MEDINA, Ohio — Since 2020, Tina Wittine has opened her home and heart to dogs at a crossroad.
"Oh man, it's definitely a sense of being part of their journey."
Just as she loves her own pups, "Newt" and "Nano," Wittine felt called to foster -- especially those dogs with more serious medical needs, offering them a quiet place to heal and recover.
SPECIAL SECTION: Ready Pet GO! coverage
"I've been a vet tech for the last 12 years, and I've taken a step away from the clinic environment. So, to me, I've always wanted to help them in any way that I could," Wittine said. "And after leaving that environment, I felt like,I could still serve my purpose and help save a lot of animals."
She has loved and nurtured all the dogs in her care, but one in particular holds a special place in Wittine's heart: "Olive."
"She was a tough one, just because of the way that she came to us."
A stray found in Cleveland in December of 2022, Olive was severely malnourished with leg wounds. Foster-based rescue Muttley Crue took her in and placed the Boxer in Wittine's home. Something about her fragile body and gentle spirit brought the two closer together.
"Seeing her and having that challenge initially was -- it hurts your heart. Like it hurts and we just built an incredible bond."
Under Wittine's care, Olive made incredible progress and once ready, found her forever home with Lauren Schuck. "You know, Olive's my baby. She goes with me everywhere," said Schuck. "It's been amazing. Obviously we love her and she's the star of the show in our world. But it's really nice for others to see it."
Olive is the star of a new children's book, written by her foster mom Wittine called "Finding My Crue: Olive's Journey Home."
"I thought about her story and like what can I do and what can I write about -- that's going to make a difference," said Wittine who had always wanted to write a book, and found inspiration in her own experience.
Themes of friendship and resilience serve as lessons for young eyes and ears. But Olive's story also introduces children to the beauty of giving a shelter pet a place to call home.
"So many dogs need homes and deserve that second chance, and to me, getting that message out early in life is extremely beneficial and why I decided to go that way," said Wittine.
It took about a year for Wittine to finetune the story, and find just the right illustrator.
For Schuck, seeing Olive's story play out in the pages of a book is a source of pride.
"It's been really joyful to see how many people are so excited about her story, that may have not have heard of it, and may have not have realized the benefit of fostering."
A special event to celebrate "Finding My Crue: Olive's Journey Home" will be held Saturday, July 20, at Nano Brew Cleveland on West 25th from 2-4 p.m.
You can meet Olive, Wittine and volunteers from Muttley Crue Rescue.
Olive will be signing books (with ink pad and her paw). You can also meet adoptables. All proceeds from the event will go to Muttley Crue.
Shop "My Crue: Olive's Journey Home" HERE.
Has Olive's story inspired you to foster? Volunteer? Adopt? Learn more at Muttley Crue HERE.