Foster Volunteers: Brandon & Bianca Poling, Quadruple Threats Award

 It takes a special foster volunteer to take on challenging assignments involving long term placements, senior animals, medical cases, or bonded pairs. It takes especially dedicated fosters like Brandon and Bianca Poling to take on a foster assignment that involves all four!

Brandon regularly volunteers onsite at Rancho Coastal as a kennelmate, sharing his time with shelter dogs in need of socialization and human interaction. It was during these kennelmate shifts that Brandon gained an affinity for a sweet, bonded pair of 10-year-old Yorkies named Lucy and Desi, after the famous Hollywood couple from I Love Lucy.

Lucy and Desi were brought to RCHS from a local shelter where they were being considered for humane euthanasia due to their extensive medical needs. After several surgeries, dental work, and the removal of Lucy’s damaged eye, this resilient pair faced the hardest challenge—finding a way home again! Brandon joined the RCHS Foster Family shortly after meeting Lucy and Desi and provided them with a soft place to land while they waited. 

Despite their age and Lucy being nearly blind, these little dogs turned out to be a vibrant and playful addition to Brandon and Bianca’s foster family, which also includes three existing resident dogs (talk about a full house!). Brandon and Bianca went above and beyond caring for this special pair of siblings: driving them to and from regular medical appointments, administering countless daily medications, treatments, and unique prescription diets, and above all else, making Lucy and Desi feel included in the family dynamic. They even had the sweetest professional photos of Lucy & Desi done to celebrate the holiday season!

This assignment quickly turned into a long-term foster stay due to the adoption barriers that senior animals, bonded pairs, and medical cases face. Brandon and Bianca provided Lucy and Desi with a loving foster home for a little over 6 months. This past December, Lucy and Desi were adopted by their new forever family, who were able to meet Brandon and Bianca and express their gratitude towards the fosters that kept them happy, loved, and safe until they had the chance to adopt them.

Taking on such a unique and challenging foster assignment with great success clearly earns Brandon and Bianca the title of “Quadruple Threats!” Thank you for giving Lucy and Desi the love and comfort that every senior pup deserves in their golden years! The entire RCHS Team appreciates your tireless efforts and dedication! 

Interested in learning more about fostering, visit our website.