Give Big Valleys 2025 - Tiny's Hope Foster Program

The Humane Society of Burnett County, like many animal shelters around the country, operates at near capacity on a regular basis – both for dogs and cats.  HSBC has an open admissions policy with preference given to stray dogs and cats; we do not euthanize animals for lack of space so the challenge has been how to humanely and responsibly handle the ever-increasing numbers of strays that come our way. The growing number of animals in need has highlighted the urgent necessity of expanding our services beyond our physical walls—and with that in mind, we are launching Tiny’s Hope, a comprehensive foster program aimed at providing vulnerable animals with the best chance for successful adoption.  

The story of Tiny, a Cataloula Leopard Dog who unfortunately developed aggressive behaviors after prolonged shelter life, has inspired this effort. After more than a year at the shelter, Tiny became more and more aggressive and eventually developed a biting history.  Had a foster home been available for Tiny soon after his arrival at the shelter, his outcome might have been different.  We dedicate this program in his memory, hoping to offer other animals the brighter futures Tiny deserved.

The Tiny’s Hope foster program will focus on three areas:

1. Traditional fostering to free up shelter space and better prepares animals for adoption.

• This are focuses on animals that are available for adoption or are too young for adoption – puppies and kittens. Fosters will play an active role in helping these dogs or cats find permanent homes by scheduling meet-and-greets, either at their own homes or at the shelter. While some fosters may ultimately choose to adopt their foster animal, the primary goal is to provide temporary care and free up valuable kennel space at the shelter.  

1. Medical fostering for those needing post-surgical care, long-term treatment, or hospice support.

• This type of fostering will support animals with special medical needs, including those requiring post-surgical recovery, long-term treatment, or hospice care. By placing these animals in foster homes, we can reduce the workload on our kennel staff while ensuring that these pets receive focused attention, compassion, and specialized care during their recovery or final days.  

1. Foster-to-adopt opportunities for families who want a trial period before committing to adoption.

• This option allows individuals who are seriously considering adoption to foster a specific animal for a short period—up to three weeks—giving them the opportunity to ensure a good fit within their household before making a permanent commitment.

Developing a true foster program has been a longstanding priority for our animal shelter, and while it is now within reach, additional resources are still needed to bring it fully to life.  Thanks to advice and support from Best Friends Animal Society, and other resources, we have developed foster manuals, applications, contracts, and standard operating procedures to ensure a strong foster program foundation.  These resources will provide our long-term fosters with the training and support they will need to provide housing and care for animals waiting for their new adoptive homes.  The HSBC Board of Directors and our Shelter Manager, who will also serve as Foster Coordinator, are prepared to oversee this exciting next step in our mission.

Through Give Big Valleys, we are seeking support specifically to strengthen Tiny’s Hope in order to equip our foster homes with the resources they need: kennels, crates, cat towers, food, flea/tick preventatives, and more.  Funds raised through Give Big Valleys would be dedicated specifically to purchasing and loaning these essential supplies to foster families.  Quality dog kennels alone range between $75 and $100 each depending on size and durability, a critical investment in ensuring animals are safe and comfortable housed in foster care. A kennel trained dog is less likely to damage furniture or woodwork when left unattended or overnight.

By helping us build and support, donors to Great Big Valleys will be helping to save lives—not just creating space at the shelter, but allowing individual dogs and cats to heal, thrive, and transition successfully into loving forever homes.   Many dogs—and some cats—struggle in a shelter environment, and studies show that the longer they stay, the more likely they are to develop behaviors that hinder their chances of adoption.  Thank you for considering a donation to support the Tiny’s Hope foster program