For long-time BBRTX volunteer, Ann Marie Ronsman, fostering is a family affair. She and her husband, along with their five children, have fostered more than 40 hounds over the past seven years.
"We started fostering because we wanted to do some family community service. I liked the idea of being able to serve without having it be another place to drive or schedule to juggle."
The Ronsman family currently has three Bassets of their own and are fostering another. Through the years, they've welcomed seniors, puppies (sometimes 3, 4, or 5 at a time!), and all ages in between.
"We cry just about every time one of our fosters is adopted,"admits Ann Marie, "but we love getting pictures of their new life and seeing how happy they are."
One of those former fosters, Fergus, is pictured here with Ann Marie six weeks after his adoption. Fergus was blind and had seizures, but he found the perfect forever family that adored him for the rest of his life. "I won't lie—this pup was a lot of work!" she laughs. "But this is why we do it. He had a great home, he remembered us, and I got to give him a big smooch."
The Ronsman family is quite active, and each of the five teenagers (currently ranging in age from 14 to 18) has different interests and activities. "We started fostering because we wanted to do some family community service," explains Ann Marie. "I liked the idea of being able to serve without having it be another place to drive or schedule to juggle." From the beginning, Luke, Nora, Lily, Drew, and Lauren have helped clean up after the dogs, walk them, and, in some cases, teach them how to trust people again.
"Fostering is sometimes a pain and it can be inconvenient, but it's so incredibly rewarding when we see the transformation these hounds make," admits Ann Marie. "That makes it all worth it."
Click here for more information on fostering.
To read more about the Ronsman family's fostering journey, click here.