Foster Profile: Sara Howard

Sara Howard is one of Greyt Angels' foster moms and recently celebrated her one year anniversary as a foster with our group. In this blog, she shares her experience from over the past year and why you should consider fostering for Greyt Angels:

I celebrated my one year anniversary as a foster with Greyt Angels at the end of October 2017. Becoming a foster is one of the best decisions I have ever made. I have fostered 5 very special greyhounds; Lily, Dexter, Boo, Red, and Jane. It's true, I've made a difference for them by providing a home, a warm pillow or two to lay around on (a lot), food in their bellies, and most importantly, lots of love. But what have I gotten in return?

1. Healing. We lost our dog, Rudy, a little over a year ago. I was devastated, but having these hounds in our home has helped fill a void. I've made a difference for them, but they've made a bigger difference for me.
2. Laughter. Greyhounds are a funny, quirky breed. From the way they lay (they have no shame), to how they roo (sometimes they just have something to say), to watching some of them run zoomies in small spaces, there isn't one hound that hasn't made me laugh.
3. They've made me cool. Have you ever taken a greyhound on a walk, or to the pet store? Everyone stops to stare or ask questions. Most people are in awe, and for some reason think my greyhounds are Great Danes. And then I say, "nope, it's a greyhound". Yep, I'm the coolest, and so are my hounds.
4. Opportunity. I've had the opportunity to be a part of an amazing adoption group which is made up of some of the most supportive and passionate people I have ever met. They inspire me. I get the opportunity to advocate for greyhounds, to educate about the breed, and to participate in some really fun events. Have you ever marched in a parade with a greyhound? I have. See point 3 about the coolness factor.
5. Friendship and community. Everyone I've met from the board members of Greyt Angels, to the other fosters, to the people who end up adopting the dogs I foster, and everyone in between, are all a part of this very special greyhound loving community. And even though it seems like an exclusive community, do you want to know a secret? it's really not. You can be a part of our friendship and community too. We want you to be. Because guess what? We need more people just like you who have a home to lend and love to give to a foster (or permanent) greyhound. No experience, no fenced yard, you work, you have kids, you're retired, you're single, you live in an apartment, you have other dogs, cats? That's all ok!

Contact me through Facebook or contact Greyt Angels if you're interested in fostering, adopting, or helping in any other way. All I did to get started was send a Facebook message and then attend a greyhound meet and greet, and now you're reading my story. Maybe you'll write your own a year from now. The hounds and Greyt Angels thanks you.

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