The Perfect Pet for Empty Nesters

How to enjoy animal companionship without clipping your wings.

Photo by Darya Sannikova on Pexels

The "ding" caught my ear, and I immediately glanced from computer to cell phone to learn what news was coming my way. Normally, I silence notifications to escape the incessant pleas for attention. But I had recently turned them on while a family member was traveling. My heart caught in my throat with that familiar mother-worry. Instead of an urgent message, four sand-covered feet framed by an expansive turquoise ocean filled my screen. My friend was regaling me with snapshots from her Caribbean getaway.

That same friend had tearfully driven her youngest child to a distant college the previous month. Her foster dog—once anxious and shy—was now thriving in a permanent home with a family who adored her. My friend found herself with no kids underfoot. No pets demanding attention. She slipped into vacation mode much like summer-eager feet slip into flip flops.

Another friend spent three glorious months with her husband traversing the desert Southwest in a luxury motor home. With their adult children settled into demanding careers and busy lives, they were embracing a newfound nomadic freedom. Before departing, they had kissed the twitching noses of two wriggling foster kittens who were eager to explore their forever home. No children needing guidance. No pets requiring care. No worry anchoring them to one place.

My coworker and her husband are on the enviable descent toward early retirement, filling the intervening years with as much vacation time as possible. After their beloved companion crossed the rainbow bridge, they discovered the joy of cat fostering. They now experience all the playfulness and midnight snuggles of furry feline friendship—but entirely on their schedule and without a decades-long commitment. No stress from finding temporary care. No worries of their left behind pet.

I bet you can see where this narrative leads. The ideal pet companion for an empty nester isn't from an adoption or a purchase—it's a foster pet. Here are six compelling reasons why short-term fostering trumps a long-term commitment for those enjoying their newfound freedom.

CHOOSE THE PET YOU WANT TO FOSTER

Most rescue organizations and shelters empower foster parents to select which animal they wish to welcome into their homes—including specific breed, size, sex, and age. Not particularly drawn to cats or dogs? Countless other creatures need temporary homes, from colorful birds and curious hamsters to majestic horses, quirky geckos, and even serene fish. Simply search online using terms like "type of animal + your state + rescue" to discover your perfect temporary companion. No prior experience? No worry. Inform the shelter or rescue agency, and they'll connect you with an experienced mentor and provide training.

FOSTER ON YOUR SCHEDULE

Fostering represents a flexible, temporary commitment that begins when you open your home and concludes when your animal friend finds their permanent family. The article "Short-Term Fostering: Big Impact, No Heartache" offers excellent guidance for newcomers to the fostering community. If unexpected travel arises while you're fostering, many organizations maintain "respite" fostering networks where other volunteers temporarily care for your foster pet while you're away.

SAY GOODBYE TO KENNELING COSTS OR PET SITTER SCHEDULING

Once your foster pet transitions to their forever home, you're free to travel without the logistical puzzle of arranging pet sitters or kennel accommodations. Gone is the nagging worry that your absence is causing stress to a beloved animal. Your budget breathes easier too, unburdened by boarding fees or pet-sitting expenses.

SKIP THE HIGH COSTS OF PET CARE

Rescue organizations and shelters typically shoulder all medical expenses for foster animals and provide foster homes with essential supplies—food, treats, toys, and for cats, litter and litter boxes. Your only investment is your time and affection.

A PLAN IS IN PLACE FOR THE UNEXPECTED

The most challenging aspects of life's later chapter often involve unforeseen health situations—whether your own, a partner's, or an elderly parent's. During such periods, flexibility becomes invaluable. Why subject a permanent pet to the uncertainty of your circumstances or burden yourself with additional worry about their care? If a crisis emerges during your fostering period, the shelter or rescue organization welcomes the animal back into their program.

ALL THE LOVE WITHOUT THE COMMITMENT

Fostering parallels grandparenting in the most delightful ways. Foster parents get to shower their temporary companions with love and attention, knowing another family will ultimately provide the forever home. Take that spontaneous vacation. Visit distant friends. Pursue your passions without the constant tether of permanent pet ownership.

CREATING SPACE FOR NEW BEGINNINGS

The empty nest phase isn't just about what's ending—it's about what's beginning. Fostering creates a beautiful bridge between your caretaking past and your more flexible future. Each animal you help becomes part of your story while also writing their own new chapter with a forever family. You're not just filling your home temporarily; you're filling your heart permanently with the knowledge that you've made a difference.

And perhaps the most meaningful aspect? As you navigate your own transition to a new life stage, you're helping these animals transition to theirs. There's a profound symmetry in these parallel journeys that brings unexpected healing and purpose.

When that "ding" sounds next time, perhaps it will be a photo from a family who adopted your foster pet—their lives forever changed by your willingness to open your home. Isn't that worth more than a worry-free Caribbean vacation?

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PLAYING WITH WORDS In February, I won the Maxwell Medallion for excellence in writing. In March, the Dog Writers Association of America bestowed upon me the award for best “Bad Writing Submission.” To what do I owe this accolade? I submitted a spoof on terrible first lines. Fifty words in one rambling sentence of vivid imagery and metaphor. “As if the dam’s retching wasn’t enough to wrestle her from peaceful slumber, a vile odor emanating from nine agitated puppies stomping their excrement like grapes in a vat irritated her nasal membranes, making her curse her commitment to fostering the wretched pack and wish for cats instead of dogs.”

ONE MINUTE COMEDY SKETCH One of my favorite comedians is Michael McIntyre of the British observational comedy fame. He finds absurdity in the ordinary, which parallels much of my life! Enjoy this short clip about growing old.

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP SEASON IS NOW My daughters were lucky recipients of a Connexus Energy Scholarship from the energy company’s foundation. They each used the $1,000 award towards the purchase of a new computer to take with them to college. Applications for the Connexus Energy Foundation Scholarships are now open to students whose parents or guardians are Connexus members. Not a Connexus member? Ask your gas, electric and water utility companies if they offer scholarships to students pursuing college, vocational-technical, or trade school.

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING

Euthanizing 1000 (!) dogs to “ downsize” is horrendous. Thanks Cindy for updates on ending puppy mill licenses! Bless you and your family for saving some of the remaining puppies and healing beautiful Shelby through love and patience♥️♥️♥️ - From reader Sharon Hom about the story Paws of Perseverance.

My eyes teared up over the beautiful transformation of that frightened puppy mill mamma who got a new chance. Thank you for all you do for them! From Reader Wendy Lyons Sunshine about the story Paws of Perseverance.

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Substack writers gathering at Black Garnet Books, St. Paul, Minnesota.

May community give you hope.

Until next week,

Cindy