Giving Furry Friends a Home and a Chance at Happiness

National Pet Day is April 11, and Frosted Faces Foundation in Ramona, featured on ABC 10 News earlier this year, is celebrating by participating in Project Dog Foster, a countywide campaign taking place this month.

The Frosted Faces Foundation is joining five other San Diego Animal Welfare Coalition members, including the City of Chula Vista Animal Services, PAWS of Coronado, Rancho Coastal Humane Society, San Diego County Department of Animal Services and San Diego Humane Society. Their goal is to help find foster homes for their dogs—over 1,100 between the six organizations—who could use a break from the chaotic shelter life. Larger dogs could benefit the most as they begin to experience kennel stress after more than six months. Any time out of the shelter is a positive experience for them, so if you’re considering fostering short-term, this could be just what the “dog-tor” ordered.

If you are considering fostering, every little bit helps. And it may not be as challenging as you think, especially with senior dogs. “They often have lower energy levels and require less exercise. If you'd rather take a nap with your dog than take it on a run, consider fostering a senior dog!” says Andrew Smisek of Frosted Faces. No matter who you foster through, the organizations provide food, supplies and medical care. Fostering is also an excellent opportunity to see if you might be ready to adopt.

Andrew Smisek and his wife, Kelly, started Frosted Faces ten years ago. One of their weekly traditions has been loading up about 50 senior dogs into a giant van and taking them to an assigned area in Ramona to meet with volunteers for a weekly hike. Andrew says the San Diego Country Estates trails are often part of the rotation. “We’re lucky there are so many nice trails in Ramona. Especially ones that are stroller friendly for the older dogs.” If you are unable to foster at this time, consider signing up as a volunteer with Frosted Faces, where you can join in on these weekly walks. 

Frosted Faces has an open house every Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 1 pm, where anyone is welcome to come by and meet the dogs. With no long-term commitment required, all commodities supplied and the chance to improve and even save a pet’s life, there is no better way to celebrate National Pet Day than to foster a four-legged companion.