New Fairfield teacher shares the challenges, rewards, and why fostering saves lives

By Cherry Dumaual

NEW FAIRFIELD — Inside Trish McCarthy’s home on Squantz Pond, there’s rarely a quiet moment. Since last May, about 20 puppies have come through her home, each one staying just long enough to grow, adjust, and prepare for a permanent family.

Fostering two puppies at a time, in addition to her four dogs, makes for full days that begin early and rarely slow down.

“At first I was only taking one puppy at a time, but I’ve found it’s easier with two because they stay busy and happy with a playmate,” McCarthy said. “The puppies are up at the crack of dawn, so the whole household gets up and starts the day,” she continued. “First, we all go outside so the pack can do their potty business and run around and play in the yard for a bit. I clean up after them.”

Feeding requires careful coordination, with each dog eating separately before the cycle continues.

“Potty time, play time, clean up, eat, clean up, play, clean up…LOTS of cleaning up,” she said.

On workdays, her fiancé, Chris Blaiotta, helps keep things on track, letting the dogs out and giving them time to play until McCarthy returns home and resumes the routine.

McCarthy said, “I put them to bed in their play pen around 8 pm and finally relax!”

From Adoption to Fostering

McCarthy’s path to fostering began with adopting her own dogs.

“I knew I couldn’t adopt any more dogs, so fostering is the next best thing!” she said.

She connected with Wilder Souls Dog Rescue through a friend who had previously helped her adopt. When that friend started her own rescue, McCarthy stayed involved.

“I’ve been fostering for her ever since,” she said.

Since then, about 20 puppies have rotated through her home. Each one is part of a short but important chapter before finding a permanent family.

The Challenges (and What It Takes)

Fostering comes with challenges, especially in the early days.

“Really the biggest challenge is when the puppies hate their crate and scream at night,” McCarthy explained. “It’s tough for the first two nights. Never give in. They adjust quickly.”

Younger puppies can also be quick to slip through small openings. “Another challenge is when they are so little they can run through my gate,” she explained.

This past winter added another layer of difficulty, with freezing temperatures and snow making routines more demanding. Some puppies stayed for several months.

“The ones that stand out are the ones that stayed the longest,” she said. “They become part of my family.”

Her experience as a special education teacher also plays a role. “Absolutely! Patience and flexibility are essential,” she said.

The Rewards and the Goodbyes

For McCarthy, the rewards outweigh the challenges.

“It’s all rewarding,” she said. “I love taking care of them and being the ‘temporary mom,’ and I love when they meet their forever families. I know it’s the beginning of a beautiful life for them.”

She continued, “I’m the bridge to that life. I get to love, spoil, and socialize them and then see them off like a proud mom.”

Still, letting go is never easy. “I cry every time a puppy leaves. I usually start getting upset a day or two before they leave, then I still get teary-eyed for a few days after. I get so attached!”

Her first foster dog never left. “The first dog I fostered, Stella, was a fail and I kept her,” she said.

After that, she considered keeping another but was reminded of the bigger mission.

“Chrissy told me, ‘You can’t keep keeping them because I want you to keep saving them!’” McCarthy said her friend is right. “I can’t keep any more dogs, but I can keep fostering lots of them.”

Thinking About Fostering?

With warmer weather approaching, McCarthy said, “Now is a good time to start. This is the perfect time to foster. The weather is warming up and it’s easier to get outside.”

She recommends starting with the basics: a crate, wee-wee pads, chew toys, and food. Rescue organizations typically provide additional support. “It’s typically not a long-term commitment. Begin with one puppy and add another once your routine is established.”

For McCarthy, fostering is a simple way to make a lasting difference. “We are always looking for fosters. The more fosters we have, the more babies we can save.”

Find out more about fostering opportunities at Wilder Souls Dog Rescue and the New Fairfield Sherman Animal Welfare.