VIVA Fosters Program

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This program originated in 2018 when a veteran posted that he needed someone to watch his 2 cats while he started a treatment plan at the VA Hospital in Martinsburg, WV. Dottie Kracke, a Navy veteran’s wife and devoted cat rescuer, offered to foster his cats, after also learning that the veteran was unemployed, depressed, and on the verge of being homeless. Thankfully, treatment went well, and with some help, the veteran found a home and was happily reunited with his beloved pets. He was so grateful to the Kracke family. Just knowing that his pets were safe made it easier for him to enter and stay in treatment to focus on his care. Since then, John and Dottie Kracke have helped other veterans find fosters for their pets or also arranged for kennel care when a foster was unavailable. To The ResQ has agreed to assume operation of this very special service to veterans.

To The ResQ will provide foster care or help pay for temporary care solutions for pets of veterans entering treatment or requiring in-facility care at the VA hospital in Martinsburg, WV.  The veteran’s medical situation will always remain confidential. Unless a veterinarian has determined otherwise, all pets in the program must be spayed/neutered and fully vaccinated prior to entry into the VIVA Fosters program. If needed, To The ResQ will help to spay/neuter and vaccinate the veterans’ pets during their stay with us. 

There will be no cost to the veteran for the care of their pet(s). However, veterans may be asked to contribute toward food, boarding fees, and supplies for their pets, if they are financially able to do so. 

If you are a veteran entering treatment and would like to inquire about finding a VIVA foster for your pets, please email us at vivafosters.wv@gmail.com or contact Dottie Kracke at dottiek@frontiernet.net. A program manager will work with you to ensure your pets have a safe and loving temporary home during your absence. 

If you are interested in becoming a VIVA Foster to foster the pet of a veteran and help our military heroes when they need it most, please complete our foster application.