When Kate first considered fostering, she wasn’t sure she was ready for another dog of her own. She and her daughter had recently moved from Dunedin, and with her health preventing her from working, she was searching for something meaningful to do. Then, one day, she saw a post from Dogwatch on Facebook about fostering and came along to one of Dogwatch’s open days. The idea intrigued her. She had time, she loved dogs, and she wanted to make a difference. So, she took a leap and applied.
Buzz and Venus, her first foster dogs, arrived after all the paperwork was completed. That moment changed everything. It wasn’t long before Kate found herself attending an open day at Dogwatch, where her daughter excitedly picked a dog. From that point on, fostering became a part of Kate’s life. Over the years, she’s fostered nine dogs—some of whom she has watched go off to their forever homes, and others who have found their permanent place in her own.
Fostering hasn’t always been easy. The hardest part, Kate admits, is letting them go. “I know they aren’t my dogs, but you still get attached,” she says. Some of the most rewarding moments come when she meets the adopters and sees firsthand the love and excitement they have for their new family member. When a foster pup leaves for a loving home, Kate knows she’s made a difference.
She also values the friendships she has built through fostering. One of her good friends ended up adopting one of her foster puppies. “She found out I had fostered Venus, her first foster and then later on also adopted Shadow, and that was it—she had to have her,” Kate recalls with a smile. The joy of seeing her former foster thrive in a happy home is something that keeps her going.
Of course, fostering isn’t all cuddles and tail wags. There are challenges, too—digging up the lawn, toilet training mishaps, and the general chaos that comes with puppies. “If you love your garden, think twice about getting a puppy!” she jokes. But despite the hard work, Kate finds it deeply rewarding. Seeing a scared or uncertain dog transform into a happy, confident companion makes every bit of effort worthwhile.
One of Kate’s most memorable fosters— or better yet, foster fail— was Buddy, who turned out to be the perfect fit for their family and never left. He struggled with separation anxiety and would hardly leave Kate’s side. But he became a loyal foster brother, helping over 10 foster dogs find their feet before moving on to their forever homes. Kate was looking for the final piece of the puzzle. With a love for German Shepherds, she knew she’d found the one when Macie arrived at Dogwatch from the Christchurch City Pound at just five months old. “Buddy seemed a bit down when there wasn’t a foster dog around, but when we got Macie, he perked up. Now he plays and enjoys life more.” Seeing these transformations is what keeps Kate motivated to continue fostering.
Through it all, the support from Dogwatch has made a huge difference. “I wouldn’t keep fostering if I didn’t feel supported,” Kate explains. Whether it’s a phone call to check in, guidance on dog introductions, or even emotional support when times are tough, Dogwatch has been there every step of the way. When Kate’s father passed away, the team at Dogwatch reached out, offering not just practical help but kindness and understanding. “It’s not just about the dogs,” she says. “Dogwatch really cares about the people, too.”
For anyone considering fostering, Kate’s advice is simple: be patient, be committed, and know that it’s not just about having a cute puppy around. “You need to put in the time and effort, treat them like your own dog, and help prepare them for their future homes.” And while it can be challenging, it’s also one of the most fulfilling things she has ever done.
Today, Kate continues to foster, knowing she’s part of something bigger.
“It’s like a family,” she says. “And it’s amazing to be part of giving these dogs a second chance at life.”
