by Shae Marcus

For as long as I can remember, I’ve felt deeply connected to animals, especially dogs. There’s just something about their joy, innocence and unconditional love that lights me up. As a kid, I thought it was perfectly normal to come home with muddy paw prints behind me. Turns out, not much has changed.

One of my first jobs was at an animal shelter. (How I went from animal rescue to publishing wellness magazines is a story for another day—though trust me, it’s one filled with passion, perseverance and plenty of wagging tails.) Even when life took me to Las Vegas, I worked with exotic animals abandoned by traveling shows and circuses. No matter where I go, animals in need always seem to find me, and I’ve always felt it’s my duty to help.

That sense of responsibility is at the heart of why I still foster today. For me, fostering isn’t just about opening my home—it’s about opening my heart and showing my family and community the importance of rescue, compassion and responsible pet ownership. Many animals end up in shelters because people underestimate the lifelong commitment that comes with pet ownership. Fostering offers a way to help without the long-term commitment—while making an enormous difference.

In fact, fostering doesn’t just save one life—it makes room for another in the shelter. Further, dogs in foster homes get adopted nearly five times faster than those in shelters. A home environment lets them relax, shine and show their true personalities—helping adopters fall in love with who they really are.

I know fostering can feel overwhelming. I hear it all the time: “I’d get too attached!” And you probably will. I do, every time. But loving them for a little while and watching them walk into their forever home is one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have.

If you’re considering fostering, I encourage you to reach out to your local animal shelters and rescue organizations. They’re always in need of loving homes, whether short term or long term. You don’t need to be an expert—just someone willing to offer time, love and patience.

I may not be able to save them all, but every life I touch along the way matters. And that’s more than enough.

Right now, shelters and rescues are in crisis. Across the country, they are operating at or above capacity, with more animals coming in than going out. Adoptions have slowed, while surrenders—often due to financial struggles or housing issues—are rising. Every filled kennel means another dog waits in limbo, and sometimes, tragically, there just isn’t space.

That’s why fostering is more than a kind gesture—it’s a lifeline. By opening your home to one dog, you’re not only giving them safety and love but also freeing up space for another animal in desperate need. In times like these, that simple act can mean the difference between life and death.

Fostering has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my life, teaching me—and my family—the true meaning of compassion. I hope my journey inspires you to open your heart and home to an animal in need. You won’t regret it.

Local Rescues for Those Ready to Foster 

• Friends of Burlington County Animal Shelter – foster cats and dogs, full support www.FriendsOfBCAS.org

• Burlington County Animal Alliance – 100 percent foster-based, weekly adoption events www.bcaaofnj.org

• New Life Animal Rescue – special needs, hospice and critical care pups www.NewLifeAnimalRescue.org

• South Jersey Rescue – private, all-foster,15-plus years serving SJ www.SouthJerseyRescue.com

• Voorhees Animal Orphanage – fosters get first adoption priority www.vaonj.org

• Gloucester County Animal Shelter – fosters for sick, litters and shy pets www.GloucesterCountynj.gov

• Furrever Friends Rescue – small, no-kill, foster-based cat rescue www.ffrescue.org

• Animal Welfare Association (AWA) – large South Jersey no-kill shelter, low-cost vet care www.awanj.org

• The Wuff House/Emergency Foster Services – short-term fosters for people in crisis (www.FriendsOfBCAS.org)

These organizations welcome fosters, supply training and love the tail wags you’ll share!