A shelter puppy named Grace developed an endearing routine every time her foster carer, Katie Balla, stepped into the shower.
Grace, a golden retriever, would curl up on a mat just outside the shower door, showcasing the bond they formed during her recovery. This deep connection influenced a significant decision Katie would soon make.
When Grace first arrived in early June, she was in rough shape. “She was incredibly sick,” Balla recalled. “Her previous owners had purchased her from an untrustworthy breeder, who sold them a sick puppy. They couldn’t afford her medical care, so the emergency vet reached out to our rescue for help.”
Initially, Grace was supposed to stay with Katie for a couple of months to recuperate, but things took a turn. “She ended up staying with us much longer because she had distemper, a serious viral infection for puppies,” Balla explained.
The road to recovery wasn’t easy, but with Katie’s support, Grace slowly regained her health. “There were many ups and downs, and she was severely ill. After months of care, she pulled through. We formed a wonderful bond,” Balla said.
The role of a foster carer can greatly impact a shelter dog’s life, as shown in a 2018 study in the journal Applied Animal Behavior Science, which found that just 15 minutes of petting could enhance a dog’s well-being.
fosterpup_tales
Over time, Grace developed a strong affinity for Balla, feeling safe and loved. A touching video shared on Balla’s TikTok account, fosterpup_tales, highlights Grace napping outside the shower, always wanting to be close.
“She enjoys the cold floor, but she loves being near me most,” Balla said. Though she has fostered many dogs, Grace’s journey was special due to their unique bond during her illness.
Ultimately, Balla’s family decided to adopt Grace. “We signed the papers last week,” she shared. While she knows that not all fostering situations end this way, every act of care helps shelter dogs find their happy ever after.
“Fostering provides dogs a safe space to heal, making them more adoptable and opening room for rescues to save more animals in need,” Balla noted. “It’s a crucial part of rescue work and immensely rewarding to support these dogs during their transition, then see them off to loving homes.”