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This month, we are shining our spotlight on someone who has poured endless compassion into Tired Dog Rescue — Hope Stewart.

Hope first connected with TDR through adoption, bringing several of our rescued pups into her family. But the more she followed our page, the more she realized how many dogs were arriving scared, confused, surrendered, or simply needing a safe place to land. Her heart answered that call, and for the past ten months, Hope has been one of the steady, comforting hands behind some of our most fragile intakes.

Hope says her favorite part of volunteering actually happens before the dog ever reaches her home: the drive. Hope lives an hour and a half away, and that long ride becomes the first chapter of a new life for each pup. The dog usually sits right next to her, trembling and unsure… and mile by mile, they soften. They breathe. They begin to trust again. Hope loves watching that transformation the tiny daily victories that turn fear into peace.

Every dog she fosters has a special story, but one day tells you everything you need to know about Hope.

She and her famously patient husband headed out to “pick up a bed from Facebook Marketplace.” And yes, they did get the bed — but she also adopted a bonded pair of brothers, Casper and Bolt, on that very same trip. When they pulled down a dirt road in the middle of nowhere, her husband looked around nervously and whispered, “What are we doing?” Hope had him sweating for a moment, convinced she was about to bring home a baby cow.

Casper and Bolt came home instead, becoming cherished members of the family.
This year, Casper has since passed away, and Hope poured her heart into loving him through his final chapter just as she does for every soul who enters her home.

And what a home it is. Hope and her husband care for 13 animals:

• 10 rescue dogs — many seniors, many with disabilities, all deeply loved
• 2 cats
• 1 guinea pig

Their “lazy crew,” as she calls them, even has an air-conditioned room built by their grandfather, though they still manage to sneak into Hope’s bed whenever they please.

Hope’s love for animals has been lifelong. As a child, she even had a pet beaver who slept beside her, swam in the pool, sucked her thumb, and yes got his nails painted.

That should tell you everything.

This month, Hope and her family suffered two heartbreaking losses: their beloved senior foster Winston passed away, and shortly after, they also said goodbye to Casper. Both boys were deeply loved. They spent their final chapters safe, adored, and cared for because Hope made sure of it.

We are holding her family close as they grieve. Winston and Casper were two of the lucky ones and they knew it.

Despite the tears and the goodbyes, Hope says fostering has filled her heart in ways she never expected. She jokes she thought she’d end up in divorce court over some of her surprises but somehow, her husband always ends up falling the hardest for each foster.

Her advice for new fosters is gold:

• Go in with an open mind.
• Let the dog communicate through their behavior.
• Give them time — that’s your job.
• Healing happens slowly, but beautifully.

Hope and her husband are also raising three young children who have grown into gentle, compassionate helpers. Their “wild child” of all kids, becomes the calmest presence when a new foster arrives. He quietly sits in the bathroom and simply waits no pressure, no touching until the dog chooses him. And amazingly, they usually do. He’s their safe space, just like his mom.

Hope shares that fostering has helped heal her heart through infertility and has given her stepchildren the priceless gift of empathy.

For Tired Dog Rescue, Hope has given comfort, consistency, laughter, and more second chances than we can ever count.

Hope, thank you for pouring your heart into every foster especially those who need the gentlest hands. Thank you for loving Winston and Casper through their final moments.
You are the kind of volunteer rescues dream of, and we are endlessly grateful for you.