Meet Lisa

Tell us a little about yourself

I first became aware of greyhounds when I went to the track at Portland Meadows during college. I could not believe how beautiful those dogs were and how fast and gracefully they ran. It was mesmerizing! I came back several times and watched the races from the railing of the track because I was so taken with them; I wanted to get as close as possible. About that time, I had to write a paper in a college health class where part of the assignment was thinking ahead to what my future might be like. I fully admitted in the paper that I had no idea what my future held and wrote the only thing certain was I’d adopt a greyhound one day. I still have that paper along with a picture I cut from The Oregonian of “Mi Designer”, one of the beautiful greyhounds I had seen at the track. I haven’t met my goal yet, but having fosters has been a huge step toward it and one day I’ll get there. 

It is now just my husband and I in our household. Our kids are newly out of the house, and we currently have no pets; we decided we need to keep it like that for a bit. We have elderly parents that may need help soon, are out of town a fair amount and have work and other commitments that keep us pretty busy. We feel it is not the time to commit to a full-time dog but miss having a dog in the house so much. Fostering is the perfect way for us to enjoy having a dog in our home when we are able, but also not have a dog when it would be too challenging. It also feels fantastic to be a part of helping these sweet souls find their way to their new families. 

When did you start fostering with GPA Northwest?

I began fostering with GPA in April of 2025.

How did you first hear about greyhounds or GPA? 

A year after losing our Italian Greyhound, I began looking specifically for opportunities to foster sighthounds. I had no idea if any sighthound rescues existed in the area, but I was missing having a dog and knew we were not ready to have another permanent pet. I was SHOCKED to learn that there was indeed a greyhound rescue and that it was less than 15 minutes from me! I immediately contacted them to ask for volunteer opportunities and started with washing newly arrived Irish dogs. I was literally counting down the days till they arrived - I could not wait! They were everything I always imagined them to be - just as sweet-natured, soft and beautiful as I knew they would be. I also volunteered in the play yard for play dates and that was so fun to see them run, play and interact with each other. 

What made you decide to become a foster?

I wanted to be a foster from the moment that I learned about GPA, but didn’t think we would be eligible due to not having a fenced yard. Jackie came out and looked at our situation and said with some modifications to our large deck to ensure nobody could escape and a dedication to walks, it should work out fine. I was thrilled and we got to work. We made the needed modifications putting gates and began fostering!

Do you do intake/regular or both?

I began with regular fostering. When we first started, we had an old cat so were unable to do intake fostering. A year later our cat passed and then we began having intakes as well. 

About how many greyhounds have you fostered?

We have had 13 fosters in the past year and a half.

What was your very first foster like?

Our first foster was, Sarsfield - a large, beautiful blue male. He was only two, but a very serious guy! He seemed to always be on his best behavior - calm, tidy, polite… He was absolutely lovely, but seemed like he could not fully relax and just be. He had a bit more difficulty adjusting to life as a family member than our subsequent fosters. We had him for nearly two months and he did loosen up a bit, but it wasn’t until he moved in with his new mom that he fully expressed his personality.

What's something that surprised you about fostering greyhounds?

It’s been so easy to meet new people! Greyhounds are like celebrities - people always come up to pet and talk to the fosters or ask questions. They love them!  Many people have greyhound stories of their own they love to share. And all the people I have met through GPA are so lovely too! And a surprise side perk, walking the dogs has been so good for me! Just before getting our first greyhound, my cholesterol had skyrocketed! I had to have it rechecked a few months later and my total cholesterol had dropped by 85 points and back into an acceptable range. I attribute it to all the walking I started doing with the fosters!

What is a favorite foster memory?

Birthdays! We have had three fosters have birthdays in our care and we had a great time celebrating them. Two of the dogs, Johnny and Quisha, were back-to-back while we had them at the same time!  We put party hats on them - they are surprisingly agreeable to clothing and accessories! We gave them pup cups and sang to them. Silly, but so fun!

Tell us about a foster you’ll never forget.

I’ll never forget any of them - they are all so unique! We get to know some better than others due to how long we have them, but I’ve loved and appreciated them all. 

What's your favorite adoption story you've been part of?

