Finding FURever Homes For Dejected Dogs Is Katie’s Heart

Katie Goodpaster is one of those people whose heart is beyond measure when it comes to dogs. In fact, we had to reschedule our first get together because she had gotten an emergency call from Kentucky about a dog in dire need of immediate medical attention and she had to get it to a veterinarian right away. How fortunate that dog is to have guardian angel like Katie looking after him, and doing all she can to give him a better, fulfilled life.

Katie first got involved with the HART of Cincinnati Animal Rescue in 2009, and has since grown her role into a full-time volunteer position as the coordinator for the dog side of the organization. She does this while also attending to her own three dogs and the numerous fosters that have come to stay with them over the years.

HART is an all-volunteer, foster-home based nonprofit, that typically finds forever homes for some 500 to 600 dogs and puppies each year. (By the way, they are always looking for new foster parents. If you are interested, please reach out to HART).

Let’s learn more about Katie.

Lisa:  It is obvious your passion runs deep for this work. Where does that come from?
Katie: Ever since a little kid, I loved animals. It’s funny because we were not a big animal family so I have no idea where that I came from. I think I was probably adopted.

Lisa: I’d love to hear about your first dog.
Katie: When I was 14 we got a golden retriever. I got my very first dog when I was 25 and living in an apartment. Wags was a white shepherd and she was THE best dog. Her owners had ditched her at the vet’s office because they had gotten a puppy and she did not get along with it. As soon as I met her, I fell in love.

Wags was so laid back. I was told I couldn’t have her around other dogs of off-leash because she had horrible recall. Within two months, I had her around other dogs and she did fantastic, no matter the age. She also did have fantastic recall, never chewed anything, and had no accidents in the house. She always wanted to cuddle, and was always there as a quiet presence. Somehow Wags knew if I was upset. She was my traveling companion who would listen to me when I had a bad day at work.

Lisa:  And now you have 3 dogs.
Katie:  I do. Next to Wags, Maverick (my shepherd/mastiff mix) is one of my best dogs. I also have a shih tzu/yorkie mix named Princess and a ten year old jack russell/rat Terrier named Roo. Maverick has taught me so much about patience. He lets our foster puppies lay all over him. They all gravitate toward him, going to him when they are scared. Princess is very loving and bouncy, and wants to constantly lick something. She loves everyone. Roo is great with people but she is getting kind of old and grouchy and wants her space. She is always curled up at my back in bed.

Lisa: What is the most rewarding part of being part of HART?
Katie: Often you get a dog that comes in that is timid, shy, scared and has no idea of what is going on. All he wants to do is cower and hide behind a table, behind Maverick.  As you spend more time with him, and he begins to trust, he blossoms into this fantastic dog that is social, friendly, enjoying life, outside playing and running, and taking treats. Then you adopt him into a home that will love him….that is what this is all about. The most rewarding part of my volunteer work is finding a dejected dog, and watching it learn to trust and blossom, and go to a forever home.

Lisa:  Please share one of your important life lessons.
Katie: When I was 17, my mom was killed in an auto accident and it taught me that life is indeed short. You are never guaranteed to have a tomorrow or even the next couple of minutes, and so we need to do your best to live every day like it is your last one. Do what makes you happy. Eat the foods you want. Stop worrying about the diet or what size you need to fit into, and live life like there is no tomorrow.