BNSF employee spreads the ‘bark’ for dogs in need

By PAIGE ROMANOWSKI
Staff Writer

BNSF employees take pride in giving back to the communities we serve, and dispatcher Krisha Nelson embodies this value. Recognizing the tremendous need many Fort Worth, Texas, dog rescues and shelters face, Nelson felt called to help.

“I adopted a couple of dogs from different rescues and realized I wouldn’t have them if they hadn’t been fostered first,” Nelson said. “So, I decided to get into the shelter and rescue game. I started off by volunteering through Fort Worth Animal Care and Control and then began fostering with Fort Worth Abandoned Animal Alliance and Bull Luv Able Paws Rescue."

Nelson lovingly calls her two dogs Tabitha and Bey “foster fails.” After fostering them, she soon realized she couldn’t live without them and decided to adopt. Nelson is currently fostering two senior pit bulls, Benedict and Eugene. She says the senior pups have a special place in her heart. 

“I tend to foster the older pups because they need love too,” Nelson said. “They’re a little harder to get adopted, but they’re still worth saving.”

Eleven-year-old Eugene was left at the shelter after his owner passed. Though he only has one eye, it doesn’t slow him down much. Nelson said he loves going on walks, destroying stuffed animals and chewing on bones. Benedict is nine and the newest addition to Nelson’s canine crew. He loves getting all the pets together and snuggling.

Fostering pets can be a rewarding challenge. While you temporarily take on the role as guardian, there’s a high chance of falling in love with them.

“Everyone always asks me how I can let them go, but my answer remains the same: because then I can save another life after they go,” Nelson said. “I also learn so much about myself and the different breeds and personalities.”

If you’re not ready to foster a dog, shelters are always looking for part-time volunteers. Volunteering at a shelter provides exposure for the dogs and gets them active. Other shelter volunteer roles include helping with laundry, feeding and various cleaning tasks.

“Shelters can always benefit from both gift and monetary donations as well,” Nelson said. “Things like used sheets, blankets, towels, newspapers, collars, leashes and pet food you don’t use. A lot of shelters support community outreach, so even if they don’t use it in the shelter, it will go to fosters or the rescue community.”

With more than 40 shelters and rescue organizations in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, volunteers are always in high need.

“Texas is in such a need for fosters, volunteers and donations so that we can help all these dogs and cats,” Nelson said. “Most shelters are at max capacity and having to euthanize for space. Any donations of items or volunteer time can make a big difference in these animals’ lives.”