So as we remind ourselves of our new year's resolutions to lose weight, work out more, quit smoking, drink less, spend less, I thought I would suggest we add "pay it forward" to our lists!
Here is a resolution idea...Foster a dog!!
(And let's be honest, why waste a New Years resolution on "drink less" when you will likely make that resolution weekly....usually on a Sunday...with a hangover).
Many of you know that my husband and I have had the privilege to foster two wonderful Boston Terriers. Each one of them have gone to loving forever homes and we know that we've made a difference in both of their lives.
Fostering dogs isn't for everyone (especially if you aren't a dog person, which means, you should probably stop reading now. Really, stop reading because unless you like dogs all I will do is embarrass myself).
People have a lot of questions when I tell them that we foster dogs, so let's start with those first.
Is it expensive?
It's as expensive as you want it to be. As a foster for Friends of Homeless Animals, all I am responsible for is feeding and walking the foster dog as well as keeping him or her safe (dare I add a "duh" at the end of this sentence?).
You are also asked to take pictures of your dog so that they can be posted on rescue sites to help in their chances of being adopted.
For our dogs we also invested in other essentials like a Polartec Puffy Dog Parka Coat from Trixie & Peanut, a turtle halloween costume, soothing oatmeal shampoo and leave-in conditioner, Omega-3 fish Oil, daily dog walking services...(What? Why are you looking at me like that? They are essentials.)
One of the most expensive responsibilities of being a pet owner is veterinary care. As a foster for FOHA, all necessary vet visits are reimbursed. By the time dogs make it to your home, they are typically in great shape as they have been nursed by experienced dog rescuers so major issues are usually taken care of before they get to you. Also, dogs are typically already spayed or neutered.
Is it hard to see them go?
No, never....says the girl who was crying in her cubicle when the official adoption papers came in for Pansie.
How can you foster a dog and then give them up?
Well, that's easy. Everyday I get anywhere from 15-30 emails about mistreated, lost, ill, and needy dogs that just need a home so they can escape kill shelters, puppy mills, and abusive situations. That helps me get over the bittersweet sadness of sending an adorable, innocent, and loving dog to a forever home to make room for the next little guy. Well, that and the fact that my husband is unfairly rational and reminds me that we are more valuable as a foster home for many dogs, than a forever home for just one dog.
Where do the dogs come from?
Everywhere! Both of our fosters (and many on the rescue list) have been rescued from puppy mills in Missouri (this state is considered to have the highest concentration of puppy mills according to this article written by the Senior Director of Government Affairs & Public Policy for the ASPCA). FOHA provides a transport for these dogs that will drive for days just to deliver these dogs to safe homes. Some dogs come as far as Texas, too! By car!
According to the Humane Society of the United States, anywhere from 6-8 million animals enter shelters each year. Half of those animals are euthanized. Put into context, I think I would opt for the 20+ hour road trip, too.
What if you have a problem with your foster dog?
No problem. Fostering is a challenge but I can imagine that some situations can be more challenging than others. If for some reason your foster doesn't work out, most foster companies will work with you to find a new foster home and a new dog that is better suited for your situation.
Can you keep a foster dog?
Why not? Actually...great question, we have never tried to keep a foster (and I promise that I never considered telling Pansie's adopters that she had run away and was no longer available for adoption but thought better of it when I imagined running into them on the street and having to introduce "Pansette", Pansie's long lost identical twin sister who we decided to adopt shortly after Pansie ran away).
I think it is important to realize how valuable you are as a foster home, but if you found the dog of your Lassie dreams, I don't think many rescue groups would say no (juuuust as long as you can do some fostering on the side ;)
So on that note, I thought I would leave you with some articles, photos and information in the event you are curious about fostering dogs. The links below are what inspire me to "pay it forward" and give these dogs a home that they deserve.
Are you thinking about getting a pet for your family? Fostering is a great way to experience having a dog to ensure that your family is ready for the responsibilities while doing a good deed for a dog in need!
First & foremost:
Pansie & Pearl- both of our girls were rescued from a puppy mill where they were used for mass breading. When we first got them, they were a little shy and skittish, but overtime they learned how to be real dogs!
American Boston Terrier Rescue Site (this site is managed by Wanda Jewell- I imagine she is better known as Saint Wanda by her canine rescues)
Dogs Smell Cancer (how amazing is this?)
Dog Saves Boy From Cougar Attack (I feel sorry for the cougar but I am a dog person, not a boy-eating cougar person)
Economic Euthanasia (so sad)
PS
I promise that this blog will return to the superficial side shortly...but the New Year's champagne must have gone to my head and I feel the need to be sappy!
Kate, you are a better person than most...when do you and Frenchy get your next rescue pup?
ReplyDeleteTBD...we are waiting for Ryan who was supposed to come this weekend but with this weather, might not come until the following weekend.
ReplyDelete