Home > Out of the Cage! > December 2004 > Volunteer Spotlight: Joy Weeeng: Embracing the Challenges of the Foster Mom

Volunteer Spotlight

Joy Weeeng: Embracing the Challenges of the Foster Mom

Ethyl couldn't be happier.

For the past two months, this eight-year-old English Bulldog has been living in the lap of luxury with Joy Weeeng, her foster mom who simply adores her. Rescued as a stray by Long Island Bulldog Club, Ethyl's curious and playful manner gives no hint that she was recently diagnosed with cancer.

When she learned of Ethyl's illness, Joy was surprised, but not the least bit daunted. She explains: "Ethyl was completely stressed out when I got her in my care. She was mucosy, with a runny nose, and vomiting. Now that she's getting more settled, she's feeling better, and her personality is really coming out. She has so much energy!" So for Joy, dealing with the uncertainty of Ethyl's cancer and her outlook for finding an adopter are simply part of the fostering experience. She plans to care for Ethyl for as long as she is needed. If a permanent adopter comes along, she'll be happy for Ethyl. If not, well…Joy is in it for the long haul. She doesn't mind that Ethyl snores.

Prior to taking in Ethyl, Joy fostered Marcus, a little smooth-hair Jack Russell Terrier who had apparently been hit by a car. His pelvis was broken and, after he was picked up by AC&C personnel, no one could get near him for three days, even to examine his injuries. Fortunately, Marcus finally began to trust his rescuers, and allowed them to treat him. He lived with his first foster family while he recovered, and then came to stay with Joy for six weeks while she "socialized" him back to health. Now Marcus is living permanently with his original foster family, where Joy proudly proclaims that "he is a bona fide love dog!"

Nothing gives Joy more satisfaction than seeing the change that occurs when her charges begin to relax and regain their former personalities. She understands that a dog coming from a shelter or other stressful situation might need plenty of time, patience, and love before he or she begins to trust again.

Joy grew up with Great Danes, and later, Max, her German Shepherd companion. As a child growing up in West Virginia and Tennessee, Joy became the "nanny" to many of her neighbors' dogs. After moving to New York, she began to research different breeds, which provided her with the connections with rescue groups that later would lead her to becoming a foster mom.

In addition to sharing her home with temporary canine residents, Joy is a graphic designer. But her interest in graphic design is evolving rapidly into industrial projects. For example, inspired by her experience with her former dog, Max, who suffered from hip dysplasia, Joy has been working on the design for an alternative to the "wheels" often used to provide mobility for physically challenged dogs. She's also developing plans for a dog-friendly restaurant that accommodates the needs of canines and humans alike. And she is currently working on a master's thesis that explores the relationship between people and dogs and the artifacts and objects that develop out of that relationship.

What is Joy's secret to being the best foster mom possible? "I'm determined to be there for the dog, but not get too attached," she says. "As a foster mom I get the opportunity to help many animals, to watch them become more adoptable, and give them plenty of love. It's a labor of love for me — so everybody wins!"

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