Our foster, Johnny, was going to a family in NW Portland after we had him for close to two months. We were pretty attached. It was an unusual situation that I was asked to meet the foster rep at the home of the new family. I also had another foster at the time. When we arrived at the home, I brought both dogs with me so the other didn’t feel left out. The woman saw her dog, and it was clear it was love at first sight. “Oh my gosh, you are SO beautiful! Hello beautiful boy!!” She got on her knees to greet Johnny, and he was very glad to meet her. She then realized there was another dog there and felt bad for not acknowledging her and said, “Oh, and you are so beautiful too!” but she couldn’t take her eyes of Johnny. I felt so comfortable leaving this precious foster with his new family.

Is there a funny experience you’d like to share?

We had foster Roscoe for about 6 weeks. I took him to The Human Bean coffee shop that has an outdoor counter. He had his first pup cup there and was quite impressed with it! We went there a couple of weeks later and he knew what was in store - he walked right up to the counter and literally ordered his own pup cup without any help! After his interaction with the barista, I tried to translate and said, “He’d like to order a pup cup”, and the barista said, “Oh yes, he told me; I’ve got it down - but what would you like?” Greyhounds are very smart and learn quickly when motivated!

What does a typical day with a foster greyhound look like?

We get up and go for a nice walk, then have breakfast. Naps for those lazy critters usually come next. We spend the rest of the day doing things in the house and when the dogs aren’t napping, they usually follow me around and supervise my activities. We go on mini walks/potty breaks throughout the day and we both enjoy this. When Steve comes home it’s treat time and the foster tells Steve all about their day. Soon after it’s dinner time, then evenings are for relaxing on the couch - Steve and I love having a dog in between us on the couch to pet while we watch a bit of tv. We have a couple more mini walks then it’s bedtime.

What are your favorite things to do with your fosters?

My favorite things to do with fosters are walks, taking them on field trips, and hanging out with them giving pets and snuggles. The walks are great - I’ve only had one that was walk averse. The rest have been so joyful on walks, and I love to see them have a good time. For field trips, I always take them to meet my parents - they love meeting all of the fosters and they have a nice fenced in yard so they can explore freely. Sometimes we walk in other local parks or meet a friend at the Vancouver waterfront or got to places where we can eat outside. All the dogs we have had have been happy to go in the car and get out for adventures.

What's one piece of advice you'd give a first-time foster?

If you are concerned, be sure to call your foster rep. They are invaluable resources. 

What's the biggest misconception people have about fostering?

Almost everyone tells me, “I could never foster - it would be too sad when they get adopted!” I worried about this too, but I have not found this to be the case. You know when they arrive in your care, they are not permanent. It is sad when they leave for their new homes but also such a happy occasion. I definitely feel their absence when they leave, and it does take a day or so to get back into the rhythm of life without a dog. I focus on all the things I neglected to do because I was too busy enjoying my foster and then start counting down the days ‘til the next batch arrives. I love the job of introducing them to life as a family member. It’s such a big change for them but most take right to it! It is the loveliest thing to witness a nervous, unsure dog blossom into a relaxed couch potato. 

What would you say to someone who's considering fostering but feels nervous?

Petting a greyhound is great for nerves! : )

How do you handle saying goodbye when a dog is adopted?

We give everyone who has been around our foster a chance to say goodbye, try to do a special fun activity, some kind of special treat the night before. When it’s time, I hug and kiss them and request updates as available. It’s sad for a bit, but then I start getting back to my non-dog routine and it’s ok. It’s really great when you get pictures of your foster settling into their new place.

Is there anything you wish you'd known before your first foster?

That GPA was right down the street so I could have started sooner!!

Why do you keep fostering?

Fostering a huge highlight of my current life! I feel great about helping dogs until they find their new forever families, but I must be honest, I mainly do it for how happy it makes ME!

What keeps you coming back?

For me it’s kind of addictive - as soon as a foster gets placed, I start wondering when I might be able to have another. I love it when I know another is coming and I can count down the days. I always wonder, what this one will be like - boy or girl? Big or small? What color? Will it be shy or outgoing? What kinds of things will it know and what will it need to learn? They are all so different, but so incredibly lovely. I love all dogs, but greyhounds are something special. 

If someone is on the fence about fostering, what would you tell them?

Give it a go - if it’s not for you, you never have to do it again! I think anyone who tries fostering will be surprised at how easily you can adapt to (and thoroughly enjoy!) having a greyhound in your home.