Humans of BluePath: Renae Vena, Foster

Renae and her husband, Chris live in Hopewell Junction with their two children, Ryan (8) and Lexi (6). The family of dog-lovers are currently fostering their second dog, Suzie, as she goes through formal training.

Renae works as a special education teacher at Brinckerhoff Elementary School in Fishkill. She has seen firsthand the benefits that a relationship with a dog can have for a child with autism. For the last five years, dogs have visited her classroom to interact with students and offer new sensory experiences.

How it all began:

Last September we visited BluePath at the East Fishkill Community Day. My daughter fell in love with one of the little black Labs they had and we started the application process. I felt like this was the perfect opportunity for our family because BluePath is local to us and we get to help a dog become a superhero for a little boy or girl.

Favorite part about fostering:

Knowing that we are teaching the kids how to pay it forward for someone else and giving them responsibilities. It’s been really nice to see the growth in my children. Ryan is responsible for feeding Suzie and Lexi loves walking her. To know we are a part of this dog\’s journey and they are going to help another young child; it\’s just awesome.