Dogs Trust: Co Antrim woman tells of 'rewarding' journey as foster carer for rescue dogs
A Dogs Trust foster carer from County Antrim has spoken of her joy in providing a temporary home for rescue dogs as they wait to be adopted.
Janet Millar, from Parkgate, began fostering for Dogs Trust Ballymena in January 2025 after being deeply moved by the TV programme Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake.
A lifelong dog lover and former dog owner, Janet says fostering offers the “perfect solution” now that her lifestyle no longer allows her to have a dog of her own. While she admits she finds it difficult to say goodbye when each foster dog moves on, she says the experience is hugely rewarding.
Fostering offers all the benefits of having a dog without the long-term commitment, and with the flexibility to take a break whenever needed, said Dogs Trust.
It allows individuals or families to provide a loving temporary home to a dog, until their forever home is found.
All costs are covered by the charity, including food, bedding, grooming, and vet treatment, with expert staff always on hand to offer support and advice.
Dogs Trust Ballymena is currently caring for 52 dogs, seven of which are in foster homes. Having more volunteer foster carers means the team can help more dogs.
Foster Carer, Janet Millar, said: “Being a Foster Carer with Dogs Trust Ballymena is the best decision I have ever made. I wish I’d done it years ago. The staff at Dogs Trust Ballymena are so friendly, and they have so much love for the dogs in their care.
"Being a foster carer means that when I am available, I have the pleasure of caring for a dog in my home until they are adopted. It doesn’t cost me anything except my time, as Dogs Trust provides everything the dog needs. I have fostered 12 dogs so far, and each one has been an absolute delight.
“The flexibility of fostering suits my life, and I love the company of a dog in my home. I feel more secure at night and sleep much better. Being retired, it’s very easy to become lazy, but having a dog not only gives me purpose, a reason to get out of bed in the morning, a routine, but it keeps me organised and fit. I meet so many people when out walking who stop to talk when they see the Dogs Trust lead, and there really is nothing better than a furry bundle cuddled up beside you on the sofa, except maybe two furry bundles.
“Although I do shed a tear when they are adopted, it's so rewarding, and there will always be another dog waiting for your help. For anyone thinking of fostering, I would say, just do it. You won’t regret it. There are so many dogs out there waiting for your love.”
To find out how to become a Dogs Trust foster carer in Northern Ireland, visit Dogs Trust Ballymena, or for more information, visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/foster
Carrie McErlean, Foster Coordinator at Dogs Trust Ballymena added: “We don’t have the kennel space for all the dogs who need us, so by offering a temporary home, you’re not only giving a dog safety, comfort and love when they need it most, but helping us free up space in our centre for other dogs who desperately need support."