This is a sponsored conversation about Why I Decided to Foster Puppies is written by me on behalf of The J.M. Smucker Company. The opinions and text are all mine. #AD

Why I Decided to Foster Puppies With Four Dogs of my Own

Earn $2 with Ibotta on Milk-Bone Farmer’s Medley Whole Grain and Grain Free Recipe

Why I Decided to Foster Puppies With Four Dogs of my Own and Milk-Bone Farmer's Medley

It has been a month since I said yes to having 4 rescue beagles in my home, waiting to get fixed and micro chipped before they head to their forever homes. It has been a month of learning, loving and snuggles like no other. My task, as their foster mom, is to make sure the puppies learn basic skills, like how to use a dog door, how to eat well, even with other dogs in the room, and how to understand the word no. With four dogs of my own, though, some people thought I was crazy. A month in, I can tell you that the reasons why I decided to foster puppies with 4 dogs of my own still stand. To love them. To give them a good start and to make sure that they are well taken care of and ready for their forever homes.

Why I Decided to Foster Puppies With Four Dogs of my Own like Indiana

I want to make good choices that start them off well, like staying away from people food and leaning towards more natural options. So the other day, while walking through the dog section at Walmart, picking up my regular box of Milk-Bone treats, I was thrilled to see NEW Milk-Bone Farmer’s Medley Whole Grain Recipe with Chicken Biscuits! These new treats that have no fillers, corn, wheat or artificial flavors or colors, are grain free, and high quality. They are the perfect training and spoiling treat for all 8 of the dogs in my home.

Why I Decided to Foster Puppies With Four Dogs of my Own and feed them well

Growing up, we had a dog named Sport. The only treats he ever got was Milk-Bone. I have carried on that tradition with my dogs. I am so excited about these new premium Milk-Bone Farmer’s Medley Biscuits that I grabbed all of the flavors! After all, I currently have 8 dogs to spoil, including One Eyed Jack who has the busy task of keeping up his cuteness for his Instagram account!

Why I Decided to Foster Puppies With Four Dogs of my Own like One Eyed Jack

But back to the foster pups we go. Benjamin, formerly named Dakota, Arizona, Indiana and Montana all came from an abandoned mom left to give birth alone while her family moved away and left her in the back yard. A neighbor found her, helped her birth and wean the puppies and then the Houston Beagle and Hound Rescue got a call. With no where to put four beagle mix puppies, I got the call.

Why I Decided to Foster Puppies With Four Dogs of my Own so they can live well

I have never fostered before, honestly, because I have always felt I would have a really hard time letting go. But the rescue was desperate and I had the time and space. I talked to the children and they agreed that we would be doing a good thing so I said yes. With a month to go, I am facing having to let them go to their forever homes. I think I am OK with it but it will be hard.

Why I Decided to Foster Puppies With Four Dogs of my Own and hand them back over

Will I foster again? I don’t know. But I know this. My reasons are still valid. My excuses are not. Here are some reasons Why I Decided to Foster Puppies With Four Dogs of my Own.

Foster Parents are Desperately Needed

Why I Decided to Foster Puppies With Four Dogs of my Own like Montana

Shelters, rescues and any other group or person that tries to find every single animal a home need help. There are just not enough people out there willing to take in a pet for a little while, possibly saving it from certain death, until a permanent home can be found. There are some homes in the Beagle rescue who have 8, 9 and 10 dogs waiting for homes. Often coming to them sick with heartworms or mange, they would not have had a chance in a shelter. Whether you can find it in your heart to foster 1 or 5 animals, handing them over to that forever home has to be rewarding. How can it not be?

I Can Help Keep them From Being Returned

Why I Decided to Foster Puppies With Four Dogs of my Own like Arizona

Puppies, and beagle puppies especially, are high energy, curious dogs. They want to play, chew, pee, poop and eat at will. It is my job as a foster mom to make sure they have the skills they need to mesh into a family well. Will they be totally potty trained when they leave? Probably not. But they will have the idea firmly implanted, will know how to use a dog door and pee pad and will increase their chances of staying home instead of being returned to the rescue. They will have heard the word ‘no’, have eaten in a group and will be sleeping through the night. All of this helps aid in a successful adoption.

I Can Hand them Off Knowing they Had the Best Start

Why I Decided to Foster Puppies With Four Dogs of my Own like Benjamin

These dogs have it good. They have a warm, loving home with kids and other dogs that keep them busy and out of too much trouble. They have a foster mom who wants to work with them and who buys the best stuff out there for them. Just as I am really excited and confident in feeding them Milk-Bone Farmer’s Medley Biscuits, I am confident that their little bodies are eating well and processing everything correctly. Making better choices for our pets helps with weight management which also helps with lifelong health.

It is Good for Our Hearts

Why I Decided to Foster Puppies With Four Dogs of my Own and love them too

True kindness is doing something for someone else and expecting nothing in return. My girls and I are huge on trying to be kind. By fostering these puppies until they are ready for the home that they will be loved in for their whole lives, we are exhibiting kindness to the puppies and to the adoptive parents. It is good for all of our hearts to know that we are handing over a beloved part of their family that they didn’t know they always needed!

Why I Decided to Foster Puppies With Four Dogs of my Own and let them run

No matter how you get your pups, make sure you check out the varieties of Milk-Bone Farmer’s Medley Biscuits to spoil them well! All 8 of my dogs love them and I feel great giving them to them! Don’t forget to earn $2 with the Ibotta offer too!

Why I Decided to Foster Puppies With Four Dogs of my Own and get them Milk-Bone

Have you ever thought about fostering? It is a more rewarding experience than I thought! Share your story!