A neighbor of mine tried to find someone to foster his dogs while he was overseas. He went to the local shelter but couldn't get any help. They didn't even know where he could get information.

He finally found someone willing to care for his 2 dogs. I took his cat. Sadly, the person 'lost' his dogs and his cat had to be PTS.

Shelters should know of these organizations so they can direct service people to those willing to help.

On the other hand, those willing to help need to be held to specific guidelines so the animals are taken care of properly. Not everyone who is willing is as dependable and responsible as those on Pet Talk.

Mary