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the Fulshear and Weston Lakes communities that stood up and helped. These caring neighbors even helped fund the medicals bills of the dogs that needed extra care.”
FOSTERING
Recently, a Houston K911 volunteer, Caroline Trulock, came across a property in Fulshear that had over 15 dogs on sight. Ten of these dogs were young puppies, three were nursing moms, and two were chained to trees, lying in their own feces. They had no clean drinking water and were surrounded by glass and garbage. These dogs had bruises, scrapes, and cuts due to the fact that they could not protect themselves, let alone get away. Once again, thanks to social media, the news spread and the town took action. “People were outraged and wanted to help in any way they could,” Katie adds. One of those who spoke up was Sylvie Andrews of Fulbrook on Fulshear Creek. Sylvie had seen a picture of Winston, one of the dogs chained to a tree on this particular property, scroll across her Facebook page back in November. He was nothing but skin and bones. “When I saw his picture, I had tears in my eyes,” says Sylvie. “He looked like he had lost all hope. I knew I had to do something.” Sylvie and her husband, Greg, who already have three dogs and a cat of their own, contacted the rescue group and filled out an application to foster Winston. Katie approved the application that very night, and Winston was at the Andrews’ home the next day.
Rescue groups like Houston K911, cannot function without the help of people like Greg and Sylvie Andrews. “We currently have 146 dogs in the program, our highest number to date,” says Houston K911 founder, Katie Wing. “It makes me smile knowing that every single one of those dogs is in a loving home, instead of a shelter. None of this is possible without the help of our devoted fosters.” All fosters must fill out an application and allow a home visit. This is to help Katie, her partner Anna, and board member, Michelle Haberland, match the right dog in need, to that specific home and lifestyle. “We work hard to guarantee a smooth transition for both the dog and the foster family,” adds Katie. “It is important that we set these dogs up for success, not failure.” Houston K911 works closely with rescues in Wisconsin and Washington. When a dog is adopted by a family out of state and are waiting to be transported, Katie is in need of a temporary foster. This is perfect for first-time fosters because it gets them exposed, while having an end date in sight. There are absolutely no out of pocket expenses for fosters. Houston K911 provides a list of numerous partnering vets in the area, and all visits, procedures, and medications are fully covered. In fact, the group even provides, a tag, collar, leash, and crate if needed. Unlike some rescues, fosters with Houston K911 are not required to attend any weekend adoption events. Fosters are only responsible for providing a safe and loving home for these dogs in need. “There is nothing like taking a dog that is broken, or injured, or sick, and watching their transition,” says Katie. Once you experience this, you are hooked. Yes, at times it can be challenging, and even emotional, but in the end, everything is overshadowed by the joy of seeing these dogs transform. This is why many first-time fosters continue. Fosters are the heart of the organization.
F ULSHEA R MA G A ZIN E
“You could tell Winston had never been in a house before,” notes Greg Andrews. “He was afraid, and yet he still knew he was safe. I could see in his eyes that he was thankful to be given a second chance at life.” In just those first two weeks, Winston had gained fifteen pounds! Greg and Sylvie fostered Winston for five weeks, and in that time, they got him through extreme malnutrition and a severe case of mange. They had given him all the love and assistance he needed to be able to find his forever home.
Why Foster?
(Group L to R) Caroline Trulock with Semper Fi, Sylvie Andrews with Winston, Judy Einbinder with Whitney, Ella Clement with Mia and Daisy.