storing some away for a few weeks. Then, reintroduce them into the rotation while temporarily removing other toys. This method encourages sustained interest and engagement with the toys they are given.
3. Play Hide-and-Seek
This is our personal favorite. Have someone hold onto your dog while you hide in an obvious place and call your dog’s name to help them get the hang of things. When they find you, make a big fuss and provide some treats. Progressively heighten the difficulty by concealing yourself in more challenging spots. Get everybody in on the fun by encouraging family involvement in the game!
Helped by Friends of Fairfax County Animal Shelter: Spotlight on Lola
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Lola came into our care experiencing lameness in one of her legs, affecting her ability to walk comfortably. Our veterinary team determined that she would need surgery to enhance her well-being, and our nonprofit fundraising partner, Friends of Fairfax County Animal Shelter, generously provided the needed funding.
Thanks to Friends of Fairfax County Animal Shelter and the dedicated care of our staff, Lola is recovering from surgery and will be ready for her adoptive home soon!
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Upcoming Events
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Animal Services Consolidation Town Halls
The Department of Animal Sheltering and The Fairfax County Police Department are hosting town halls in March to discuss and answer residents' questions about the proposal to consolidate animal services.
The first town hall took place on Monday, March 11. Thank you to all who attended and contributed to the discussion.
The second town hall will take place at the Lorton Campus:
Wednesday, March 13, 5:30 p.m.
8875 Lorton Road, Lorton, VA 22079
Learn More
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Ides of Bark Dog Festival
Join us at the Ides of Bark Dog Festival! The day features treats from local canine businesses, playtime in the dog park and delicious food from local Mount Vernon District businesses. The Festival is a wonderful way to connect with our community, meet new friends (both four-legged and two-legged) and enjoy a day in the park!
Sunday, March 24, 1 to 4 p.m.
Grist Mill Park
4710 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Alexandria, VA 22309
Learn More
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Vaccine and Microchip Clinics
Fairfax County Animal Shelter offers monthly low-cost vaccination and microchipping services for Fairfax County residents.
Upcoming Clinics:
Friday, April 5, 9 to 11 a.m.
8875 Lorton Road, Lorton, VA 22079
Learn More
Monday, April 8, 9 to 11 a.m.
4500 West Ox Road, Fairfax, VA 22030
Learn More
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