Hi there, I’m Gina Behnen. I foster, assist with transporting, and help with the upkeep of PetFinder and AdoptAPet. I have been married to my wonderful husband, Scott, for 16 years. We have two great kids: Lucas, 6, and Gabby, 2. In addition to us humans, our family consists of 3 dogs: Bella, Theo, and Hailey and 5 cats: Callie, Hope, Bob, Poppy and Grace. We call Northern Garrard County home.

For as long I can remember, I’ve had a love for all animals. There have always been dogs in our household… and later cats joined our family. When I was about 5 years old, I recall bringing a pigeon home (it had been hit by a car). I wanted to help it get better… It had already passed away but I wanted to make it all better… to let it fly away with its friends and live a long life. At that moment, looking back was when I realized I wanted to help animals. And by fostering, I am helping animals and making a difference.

I began my service helping animals in January 2012 by transporting dogs to and from vet clinics. One of my transports, Bella – a beautiful Rottweiler, would later become my first foster (and ultimately a foster failure!!). I took her to the vet because it was believed she was pregnant. An ultrasound was done. I saw her tiny little pups’ heartbeats and that was all it took for me to want to foster this precious mommy-to-be; to know her better; to take care of her. But I wasn’t sure how my other furry kids would accept her so I waited to see if anyone else would foster her. It was getting VERY close to her estimated delivery date and she needed someone… Well, that someone was me!! Shortly after arriving at our home, Bella gave birth to 10 beautiful puppies, though we lost one at one week of age. What I experienced helping Bella and her babies made me realize fostering was what I was meant to do.

Fostering makes me feel like I’ve made a difference… giving hope and a fresh beginning to those who need it; providing love, shelter, food, water, and more love to special mommas and their babies; and knowing that because of me, more lives have been saved.

I foster FOR the animals… God gave me a special gift and I am blessed to be able to make a difference in their lives. I’ve fostered 2 more mommas and their babies, as well as a few litters of just puppies since Bella was welcomed into our family. Each litter’s circumstance is different but they all need unconditional love and the safety of a home… It seems so simple really… love + care = chance at life.

Volunteer & Foster Mom Extraordinaire
Gina Behnen