At Seattle Humane we strive to provide an environment that alleviates (or at least lessens) the fear, anxiety and stress that many animals feel at the shelter. This is where our army of volunteers and foster parents take center stage. They provide relief from the shelter, whether it’s a walk, field trip or home stay. They shower our animals with much needed love and socialization. Not to mention, it also helps pets get adopted by showing more of their personality in a home environment and different situations. We truly couldn’t do what we do without their support.
This month we want to shine the spotlight on one of our stars, Grace Domel.
Grace joined our foster program in February 2023 and jumped right in by fostering Maxine for five months (Maxine was adopted in September). Grace has done a masterful job of fostering reactive dogs in the busy Ballard neighborhood. It can be done! She’s opened her home to other hidden gems who need some time away from the shelter like Riley and Raider. Both pups are still looking for their family. Don’t sleep on these two love bugs!
Check out the interview below to discover more about Grace and what motivates her to be a volunteer foster parent at Seattle Humane.
Do you have a favorite foster pet? If so, why were they your favorite?
Maxine and Riley were my first two foster dogs and they’re both my favorites for different reasons! I fostered Maxine for five months and it was so fun to watch her come out of her shell and bond with some of my friends and sister! Riley is my current foster and is so energetic and mischievous but also such a cuddly couch potato! Also, shoutout to Raider who was the sweetest, chillest dog that I had for a sleepover!
What inspired you to foster pets with Seattle Humane?
I always had dogs growing up and I missed my family dog a lot when I moved to Seattle! My condo building lets you have any breed or size of dog and I thought it would be fun and fulfilling!
What is the most rewarding aspect of fostering?
Seeing them warm up and let their guard down around you! Maxine was with me for a long time and seeing her getting adopted by a great couple and getting her updates on Instagram made me so proud of both of us!
When did your love of animals begin?
Since I was a little kid! I have always loved dogs and had a few family dogs throughout the years.
Are there any experiences that you feel helped prepare you for fostering?
We foster failed with my family pup, a border collie mix named Jack. We also fostered a few puppies who successfully found loving homes.
Helping out with training and socializing with my dogs growing up helped me understand dog behavior and understand how to best help my fosters with some fears like dog and barrier reactivity.
Do you have any pets of your own?
I have a 10-year-old lab/pitbull mix named Loki! He lives in Florida with my mom, but I love him so much!
Besides fostering, tell us about your hobbies. Do you have any hidden talents we might not know about?
I love baking, reading and doing any type of crafts! My current craft is crochet and I’m also making a book nook.
What advice would you give to others who are thinking about fostering a pet?
I’d say patience is key with foster dogs especially with the backgrounds some dogs have from before coming to the shelter. Also letting them adjust and settle in on their own schedule.
I was worried about being sad when the foster pet gets adopted – especially with a dog like Maxine because she was with me for multiple months – but remembering that you’re there to help get them ready and feel safe and show them love while they wait for their forever home feels wholesome and so fulfilling even if you feel sad at the same time!
