Fostering Transformation

For Piper

The word foster means to nurture and encourage growth. When Donna Hoskinson was asked to foster Piper, she did just that. She nurtured and encouraged Piper, and Piper has transformed from fearful and defensive to sweet and playful.

Piper, an American Blue Heeler mix, was a stray who came to The Haven from a local animal control shelter. Besides being skittish, Piper had a tumor on her tail. Luckily, the tumor was successfully removed. Because Piper was so easily frightened, she needed a place to feel safe while she healed. The Haven reached out to Donna, who willingly agreed to help.

When Donna first started fostering Piper, she said Piper was afraid of everything and barked and growled at anyone who came near her. Donna started by sitting with Piper in her crate. She proceeded to walk Piper on a leash, just in the house at first, then around the neighborhood. When Piper was comfortable walking in the neighborhood twice a day, Donna and her family introduced her to the dog park in Fairhope. Piper soon loved going to the park. Donna took the same approach for each of Piper’s fears. She and her family exposed Piper to whatever she was afraid of, starting small and building Piper’s confidence. “She gradually learned that she was safe and nothing bad was happening to her,” Donna explained. Piper is still shy around new people and a little standoffish, but Donna is so proud of how much Piper has changed.

Thanks to Donna and her family’s patience, nurturing, and encouragement, Piper is much closer to being ready for a furever home. “She will need someone who is willing to play with her and give loads of love and attention,” Donna said. She adds that Piper is a smart dog and will make someone very happy. Donna is heartbroken to let Piper go because she has brought so much joy to the family. “But I can save one or help save many,” Donna remarked. “So I have to let her go to help others.”

Donna wanted to volunteer as a foster, “So I could really impact the lives of the animals at the shelter and help them socialize and show them love while they are waiting for their forever home.” Fosters are always needed and very much appreciated. Michael Graham, Executive Director at The Haven, continued, “Fosters are simply amazing!” Every animal that is cared for by a foster parent means another open spot at The Haven for more animals to be rescued. Become a foster today, and your love can transform lives like Donna’s did for Piper.