"You'll change a dog's life—but you'll likely find that they change yours, too."

Angela has been part of MSIR for about a year and a half, first as a Foster Concierge supporting other foster families, then as a foster herself. What began as an urgent, temporary placement turned into fostering Haribo for his entire journey with the rescue — watching him go from a dog who'd never lived indoors to a well-mannered, affectionate, fully house-trained companion.

Her favorite part? Watching a dog grow in confidence and become a beloved member of a family — and the friendships built with fellow volunteers and fosters along the way.

“If you save one life, you save the world. You’ll never regret opening your home to a dog in need.”

After losing their first Shiba, Ariella and her husband knew they wanted to honor that love by helping another dog. In 2018, they joined Midwest Shiba Inu Rescue and welcomed their first foster, Titus (now Taito). He was such a wonderful young dog that they happily became a “foster fail”—and today, at 10 years old, he’s enjoying his golden years.

Their next foster, Gidget (now Lola), came from an animal hoarding and breeding situation. She was timid, couldn’t even eat solid food when she arrived, but with love and patience she blossomed. A few weeks after being spayed, she found her forever family and is now living her own happily-ever-after.

After taking a break when they adopted their son, Ariella and her husband opened their home once again. They are now fostering Dusk, a sweet girl who was found as a stray. Dusk’s past is a mystery, but it’s clear she endured trauma and was used for breeding. Despite everything, she’s incredibly sweet and is slowly learning what it means to feel safe. She’s wonderful with people and now enjoys quiet downtime with Taito as part of the family.

Watching frightened dogs discover love, trust, and security again is why Ariella continues to foster, and we COULD NOT save Shiba Inu's in need without her and our other foster families!

“For potential fosters, I would be honest in saying that it is work and dedication. But you will be changing lives and that far outweighs anything else. Fostering is temporary but the memories and happiness it brings lasts a lifetime."

His advice to anyone thinking about fostering: "Every foster will take a piece of your heart with them always. It's not a bad thing — it's one of the most selfless and rewarding experiences you can do." When people ask how he can foster without wanting to keep every dog, his answer is simple: "I'd rather cry than to see them ever cry again."

Her advice for anyone thinking about fostering?

“Just do it. Fostering is not permanent. But the love and safety that you show a dog will stay with them for a lifetime.”

"Do it. Even if you only do it once, you have been some poor Shiba's hero."

Their advice to anyone considering fostering: "Fostering requires a lot of heart, patience, and deep understanding. These dogs are entering a brand new world and need time to adjust. Plus, they are incredibly clever — they will likely find mischief faster than you can anticipate it! My biggest advice is just to be mindful of the dedication it takes, because the reward is entirely worth it."