From Foster to Forever: How Benson Found His Way Home

by Eric Messing, Executive Director

​My wife, Carla, and I have always believed in the power of fostering and in letting our hearts stay open to what might happen next.

With a three-year-old Anatolian Shepherd named Twyla already ruling the house, we had been keeping an eye out for a potential canine companion who might be a good fit for her. We fostered through Humane Society of West Michigan last spring, hopeful that our temporary guest might become a permanent family member.

While that particular match wasn’t meant to be, the experience only strengthened our appreciation for fostering and the important role it plays in giving animals a second chance.

Fast forward to the HSWM Volunteer Appreciation Party in January, when an unexpected opportunity presented itself. Among the festivities were two newly surrendered 15-week-old puppies, tiny, sweet and a little overwhelmed by it all.

One of them immediately stole both of our hearts.

What was meant to be a night of celebration quickly turned into another fostering adventure. We left the party with a puppy in our arms and a plan to once again open our home as a temporary safe place.

We were very intentional about not wanting a puppy. (Anyone who has raised a puppy knows exactly why.)

But sometimes, dogs have plans of their own.

​​​This little Sheltie/Collie-type pup made it clear almost immediately that he had chosen us. Within a day, we both knew he wasn’t just visiting.

He was home.

We named him Benson, or Bennie, for short. From that moment on, he was part of our family.

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​Watching Benson and Twyla build their relationship has been incredibly special. They have learned how to communicate, play and coexist as true siblings, each developing their own role within our home.

But Benson's story with HSWM didn't end when we adopted him.

​We enrolled him in Kindergarten obedience training at HSWM, where he quickly picked up commands and showed us how eager he was to learn. By the end of the class, Benson had even earned his AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy title, recognizing the work we had put into his socialization, training, and good manners.

What I wasn’t prepared for was just how much Carla and I would learn along the way.

From choosing the right type of harness to understanding the importance of consistency with our commands, we began to realize that training wasn’t simply about teaching Benson good behavior. It was also about teaching us how to better communicate with him and give him what he needed to succeed.

With time, attention and consistency, we’ve watched him grow into a curious, confident and remarkably well-mannered dog.

And then Benson landed his first job.

​Because of his gentle, curious nature, Benson joined HSWM’s Humane Education team this summer. He now attends camps, spending time with campers and helping young people learn about animals, responsible pet care and compassion.

It has quickly become Benson’s favorite day of the week.

There is something especially rewarding about watching the puppy we unexpectedly carried home from a volunteer party now helping HSWM teach the next generation about caring for animals.

Our story is just one of many that begin with fostering.

Sometimes fostering means providing a temporary bridge while an animal waits for a forever home. Sometimes it gives you the opportunity to discover whether an animal is the right fit for your family.

And every once in a while, that bridge leads right back to your own front door.

We’re grateful to Humane Society of West Michigan for creating opportunities like these, for animals, for volunteers and for families like ours.

Benson may have started as a foster, but he found his forever.
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We couldn’t be happier that his journey led home to us.