Although Julie is new to the foster team, she has made such an impact in her short amount of time with DPA! We know that if a dog is in need of immediate transport to the vet or a temporary place to stay in order to leave the shelter, Julie will step up to the plate. She always has our dogs and cats in mind and will do whatever is needed to save their lives. She radiates generosity and compassion for not only the animals but also the other fosters in our organization. It is people like Julie that make our community so strong and impact so great. I am excited to watch her grow in this organization and help save more lives. – Stefanie Steiner, Foster Director for Dallas Pets Alive!
This is why Julie Zvara is one of Dallas Pet’s Alive!’s PAWesome People!
How did you get involved with Fostering with DPA!?
I got involved with DPA! through the TNR program. There was a feral cat colony of 4 adults & 10 kittens that had to be trapped, spayed & neutered and I was involved in the entire process. The 3 female & 1 male adults were spayed/neutered and released. The 10 kittens ended up in foster care through DPA! Unfortunately, 1 kitten subsequently died but the other 9 have all been adopted!
Tell us about a few of your fosters.
I fostered kittens Minnie, April & Mickey who were feral and a handful due to health issues. They were diagnosed with panleukopenia followed by ringworm so my intro to fostering was a bit stressful as they were in quarantine for 3 months. The good news is they grew out of being feral and are super loving! Petey stayed with us for 24 hours because he was EOD and needed a place to crash for one night. And, I have helped transport pups from DAS and to/from their foster to the vet – I especially love Dear Jesse who is a big bundle of love.
What is your favorite animal adoption story?
Mickey’s adoption is my favorite story because I was super attached to him. I really, really wanted to keep him but not everyone in our family was on board with it. Out of respect for my family, I only agreed that he could be adopted if the “right” family came along. Mickey is super happy and loved in a home filled with children and other pets. He especially loves sitting on the fireplace and has brought his family so much joy. They send me regular updates and I even got to visit him this past weekend.
What do you love most about fostering with Dallas Pets Alive!?
Being part of saving an animal’s life is very rewarding and giving them a 2nd chance to build trust and learn that there are good & kind people in the world.
What would be some words of wisdom to new DPA! Fosters?
Opening your home and/or your heart is a risk. All of us are learning as we go…it’s ok to ask for help and know that you are not alone in the emotions you will feel and challenges you will face.
Give us a fun fact about you!
I love to ride horses – I take lessons twice a week.
Be like Julie
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