The decision to foster was awhile in coming as both of us (Mike especially) were concerned about what would be involved. Me, with my tunnel vision, well I pretty much just saw DOGGGGGG!!!! But, we finally made the decision after talking to the director of a great foster group. We met her at an adoption event at a local pet store and she really relieved a lot of our concerns. Both of us worried about the time/financial commitment, the responsibility, the actual process, and other stuff but finally just decided that the joy and satisfaction of being able to help a dog in need would probably outweigh any frustration or annoyances.
Mike and I took in our first foster dog, an abused cocker spaniel/poodle mix named Barney, a few years ago. Although we'd both owned dogs in the past, this was different- Barney wasn't the typical playful dog. He was terrified of men and would cower against me whenever Mike entered a room or stood up. He didn't know how to play with a toy and acted as if he'd never seen a treat in his life (which honestly, he probably hadn't). He was reserved, nervous, but the sweetest and gentlest little guy ever. He found a permanent home after just a few weeks with us and although it was tough to see him go, I felt SO glad to know that we'd been the "middle man" in his transition.
On that note, the most common thing that I hear from people when I suggest they foster is "Oh, but I could never give up the dog afterwards". Having given up three foster dogs (we fostered a pair of black lab puppies after Barney and ended up keeping our fourth foster, Fiona, permanently), I can say that it is tough, but you can't look at it as "giving up" the dog. You're giving that dog a new and better life than it would have otherwise known. Plus, you're opening a place in your home for another dog in need! There are so many dogs in need- the foster agency we worked with gets daily requests, sometimes multiples per day- and once you realize all the good you can do, it becomes much, much easier.
The other reason that people give for not wanting to foster is that they think it'll be too much work or cost too much. I can only speak about the agency through which we fostered, but I can say that there was no hardship whatsoever. The foster group provided a huge bag of food, a leash and collar, a toy, and a crate for each dog and in the case of the puppies, a play pen. On top of that, they brought the dogs to us and also transported the dogs to/from all adoption events, vet appointment, etc. We only had to provide love, treats, and shelter.
Additionally, if you have concerns about the type of dog you'd like to foster, these will always be taken into account by a reputable foster agency. You will always get to choose whether or not to take a dog (you're not forced to take a dog just because you're on the foster list), and you can let the agency know if you have size restrictions (i.e.- our apartment complex limited to <40lbs), temperament restrictions, don't feel comfortable with special needs dogs, etc.
Overall, fostering is just one of the most fun and rewarding experiences out there. And if you're not a dog person, there are rescues for all different kinds of animals that would absolutely love to have you sign up to foster- cat rescues, bird rescues, horse rescues, etc.
Finally, if you're not able to provide a temporary home, consider doing transport. In the last few weeks, Mike and I have been lucky enough to serve on two different "rescue trains"- groups of volunteers who sign up to drive dogs from point A to point B in different shifts. A few hours of your time can help get a dog, cat, or other animal into a shelter or rescue that will help it find a home. Your local animal shelter, vet's office, or rescue can probably hook you up with rescue train coordinators or if you're around the Midwest, I can pass along contact info.
Wiley, the catahoula leopard puppy, who was the past weekend's rescue transport charge. He was SO CUTE.
0 comments:
Post a Comment