Since taking that leap, Linda has opened her home and heart to 10 foster animals in under two years. Each one has left its mark, but her current companion — a charming senior named Bebe — has carved out a particularly special space.
"Fostering is Just a Beautiful, Beautiful Thing"
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When Linda lost her beloved dog of 12 years, her heart was broken. She couldn’t imagine bringing another dog into her life so soon — not permanently, at least. But a chance moment changed everything.
“I was watching CH Morning Live, and someone came on talking about fostering,” Linda recalls. “And I thought — I could do that. So I put in my application, and I have never looked back. It's the most rewarding thing I've ever done.”
“I call her Queen Bee,” Linda says with a smile. “She’s 11, she’s an old girl like me. And she’s happy to get up in the morning, eat breakfast, and hang out with me.”
The Hamilton/Burlington SPCA (HBSPCA) describes Bebe as a spirited senior with a personality that could rival any puppy. Though she's a little hard of hearing and can be startled by sudden movements, her gentle quirks only add to her charm.
Linda doesn't play favourites when it comes to the dogs she fosters.
“I’ve had such an eclectic group — male, female, puppies, seniors — and I’ve loved them all. Each one is unique. They all need love, patience, and a little bit of time.”
Through fostering, Linda has witnessed incredible transformations. Animals who once arrived frightened and shut down slowly begin to bloom under her care.
“They come in terrified,” she explains. “We’re trying to figure each other out. But then you see it — a little bit of trust. They’ll let you touch them. Take them for a walk. Try new foods. And then suddenly, they’re curled up next to you on the couch. It’s like watching a flower open.”
Fostering through the HBSPCA is more than just temporary care — it’s a lifeline for animals in need. Foster homes provide safe, loving environments where animal scan heal, learn, and prepare for their forever families. It's a critical part of the HBSPCA’s mission to ensure every companion animal is treated with compassion and dignity.
“Many of these dogs have never been in a home before,” Linda says. “Some have never even been on a walk. You show them love, give them routine, and they begin to understand that life doesn’t have to be scary. That there are good people out there.”
Foster parents, like Linda, offer not just shelter, but a chance to rediscover joy, safety, and trust. These homes become places of healing — for both animals and humans.
“It gives me a sense of purpose,” she says. “Seeing how far they’ve come. Every milestone —from wagging their tail to simply lying beside you — means something. I had no idea it would be this rewarding. I'm just over the moon.”
One of the most common questions Linda hears is, “How do you let them go?”
“It’s not easy,” she admits. “But I find comfort in the adoption process. The HBSPCA’s screening is amazing. You get to meet the people who want to adopt your foster, and they’re absolutely perfect every time.”
Linda has even taken on the role of screening potential new fosters, helping others take their first steps into this rewarding journey.
Becoming a foster parent doesn’t require a background in animal care — just a big heart, a little patience, and the willingness to offer love to an animal who may never have known it. Whether it’s for a few weeks or a few months, every day in a foster home helps an animal gain confidence, build trust, and prepare for a happy, healthy future.
“I believe fostering is so important,” Linda says. “These dogs deserve to know that life can be good. People can be good. And that their past doesn’t define their future.”
Through volunteers like Linda, the HBSPCA continues to build a community where animals are not just cared for — they’re cherished.
“It’s just a beautiful, beautiful thing,” she says, her voice full of emotion. “I love it.”
Find out more on our Fostering Program here!
By Pearl Wolfe
