Tina and Tom McDade have been providing foster care to Homeward Pet dogs for over 2 years, and believe that fostering "is a rewarding experience wherein we can make a difference in the lives of dogs that would not otherwise get that chance. We love helping dogs start on their new, wonderful life in their forever homes."

Their experience (they also run their own rescue and foster care organization) and willingness to open their home to needy dogs of all types – from ‘bottle baby' puppies to adult dogs to dogs recovering from sickness or surgery – has made them a valuable part of the extended Homeward Pet family.

But their involvement in animal rescue began before they started volunteering with Homeward Pet. According to Tom, "Tina had been fostering for several years before we met in 1998. It wasn't long after we were married that she said she wanted to start fostering dogs again…which eventually led to the creation of Caesar's Fostercare (named after our German Shepherd). We would get animals from shelters in eastern Washington or other rural communities who were in danger of being euthanized because of lack of available homes. Because we bring them into our home we would normally rescue one or two dogs at a time…and choose whatever dog was most in need." And since 2008, Tina and Tom have helped countless Homeward Pet dogs by providing the same great foster care to our dogs as they have to their own rescued animals.

You don't need to run your own rescue to join Homeward Pet's Dog Foster program, just open your home and heart to give short-term foster care (usually a week or two) to a puppy or dog in need. We do our best to match you with a dog that's appropriate for your family, pets, home and experience, and provide you with the tools and training you need. Fostering is truly a rewarding experience.

If you are interested in fostering or learning more about the program, visit our Foster Information page.

Chris is one of Homeward Pet’s many volunteers who help make sure that our animals are warm, fed and safe. Chris is a retired mail carrier for the Postal Service who had always enjoyed the “Pet of the Week” column in the Woodinville Weekly and knew that once retired, she would like to do volunteer work at Homeward Pet, helping the cats and dogs.

The first day on the job for Chris was an adventure! She was one of only two volunteers working the morning shift in the dog room. The kennels were full of excited dogs and many had not made it through the night without having an “accident”. Chris said she may have quit right then, but realized that these poor animals would be left with only one stressed-out volunteer to care for them - Chris was needed. She stuck it out, and since then she has seen the situation steadily improve thanks to great staffing and more good volunteers. Chris would like to give a shout-out to the volunteers on her shifts for being such a great help to her along the way and for their unwavering dedication to the dogs.

Chris has also taken up a reception shift and has enjoyed this as it gives her the opportunity to see the adoption process first hand. The best part for her, and all of us, is getting to see the dogs and cats go home.

Thank you, Chris! For giving over two years of your love and hard work to the Homeward Pet dogs.