Like a lot of kids his age, 10-year-old Kai likes to play soccer, read and collect Funko Pops. But what sets him apart is his biggest passion: fostering dogs.
In fact, he and his family have been fostering dogs – 14 total – for half his life. He loves dogs so much that his family has “foster-failed” three: Gracie, Molly Rocquette and Piper Ann. These pooches are now permanent residents in the Riley house.
So when Kai’s birthday was coming up, his mother wasn’t surprised when he said he didn’t want gifts. Instead, he requested donations to Poodle and Pooch Rescue, for which the family fosters, or to a favorite charity.
“He has a really good heart,” says his mother, Brandy. “He’s an old soul.”
Once Poodle and Pooch heard about this, we shared on our social channels, asking folks to donate to Kai’s fundraiser. And did they ever! Poodle and Pooch got more than $7,300 in donations from folks happy to honor a little boy’s wishes.
The fourth-grader was so moved by the wildly successful fundraiser that his mom reported he “cried a little bit” and said he wished for all dogs to be loved as much as he loves his canine brood, which also includes Jamie, 13, and Chloe Belle, 12.
Kai’s love of animals isn’t surprising. As a child, Brandy had seven dogs, and Kai’s grandparents are big Poodle and Pooch supporters who make donations every year.
“My very first dog was a golden doodle, Cassie, who lived for 15 years,” Brandy says. “She was love at first sight.”
Fostering is a family affair for the family, who also have a 25-year-old son in the Navy.
“If we’ve done anything right, both our boys have really good hearts,” Brandy says.
That doesn’t mean it’s always easy. Kai and his family get attached to each and every dog they foster. And that’s how Piper Ann, Molly Roquette and Gracie came to live permanently with the Rileys.
Piper Ann, a 5-year-old Boykin Spaniel, was their first foster fail more than two years ago. Piper immediately bonded with Kai, who can’t do anything without her. “I had no intention of keeping her,” Brandy says. “I love the soul in her eyes, but I never would have picked her as my own dog.”
Next came Molly Roquette, a mini Goldendoodle foster the Rileys decided to keep. “She gets into everything. She will give you kisses, but she’s looking behind her to see what she can get,” Brandy says. “She’s evil but she’s a good girl.” She is also firmly attached to Patrick, Brandy’s husband.
Two-year-old Gracie, a bernedoodle who was a breeder dog, joined the family last summer, shortly after Brandy’s father died. “I couldn’t look her in the eye and tell her, ‘You have to go to a new home,’” Brandy says.
Kai loves snuggling with the dogs, playing fetch and rolling around on the couch with them. “I want to give them all the love they have been missing,” Kai says.
And they’re not done yet. Brandy says they plan to foster more dogs this year.
“I would like 12 dogs,” Kai says. He seems convinced his mom would be OK with it. He might be right.
“I wouldn’t trade my life,” Brandy says. “I love them. I’m sure we’re not done.”
If you’re interested in fostering a dog, it can be rewarding to make it a family affair. To set your kids – and your foster dog – up for success, consider these tips:
- Explain that your foster dog will need time to decompress and get comfortable in your home.
- Give your children specific roles – like filling the water dish or handing out treats – in caring for the dog.
- Talk about positive discipline. Your dog should never be hit or yelled at.
- Give your temporary resident a quiet place that is a “no kids” zone.
- Teach your kids to be gentle and respectful of the pooch.
Poodle and Pooch is always looking for volunteers to foster, help with transport or at events. Interested? Click here for more information.
