by Maryellen » May 24th, 2006, 9:11 am
this is a sample of what i wrote up a little over a month ago, i never finished adding to it..
You are interested in fostering for either a shelter or rescue group. GREAT!! now comes the homework and research.. have you researched the breed of dog you want to foster?? GREAT!!! you know the breed you want to foster, you have done your research and the breed is right for your family.. next step, everyone at home is in 100% agreement with you.. GREAT!! next step to choose a rescue/shelter to foster for. Most rescues will have an application process for you to foster, as they dont just let anyone foster.. most rescues prefer people with that breed experience, but are willing to allow someone to foster if they dont have the experience with that breed if they feel you can do it. some will give you strictly puppies, others will give you easy going adult dogs..
Fostering is a very rewarding experience, but its not for everyone.. Some people get so emotional when the foster dog leaves that they cant do it anymore.. they were too attached to the dog. it happens. dont feel bad if it happens to you..
Fostering has RULES.. simple to follow rules.
1. no furniture for the foster dog ever.
2. basic obedience skills are to be taught to the dog- sit, come, stay, heel. (NILIF)
3. rescues will reimburse the foster home for food, vet care and vaccines. Some wont reimburse for anything.
4. some shelters will let you foster, but you pay for everything out of your own pocket and DONT get reimbursed.
5. foster dogs from rescues are expected to attend adoption events.
So the day has come, you are ready to bring home your foster dog, you have your crate, the food and are all ready.. when you bring the dog home you must get the dog on a potty schedule right away, and a routine. this will make the transition smoother.. Puppies have to go out every 2 hours, so someone must be home or come into the house for potty.. Adult dogs are easier, they can last for around 5-6 hours if already housebroken. you have to take the foster dog everywhere for socialization and report back to the shelter/rescue on the dogs behavior.
some rescues will not adopt out dogs that bite. period.. you must recognize this, and understand it. if your foster dog bites someone the dog is to be returned to the rescue to be euthanized. there is no sugar coating here folks. no rescue will adopt out a dog that bites a human as its not right, and the dog has become a liability to do more serious damage.. can you handle this? if not, dont foster.
Fostering is a very rewarding experience for most of us, and not for everyone. make sure you do all your research before you bring home a foster dog.
Finding dogs their forever home is what they do - many for a very long time. They are not looking for the dog's next home - they are searching for their last home. To accomplish that requires some rules and criteria, please understand.
Please remember, you are providing a valuable service by fostering, but ultimately you are trying to help this dog find that one special home that is perfect. Some foster arrangement do fail - because the "keep um fairy" shows up - that's okay.
Please remember to stay in touch with your rescue/shelter. Update them on any health issues, behavior issues or behavior/training milestones - these help the organization make decisions about the best possible placement.
Please, do not foster a dog or puppy if you cant commit to the fostering term. Some dogs stay in foster care for a month or a year, or longer.. foster homes have to be in it for the long haul.