Dennis Janke recently joined the Animal Ark Board of Directors, but he’s no stranger to our organization. Dennis served as a foster parent to Howie. Now, Howie lives permanently under Dennis’s roof.

When someone adopts a foster dog or cat, it’s wryly referred to as a “Failed Foster.” Dennis chuckles at this characterization since it’s apropos in his case: Neither fostering nor adoption were on his mind when he first began volunteering at Animal Ark, but he wound up doing both.

Dennis’s involvement with Animal Ark began typically enough, putting in regular shifts at the shelter walking dogs. But volunteering led to fostering which led to adoption. Now, after a year of work, Howie is a certified Therapy Dog.

Please note that the Dennis/Howie foster-to-forever-home tale is the anomaly. Most fosters remain fosters, and that’s perfectly fine! If you have room in your home and heart to foster a dog or cat until they find their forever home, fill out the application linked here and our staff will reach out regarding your role as a foster parent.

Remember: The more animals we can place in safe, loving foster homes the more space we have available at the shelter. Help us achieve our goal of having more fosters during 2020. Sign up today!

Speaking of fosters, here are a couple of Animal Ark’s eligible residents, currently in foster care and seeking forever homes! Fill out an adoption application to meet these lovable dogs!