Shining Star of the Month February 2026: Andrea

At Karl's Canine Krew, our mission is fueled by the incredible people who open their homes and hearts to dogs in need. Every month, we like to shine a spotlight on one of these dedicated individuals. For February 2026, we are thrilled to celebrate Andrea, a passionate foster and volunteer who has become an invaluable part of our family.

Andrea has been fostering with us for over a year, but her journey with dogs started long before she joined our team. From her roots in Germany to her life here in Colorado, Andrea’s story is one of compassion, resilience, and a deep love for "big and smart" dogs.

A Lifelong Commitment to Rescue

Although Andrea is relatively new to fostering specifically for Karl's Canine Krew, she is no stranger to volunteering. "I do believe in volunteering and have volunteered for various organizations all my life," Andrea shares. Her fostering journey, however, has been a particularly rewarding new chapter.

Her passion for rescue dates back to 1990 when she rescued her first dog—a huge Rottweiler puppy who had suffered severe neglect and abuse. That puppy became her "soul dog," sparking a lifelong dedication to helping animals find their second chance.

More recently, after the passing of her self-trained service dog (also a rescue), Andrea realized she had more love to give. "I realized I could do some real good rescuing other dogs," she explains. That realization led her to us, and we are so grateful it did.

The Highs and Lows of Fostering

Fostering is a labor of love, and like any labor, it comes with its challenges. When asked about the hardest part of fostering, Andrea is candid about the emotional weight it carries. "For me personally, it’s questioning if I’ve done all I could for the dog," she admits, especially when she considers the rough roads many of these pups have traveled before reaching her safety.

But the rewards far outweigh the doubts. Andrea describes the magic of watching a rescue dog transform. "The first time a dog relaxes enough to lay down, the first snuggle, the first time they allow you to handle them, and the look of trust and love," she lists as her favorite moments.

She beautifully sums up the experience with a sentiment every rescuer knows well: "There is no love like that of a rescued dog—they will rescue you from things you didn’t know you needed saving from."

A Love for the Big and Smart

Andrea grew up in Germany, where her family raised St. Bernards. Since the age of 12, she has been surrounded by dogs, learning the ropes of showing and training early on. This background instilled a love for larger breeds. "I do like my dogs bigger and smart," she says, noting that while she usually considers herself a "boy dog mom," a few recent sassy female fosters have opened her eyes to the joys of girl dogs, too.

Her experience with her first Rottweiler rescue taught her that with patience and resources, even the most traumatized dogs can become incredible companions. He grew up to be a fierce guardian and her son's best friend—a testament to the power of rehabilitation.

Life Beyond the Leash

When she isn't wrangling foster pups or teaching them new tricks, Andrea enjoys the simple pleasures of Colorado life. An immigrant of 49 years, she loves sunny days, gardening, and home improvement projects. She finds peace in the sound of running water and, of course, "the smell of a sleeping dog," especially when they are cuddled up next to her.

We are so lucky to have Andrea in our pack. Her experience, patience, and willingness to take on the "work in progress" pups make a world of difference.

Thank you, Andrea, for being our Shining Star!

Interested in joining our foster team? Visit our volunteer page to learn how you can change a life today.