Kirsty Wilkinson, a passionate animal lover, dedicates much of her life to fostering rescue dogs through her part-time work at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home. Living in a dog-friendly home near Putney Common with her own two dogs, she often takes in foster dogs, especially those recovering from surgery or abandoned due to owners underestimating the commitment required. Since the Covid pandemic, she has seen a surge in abandoned puppies, as many people who bought dogs during lockdown later found them too demanding.

Wilkinson’s home is a bustling haven for foster dogs, filled with dog bowls, brushes, and constant canine activity, where the dogs often “rule the roost.” Despite the challenges and occasional chaos of integrating new dogs with her own pets, she finds fostering deeply rewarding, especially when the dogs move on to loving permanent homes. She maintains contact with many adopters and keeps neighbors informed about the temporary canine guests, embracing the unpredictable but fulfilling life of a foster carer.