VIRGINIA BEACH -- Harley is a relaxed, loveable golden retriever mix. He's also lived in four places in the last three months.
Virginia Beach Animal Control officers found the 7-year-old dog wandering the streets in Virginia Beach last summer. They brought him into the shelter where he waited to be adopted.
Then, in September, Animal Control started a new foster parent program. It allows people to volunteer to take in pets while the animals wait to be adopted.
Shelter manager Juleen Ballance said the program will reduce overcrowding at the shelter. They've seen more people abandoning their animals because of the recession, Ballance explained.
"It will give us the opportunity to place an animal temporarily in a home and also it will free up the space for another animal that needs shelter," said Ballance.
Jean Deliz immediately signed up to become a foster parent. Harley went to live with her for two weeks before another family asked to adopt him.
"He was such a success because he got the most wonderful family," said Deliz. "I could not be happier with the family he got."
He now lives with the Adams in Chesapeake. They said Harley has quickly become a part of the family.
"He's just an awesome dog," said Kim Adams. "He's a great addition to our family. He makes it complete."
To find out more information about the foster program, call Virginia Beach Animal Control (757-385-4444, press option 2) or go to www.beachpetpals.org.
