Take the undying love of a puppy, complete with their giant floppy paws and puppy breath, add in the added emotional satisfaction of helping sometimes-abused or neglected animals find a new home? The fit seemed perfect for couples who don't really even have a forever home of their own at the moment. That's how Rieder and Koehler chose to look at it when they started these foster projects back in Arizona.

"It's such a great way to have a dog without a long-term commitment. It's an easier way to go about it and you're able to help them and be an animal rescue advocate," said Koehler.

"This is a great option and we love doing it," added Rieder.

Two successful foster projects in Arizona and then four more since they've been in Edmonton means they've been able to soak up the love of six different dogs (and counting) while also getting to be a part of the process in making sure they go to the best home possible.

"Zoe's is so supportive throughout the whole process. They supply the proper medication, food and they have a 24-hour contact line if we need any help or have any questions," said Koehler.

When NHL players' partners join them in new cities, there's often already a built-in support network of other wives and girlfriends that can make the transition easier. Friendships are formed over common bonds, similar experiences and shared interests. So when Rieder and Koehler moved in next door to Oilers defenceman Andrej Sekera and his wife, some of those similar interests were quite apparent, as they were soon ripping around in the yard next door.

"The Sekeras saw dogs in the backyard one day, and with them being from Europe as well, they were like 'how do you guys do this?'," said Rieder.

The Sekeras had a Zoe's foster dog the next week.

Puppy love is clearly contagious, because not long after that, after a visit at Rieder's place, Oilers forward Zack Kassian and his wife Cassandra were back on the foster train again as well, having also done it back when Kassian was playing in Vancouver.

"We had thought about it since we'd been in Edmonton, so it helped to have Tobi and Laura kind of set us up with it," said Kassian.

"We all went and checked things out, liked the situation with Zoe's and got to start fostering again."

On top of referencing the crazy road schedule that makes any kind of consistency at home more difficult, Kassian also talks about how nice fostering can be for the partner who stays behind while the team is on the road, often in a city they're not from and perhaps even brand new to.

"It gave Cassandra, my wife, a side project and some companionship while the team is on the road."

He's quick to bring up, though, perhaps the one downfall any dog lover might find in fostering.

"It's tough for her, she falls in love. She cries every time we have to give one up," the 6-foot-2, 211-pound NHL power forward smiles, juxtaposed, still in his post-workout Oilers gear, talking enthusiastically about tiny, adorable puppies.

"Zoe's has such a good foster program. I wish we would have found them earlier. I just enjoy dogs. Growing up, you don't really realize that dogs have different personalities. You learn that through fostering.

It becomes clear that Kassian is another of many whose innate love of dogs doubles as a built-in stress-reliever.

"I've always liked dogs. When you get away from the rink, it's fun to get your mind off hockey and just play with them. You come home and their might be a poop in the living room because they're still learning, but they're so jacked to see you."

The six-month-old retriever-cross foster puppy might not know that you scored the OT winner with six seconds left, but it sure isn't going to wag its tail any less if you hit the post on a two-on-one.

"They're so forgivable," said Rieder.

"We were so happy to get them all hooked on it," said Koehler of getting other Oilers and their partners involved with Zoe's Animal Rescue.