SEO: Marvin home opens for foster dogs Doggie Daycare Student gives sheltered dogs place to call home By: Caroline Niski

When Laura Marvin was a sophomore in college, tragedy struck home. Monty,

her childhood dog, died at 14.

The Marvin residence did not experience any vacancies after that.

In high school, Marvin’s friend informed her about a

dog foster program. Itching to welcome more dogs into her

life, Marvin gave it a shot.

The summer before her senior year, Laura and her

sister Catherine opened their home in New Jersey to train and

care for displaced dogs.

The local shelter Traveling Paws, wasn’t equipped

with cages or a full staff. Foster families care for the dogs

until the shelter finds them a permanent home.

Today, 7 million homeless, abandoned and stray dogs are in shelters. Because

these dogs come from troubling backgrounds, the families must enforce strict discipline

strategies.

Marvin initially had to gain the dogs’ trust to properly train them.

“It took a lot of patience to work with these dogs and help them learn to behave,”

Marvin said. “After the dogs got to know us, they became more comfortable and began to

trust us.”

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Laura (left) and Catherine (right) with their new dog, Monty. Photo by Candice Marvin.

 

Attachment blossoms

Marvin has fostered six dogs. “Fostering dogs has been such a rewarding

experience. It’s so nice to see the dog grow and finally get adopted,” Marvin said.

It may be difficult to watch them trot out after practically raising them. Marvin

said she develops an attachment the dogs she

fosters.

Her family recently adopted their foster

dog, Cody, in May. “We knew at the time we

wanted another dog for our family and as soon as

we brought Cody home to foster, we knew he was

perfect for our family,” Catherine said.

Thanks to Laura and her sister, six dogs have loving homes. But, who is going to

help Laura with to the 7 million more waiting?

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Getting  to  know  Laura…  Born  in  New  York  City    Favorite  childhood  show:  Full  House    Favorite  book:  “My  Sister’s  Keeper”    by  Jodie  Picoult    Favorite  color:  purple    Best  Vacation:  Grand  Canyon