Serving with Paws and Purpose
For six years, we’ve opened our home and hearts to foster dogs, helping them heal, trust, and find their forever families. From shy rescues to energetic puppies, each dog taught me patience, empathy, and the quiet strength that comes from care. Grooming, training, and nurturing them became more than a responsibility. It was a way to make a real difference in their lives.
My passion for helping animals eventually led me to the Sean M. Walsh K-9 Memorial Foundation, where I supported law enforcement K-9 units by organizing a fundraiser for them. Working alongside officers deepened my appreciation for the vital role K-9s play in community safety and reinforced my belief in the power of human–animal partnerships. Fostering showed me that compassion can take many forms, and that every act of care, big or small, leaves a lasting impact.
Snowy and Rusty
Snowy and Rusty were our very first fosters, two tiny, lovable puppies who introduced us to the world of fostering. Without full vaccinations, their playtime happened in the backyard, and our days were filled with feeding, cleaning, and early mornings and late nights. Despite the challenges, caring for them was incredibly rewarding, giving them a safe and loving start before their spay/neuter appointments and eventual adoption.
Blue
Blue was our second foster, arriving with a torn ligament in her hind leg. Before her surgery, we discovered she had an arrhythmic heartbeat that would require heart surgery to implant a pacemaker, the first the shelter had ever facilitated. What was meant to be a 2–3 week stay turned into six months as we helped her recover from both heart and leg surgeries with medications, a special diet, and physical therapy.
Bigfoot
Bigfoot was a high-energy pup whose oversized paws earned him his name. He needed plenty of backyard playtime to burn off energy and rest well at night. During his 2–3 week stay, we loved watching his playful dynamic with Blue, who would “correct” him when he got mischievous. Bigfoot’s spirited personality and their heartwarming interactions made his foster stay truly memorable.
Poppy
Poppy, a 1.5-year-old Australian Cattle Dog, came to us with severe behavioral challenges and deep anxiety, likely from past neglect. With patience, consistent training, and plenty of love, she slowly came out of her shell, revealing her playful, loyal spirit. What began as a foster journey became forever when we adopted her into the Sachdeva family.
Barney
Barney, a sweet Golden Retriever and Corgi mix of about a year old, came to us for post-neuter care. He quickly settled in with Poppy, enjoying cuddles, playtime, and attention from everyone. His stay was brief but memorable, and his lovable temperament helped him transition smoothly into his forever home. Even a short stay like Barney’s shows how impactful love is.
Violet
Violet was a young adult dog who came to us after a severe leg injury from a dog fight. We cared for her stitches, administered daily medication, and kept her comfortable. The trauma also affected her mental health, leaving her anxious and clingy. With patience, love, and reassurance, she gradually began to rebuild her confidence.
Snowflake and Cocoa
Snowflake and Cocoa were two adorable puppies who needed extra care before adoption. Since they weren’t fully vaccinated, I spent time playing with them on the grass, cleaning up after them, and helping them grow comfortable and confident. Their little personalities made all the early mornings worth it!
Alex
Alex was a senior dog who came to us after suffering severe head trauma and needing two major dental surgeries. Gentle and slow, he moved through life with quiet resilience, and I learned to walk beside him at his pace. Though he passed away during his second surgery, Alex’s calm spirit and strength left a lasting imprint.
Max
Max was a sweet, playful puppy with a touch of anxiety. Overall healthy, he needed a neuter surgery and some vaccines before being put up for adoption to find his forever home. At home, he learned to play with our adopted dog, Poppy, and with gentle care he grew more confident each day and was eventually ready to be adopted into a loving family.
Luna
Luna was a sweet, playful puppy with a curious and affectionate personality. She showed some signs of anxiety and clinginess at first, but with gentle care, consistent patience, and plenty of love, she gradually grew more confident and independent. During her 2–3 weeks with us, I helped her practice basic skills and encouraged her to explore safely.
Percy
This sweet little puppy was full of energy and going through the teething stage. Otherwise healthy, he needed to be neutered before adoption. With gentle care, playtime, and patience, he grew comfortable and confident. His good looks helped him get adopted almost immediately, eventually finding a forever home with lots of love.
K-9 Event Volunteer 2025
I served as the event coordinator for the Sean M. Walsh Memorial Foundation’s Luau Fundraiser, which honors SPC Walsh, killed in Afghanistan, by supporting law enforcement K-9 units. My responsibilities included attending weekly meetings, coordinating event logistics before and during the event, and contributing to the foundation’s online presence.