In September of 2000, Beth Ferry became a police officer in Belleville, IL. Almost a year and a half later, she became a detective. One of her first cases was a dog named Patches that was thrown and ended up having a broken leg. This case was life-changing for Beth, who has loved animals her entire life. “Back during 2001, no one treated animal cruelty as a big deal. But I was completely baffled that no one in the Justice System back then really thought that animal cruelty was that big of deal. I knew then that I wanted to try to help as many animals as possible. Believe me, sometimes my immediate family thinks that me and Jim are crazy.”
Beth and her husband Jim started to foster homeless pets. About a year ago, they joined the Gateway Pet Guardians family. They have fostered many puppies, including one named Dori (Tostitos) that they ended up adopting. But their latest journey with a pair of puppies named Chocolate Chip and Macaroon has been one of the most eventful ones yet.
The day before Thanksgiving, the Ferrys got Chocolate Chip and Macaroon, who were four weeks old at the time. They loved them the moment they laid their eyes on them. On December 16, both of them came down with Parvo, a highly contagious viral illness requiring veterinary hospitalization. Chocolate Chip came home after four days of hospitalization, and bounced back right away. But Macaroon spent 10 days in the hospital. The Ferrys spent 10 days worrying and fretting about the adorable little puppy, hoping she would pull through. She returned home merely skin and bones, but she had conquered the illness. And now, she gets to run, play, and snuggle like a normal puppy. They are both as perfect as ever.
When asked for advice about fostering, Beth has this to say. “After being a Detective for 12 years, I can tell you that life is short and do what makes you happy. I am happy fostering puppies. When I come home, the paws are always happy to see me even after any day I have had.”
We know Beth will see many more puppy paws in her future, and we thank her for opening her home to homeless animals and making a difference. If you would like to make a difference like the Ferrys, consider becoming a foster today. Learn more by visiting www.gatewaypets.com/foster.