Dear Cathy,

I am writing in response to the woman a few weeks ago whose cat died “in God’s timeline,” and she was grateful she didn’t have to euthanize her cat. I had to make the decision twice in the last 20 years, and swore I would never do it again either. But I missed having a dog and the friendship, love and loyalty that comes with it.

So, I made the decision two years ago to start fostering dogs. I am up to number 36 and have never been happier. Each puppy or dog that has come to me is now living a great life in a forever home where they are loved and well cared for.

Every rescue needs fosters. Without foster families, rescue groups cannot pull from shelters, where many wonderful dogs end up being euthanized simply because there’s no home for them. The best part of fostering dogs is I am getting new dogs and puppies all the time. We all need to leave the world a better place and do what we can. I choose to save dogs and I’m a better person for it.

— Lisa Golden, Bellmore, New York, a foster for Ollies Angels Animal Rescue 

Dear Lisa,

Thanks for sharing your story. Fostering dogs – and cats – is a great way to help companion animals and save lives. It’s a great volunteer opportunity for families who aren’t ready for a 10 to 15-year commitment and for people who want to help animals, but need a little more flexibility in their lives. Occasionally, people who foster even adopt the animals they are helping.

Thanks for sharing how you turned your grief into life-saving work, and for suggesting others give it a try. 

Cathy M. Rosenthal is a longtime animal advocate, author, columnist and pet expert who has more than 25 years in the animal welfare field. Send your pet questions, stories and tips to moc.tidnuptepobfsctd@yhtac. Please include your name, city, and state. You can follow her @cathymrosenthal