From Foster to Forever: Ethena’s Journey with Timon & Pumba

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Some foster parents begin their journey knowing they’ll eventually have to say goodbye. Others, like Ethena, never expect to become adopters—but life has a way of changing plans.

I sat down with Ethena, a Toronto-based software engineer and passionate rescue volunteer, to talk about her unexpected journey from fostering to adoption. What started as a temporary commitment soon became a life-changing experience, leading her to officially welcome two very special dogs into her home—Timon and Pumba.

“I never imagined I would end up adopting, but these two completely stole my heart,” she tells me with a warm smile.

Ethena’s path to fostering began long before she met her dogs. “Hi, my name is Ethena, and I’m a software engineer currently based in Toronto, Canada. I originally came from South Korea 10 years ago. Outside of work, I’m passionate about animal rescue and volunteer with organizations that help find homes for rescue dogs. I’m also interested in sustainability and enjoy working on creative projects that make a positive impact.”

Her passion for animal welfare and rescue work grew over the years, but it wasn’t until she stumbled across WelcomeDog/Adopt Jindo Rescue that she realized she could do more than just admire from afar.

“I first learned about WelcomeDog/Adopt Jindo Rescue through their Flight Volunteer program on Instagram. Their posts about helping rescue dogs travel to their forever homes really caught my attention and inspired me to get involved,” she recalls.

Little did she know, that first spark of inspiration would eventually lead her to a pair of dogs who would change her life forever.

A Chance Encounter with Rescue Work

When I asked Ethena how she first got involved with WelcomeDog/Adopt Jindo Rescue, her face lit up with a nostalgic smile. “It all started with Instagram,” she said, as if she still couldn’t quite believe how a simple scroll through social media had led her to such a life-changing experience.

She had stumbled upon posts about flight volunteers, ordinary travelers who escort rescue dogs from Korea to their forever homes overseas. “I saw the impact they were making, and it really caught my attention,” she shared. “I wanted to help in any way I could.”

At first, it was just admiration from a distance—watching the stories of once-abandoned dogs finding new lives, following updates on their journeys, and seeing the incredible work done by rescue teams. But the more she saw, the more she felt drawn in.

Fostering seemed like the perfect way to contribute, a hands-on opportunity to give a dog a second chance. “It felt like something meaningful I could do,” she explained. She reached out to the rescue organization, submitted an application, and soon, she was preparing to welcome her first foster dog.

But adoption? That wasn’t in the plan—at least, not at first.

Meet Timon & Pumba

Ethena’s fosters weren’t just any dogs; they were a mismatched but inseparable pair.

Fostering often brings unexpected surprises, and for Ethena, those surprises came in the form of two completely different but inseparable dogs.

When she welcomed her fosters into her home, she quickly realized they weren’t just any rescues—they were a mismatched yet perfectly balanced duo.

Timon, a six-year-old Maltipoo, wasted no time making his presence known. “He’s brave, protective, and acts like he owns the house,” she said with a laugh. Small in size but big in personality, Timon had a fearless spirit and a strong attachment to his foster mom from the start.

Pumba, on the other hand, was the gentle one. A Jindo-Corgi mix with soft eyes and a baby-like nature, he was cautious at first, observing the world with quiet curiosity. “He’s a little more timid, but he loves to play,” Ethena shared. “They balance each other out perfectly.”

Though their personalities couldn’t be more different, they were inseparable, forming an unbreakable bond that only deepened as they adjusted to their new home.

Wanting to mark this new chapter in their lives with a fresh start, Ethena named them after the famous duo from The Lion King—Timon and Pumba—symbolizing a life of joy, adventure, and ‘no worries.’

“They had already been through so much, so I wanted their names to represent happiness,” she explained. And for the first time, it seemed like these two dogs were finally getting the carefree life they deserved.

When Fostering Became Forever

Fostering, at its core, is meant to be temporary—a stepping stone for dogs on their way to their forever homes. Ethena had prepared herself for that reality. She told herself she was giving Timon and Pumba a safe place to land, a place to heal before they moved on. But about three months in, something shifted.

“I was hesitant to adopt at first,” Ethena admitted. “I wasn’t sure if my lifestyle could accommodate a long-term commitment.” She had always approached fostering with a sense of practicality, reminding herself that these dogs were just passing through her care. But somewhere along the way, they stopped feeling like visitors. They felt like home.

Then came the moment that changed everything.

