Every time the discussion about fostering dogs or cats comes up, at least one person, usually more, say something like "I could never do it because I would want to keep every one of them". Well, I had the exact same attitude for a long time, after I became familiar with rescue. I write this as I have a HUGE Golden Retriever climbing in my lap!!!And, he is a foster boy!!!!
What I've had to learn is that without fostering, rescue groups don't survive. Most of the fosters I have had came when the rescue group was desperate for help. Many times, without available foster families, they can't pull strays or owner turn ins from the shelters, or take owner turn ins. And sometimes, when we foster, we become "failures", as I was with my Zipper. The worst part of that is that I had no more room to be a foster parent, with 4 big dogs in my home.
Fostering is a HUGE service to these animals, you guys, and to the rescue groups. I probably could never foster cats because so much of the time, my doors are literally wide open for the dogs to come in and out as they please. My cat knows to go out and in, but a foster kitty might walk out and never walk back in, so I concentrate on the dogs, as they fit our lifestyle much better. I do have to set limits about what kind of foster dog fits our household, as I always have to consider my own pets, first. A dog that comes into my home needs to not be so old that they can't handle an exuberant puppy. I also can't take one that needs quiet (recovering from surgery or Heartworm treatment) for the same reason. This is NOT a calm household with Baby Mack. And he/she needs to be able to get along with my girls, who are pretty laid back and submissive. I would never want to bring in a dog that might be too aggressive for them. And I can't take a dog that can't get along with cats or children, both of which are present in my home. Our fenced area is not the best, so I can't have a jumper or digger that might try to escape. Thankfully, that has never been a problem for us. So, I can't always say "yes" to the rescue group when they need me. Just recently, I've said "no" because one of my girls, Lilly, was having health problems. And I've said "no" because the dog they needed me to take was recovering from a heartworm treatment and I couldn't supply the calm atmosphere that was needed for recovery.
Whatever breed you love, whether it be a pure bred rescue, or mixed breed rescue, please consider opening your home and becoming a foster parent. The rescue groups I have been associated with pay the veterinary bills and provide heartworm preventative and flea/tick preventative for as long as you have the foster. The only money out of my pocket has been for food and toys and sometimes for collars and leashes, as I deem necessary. Our Golden Retriever rescue also pays for microchipping, which is so important.
If you can't consider fostering, there are other jobs that the rescue group needs to have help with, too. Transporting is a big one. I've gone to the shelter to pick one up and taken them to the vet for observation. I've driven "legs" of transports to get them where they need to be for foster or permanent homes. I've donated time and money to help the rescue group with fundraising activities. One good example, which I have not done, is one friend of mine who writes thank you notes to all who send donations to her local Golden Retriever rescue group (this is Alicia or Albea, as you guys know her, and she works with Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue). I have also done phone interviews and home visits, following the guidelines set out by our rescue group.
So many people on our group are involved in rescue, so I'm sure many other ideas will pour out if they see this post.
What I would say, in closing, is that I am learning, slowly, but surely, that although I get attached, very easily, once a prospective owner has been screened by phone and with a home visit, it is easier to let the dog leave my home to join his/her new family in their forever home. Yes, I cry, but it is a different sort of tears, as you know that they will be loved and cared for, and you create space for another one to join your family, as needed. My "job" is to get the dog as well adjusted as I can so that they will be ready for that new home.
Just some things to ponder, my friends.
Logan
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