Adopting a pet isn’t the only thing you can do when it comes to helping abandoned animals. Volunteering, donating or even being a foster parent can be just as rewarding.
For one foster mom, it may be hard work, but she says it’s the best job she’s ever had.
“During puppy season when it gets really bad, I’ve had probably 23 puppies here," Sharon Oiler said.
It's her very own puppy palace. What was once her son’s room is now a doggy den for her other children.
“I guess that’s what keeps me sane, knowing I’m doing the right thing," Oiler said.
Doing the right thing would be easy when you get to wake up every morning to the cuddly little creatures. Oiler has been doing it every day for the past 15 years.
She’s the foster mom. Her only job is to help them grow.
“Just a nice soft bed and some food is all they require," Oiler said.
She’s part of the foster program for the Rescued Pets Movement.
“They help you every step of the way. They provide you with food, medicine, there’s a clinic there that you can take your foster to and get medical treatment," Oiler said.
Sharon gives them their food, their shots and gets them on their way to their new lives.
“Just knowing what they’re going to and that they’re going to live a great life, that makes a difference," Oiler said.
And then the day comes, as it always does, to say good bye.
“I'm not always the only one out there crying, the rest of the fosters are too, but it’s the right thing. It’s the right thing to do," Oiler said.
And as soon as the pups are gone, the next group will come because there’s that many who need her help.
It’s a puppy love like no other, and for Oiler, it’s a love she wants to share.
“Everybody can do something, even if you only took one, there’s seniors that are turned in. You put them in a crate, you feed them, give them a little love and they’re thrilled. It’s not hard work," Oiler said.
It's the full time job she never knew she wanted, and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I’m just a really lucky person that I get to do what I love every day," Oiler said.