Timon had been placed in what was supposed to be his forever home. Ethena did everything she could to ensure he was going to a loving family, but just two days later, he ran away.

“I was completely freaked out,” she recalled. “That’s when I knew—I couldn’t let them go through more uncertainty. I had to be the one to give them a stable, loving home.”

It was in that moment that Ethena realized that Timon and Pumba had already found their forever family—they had found it with her.

Without hesitation, she made it official. Timon and Pumba were no longer just fosters. They were home.

The Challenges of Fostering

Fostering is often painted as a beautiful and rewarding experience—and it is. But what people don’t always talk about is how difficult it can be, both emotionally and practically. Ethena learned this firsthand.

“The hardest part was the adjustment period,” she admitted. “Helping rescue dogs learn to trust, feel safe, and settle into a routine takes time.”

When Timon and Pumba first arrived, they weren’t the confident, happy dogs they are today. They were scared. Uncertain. Guarded.

“When rescue dogs first arrive, they’re often unsure of their surroundings,” Ethena explained. “You want to shower them with love, but you also have to give them space to adjust.” She had to be patient, letting them come to her on their own terms, even when all she wanted to do was hold them close and promise they were safe now.

Another challenge was keeping emotional distance. “I tried to keep my heart open but not get too attached, knowing they might leave. That’s one of the hardest parts of fostering—learning to love them without knowing how long they’ll stay.”

But despite the difficulties, the rewards far outweighed the struggles.

“One of my happiest moments was bringing Timon home from the ER after he had stopped eating in a previous foster home,” she shared. “He was weak and fragile, but watching him recover and gain strength made my heart so full.” Seeing a dog go from fearful and frail to strong and thriving is one of the most fulfilling parts of fostering.

With Pumba, things were different. “He was easy from day one—just a little angel.” His presence was soft, gentle, and comforting, almost as if he knew from the start that he had found a safe place.

Fostering tested Ethena’s patience, resilience, and emotions—but in the end, it gave her more than she ever expected.

Advice for Future Foster Parents

For anyone on the fence about fostering, Ethena has just three words: “Just do it.”

“You have the power to completely change a rescue dog’s life,” she told me. “It might feel like a small act, but to them, it’s everything.”

Fostering isn’t just about giving a dog a place to stay—it’s about helping them heal. Many rescues come from difficult pasts, carrying fear, uncertainty, and hesitation toward humans. Earning their trust takes time, and Ethena emphasized that patience is key.

“Many of these dogs have been hurt before, so it takes consistent love and reassurance for them to feel safe,” she said. “But when they finally open up to you, it feels like a miracle.”

For those torn between fostering and adopting, Ethena offered a perspective that felt deeply personal.

“Fostering gives you a glimpse into a dog’s personality, their needs, and whether they fit into your life,” she explained. “You might be surprised to find out—like I did—that you were meant to keep them all along.”

Because sometimes, fostering isn’t just a temporary stop. Sometimes, it’s the beginning of something permanent—something life-changing for both the dog and the person who takes them in.

Changing Perceptions About Rescue Dogs

Beyond her own experience, Ethena is passionate about shifting the way people view rescue dogs. Too often, these animals are seen as “damaged” or “difficult,” but she knows firsthand that they are just as loving, loyal, and deserving as any other dog—if not more.

“I hope more people see them for what they really are—loving, deserving animals who just need a second chance,” she said. “They’re not broken or less valuable than other dogs. If anything, they’re stronger and more resilient.”

She believes that with more education, awareness, and support for rescue organizations, society can break the stigma surrounding rescues and create a future where every dog has a chance at a loving home.

A Happily Ever After

For Timon and Pumba, their journey started with uncertainty, but it ended with love. What once seemed like an uncertain future is now filled with security, belly rubs, and the comfort of knowing they’ll never be abandoned again.

And for Ethena, what began as a simple desire to help turned into something far greater—a bond that was always meant to be.

As our conversation wrapped up, she smiled, gently scratching Pumba’s ears as Timon curled up beside her. “I thought I was rescuing them,” she said, “but in many ways, they rescued me, too.”

Because in the end, the best rescues go both ways.

Thinking About Fostering?

If you’re interested in opening your home to a rescue dog, visit Adopt Jindo Rescue to learn more about fostering and adoption opportunities. Because sometimes, the ones we set out to save… end up saving us.

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Last modified: February 2, 2025