Left to right; Charlie, Ike, Hedy, Tyler and Bodie. Charlie, Hedy and Tyler WCAC Alumni; Hedy and Tyler were foster fails"
Name: Pat and Ernie Behrle
Real Job: Occupational Therapy Assistant and Semi-retired/Realtor
Volunteer Position(s): Foster
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN VOLUNTEERING?
We’ve been fostering for 8 years.
WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO VOLUNTEERING / FOSTERING AT THE WAKE COUNTY ANIMAL CENTER?
Our love of animals.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BREED OR DOG TYPE (FLUFFY, SMALL, BIG, CHUNKY, ETC)?
For Ernie it's definitely Beagles, and the reason we foster failed in our Beagle Tyler. I prefer smaller dogs these days, and love my Cairn Terriers, but I don't really have a favorite.
TELL US YOUR FAVORITE MOMENT TO DATE AS A VOLUNTEER / FOSTER?
There have been SO many, but I love getting updates on my fosters. I guess the favorites are when the super scared fosters give us that first tail wag! We know that means they will be fine! We also love that family (our 3 kids) and many friends have adopted our fosters!
OF COURSE, MOST VOLUNTEERS HAVE THEIR OWN PETS. TELL US ABOUT THEM?!
Lol!! We had three when we started fostering; two Cairn Terriers, Charlie and Bodie and our mixed breed Ike - Dachshund/Lab (?) With blue eyes. Then we added Steven Tyler, the Beagle, and Hedy Lamarr, Border Collie mix. Both Tyler and Hedy are our foster fails! These dogs have helped many fosters learn to be happy, confident dogs!
WHAT SAGE PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO PEOPLE WHO WANT TO BECOME A VOLUNTEER / FOSTER?
You may think it's hard to let them go, and it is, but if you don't let them go you can't help the next one that needs you!
IN YOUR OWN WORDS, DESCRIBE WHAT YOU LOVE ABOUT VOLUNTEERING / FOSTERING SO MUCH.
The fostering community and staff at the shelter are a wonderful group of people and have become another family. It's great to be a part of what they accomplish!
WANT TO BECOME A VOLUNTEER LIKE PAT AND ERNIE OR CONSIDER FOSTERING AN ANIMAL?