I’ve always admired people who open their homes and hearts to foster animals. I wish I were in the position to do it myself, because fostering truly changes lives — both human and animal. Whether you’re fostering through a rescue organization or helping raise a future service dog, you’re making a meaningful impact that will ripple far beyond your home.

When you foster a rescue dog or cat, you are literally saving a life. You’re providing a safe and loving environment so they can decompress, feel secure, and show their true personality outside the shelter. At the same time, you’re creating space for another animal who may desperately need that spot, potentially giving them the chance at survival. Fostering helps pets thrive emotionally, mentally, and physically, something a shelter environment can’t always provide.

And if you’re fostering a future service dog, your role is just as powerful. You become part of that dog’s foundation and training, helping shape them into a confident, capable partner for someone who genuinely needs them. That level of impact is immeasurable.

Fostering truly is life-changing for everyone involved. It’s a selfless, emotional, inspiring journey. There is immense joy, but also a touch of heartache, because these animals become family. Saying goodbye may be bittersweet, but it’s a goodbye filled with purpose.

This summer, I had the honour of photographing one very special service-dog-in-training (Beetle) and the incredible Bourgeois family from the St. Albert area, who spent just over a year fostering and preparing him for his future career. We met the day before Beetle left for his new home to capture memories, love, and everything they had poured into him. Their story is a beautiful reminder of what fostering really is: love with no conditions and no guarantees, yet filled with endless rewards.

If you’re in the greater Edmonton area and have ever considered fostering a dog or cat, please reach out to a local rescue organization — they truly need people like you. If you'd like to foster a future service dog, check out Dogs With Wings.