Every year, up to 1.5 million shelter animals are euthanized. Animal rescue organizations across the country work to help save those animals. You can help them in so many ways. For a year, I fostered rescue dogs for an amazing non-profit called Cause For Paws in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Fostering is where you take care of a dog or dogs in your own home until the animal rescue finds an adopter for the dog or you find an adopter. The organization I fostered for paid for all medical, food, and equipment costs. Fostering was one of the most rewarding opportunities I have ever had. Here are the 11 reasons that you should foster too:

1. You get to meet some awesome dogs.

Fostering gives you the opportunity to dedicate your time to helping rescue animals. Who doesn't love dogs?

2. You will be giving your foster dogs a new chance at life

Each foster will teach you valuable life lessons. From patience to love, dogs open your heart and help you learn valuable life lessons.

5. You learn what the perfect dog is for you

Saying goodbye to a foster can be painful, but you are helping them have a better future. Helping them start a new life with a new family.

6. You may meet your dog soulmate

Dog fostering gives you love, loss, and hope for the future. When considering fostering, make sure you are ready. Do you have the time and love to dedicate to a dog? Do you have transportation to adoption events? Are you willing to open your heart? If so, fostering may be an amazing opportunity to expand your home, even if it is temporarily.