Tiffany Karam started fostering with Seattle Humane in 2019. In that time, Tiffany and her family have fostered over 20 dogs and puppies! We’re recognizing Tiffany this month because we appreciate how patient, compassionate and dedicated she is as a foster parent. Tiffany reliably gravitates towards medium-large sized dogs looking for foster. Large adult dogs are known to have some of the longest stays in the shelter system. There is no shortage of large dogs needing foster care, so we’re eternally grateful for foster parents that open their home to them, like Tiffany.
Through all of her fostering experience, Tiffany has become accustomed to the decompression period that occurs when bringing a pet into a new environment. Pets, and not just shelter pets, can take up to three months to fully decompress and adapt to their new home. This is why our adoption advisors check in with new adopters at three days, three weeks and three months. We recently featured Tiffany and her current foster, Kingsley, on social media to discuss this very topic. We are thankful to our foster parents like Tiffany for showing how shelter pets can blossom when given a chance.
Do you have a favorite foster pet? If so, why were they your favorite?
That’s so hard to answer! Some of my favorites are Jade, Weasley, Blitzen, Todd and Kingsley.
What inspired you to foster pets with Seattle Humane?
My family wasn’t ready to commit to owning a pet and we thought fostering would be a great way to experience having dogs in our life. That was over four years ago and we still love it.
What is the most rewarding aspect of fostering?
Helping the dogs – either giving them a shelter break or giving them a place to recover from health issues. We are SO excited when a dog we’ve fostered finds their forever home!
When/how did your love of animals begin?
My family always had a dog when I was growing up, so that’s where it started.
Are there any experiences that you feel helped prepare you for fostering (previous jobs, internships, schooling, residential pets, etc.)?
Many years ago my husband and I had a pit bull mix who had some behavior issues. I think that helped give me a base for understanding some of the challenges our foster dogs face.
Do you have any pets of your own?
No
Besides fostering, tell us about your hobbies. Do you have any hidden talents we might not know about?
I like to hike, bike and be outdoors with my family. And I make a really good banana bread.
What advice would you give to others who are thinking about fostering a pet?
Try it! Seattle Humane is so awesome to work with. The foster team is so supportive and really sets us up for success.
