I challenge you to overcome your fears of fostering. You’re not alone in thinking “There is no way I could foster. I would keep all the dogs.” Let me guess you also think you can’t foster because you do not enough time due to with work or personal commitments, or you believe you lack the necessary experience or resources, you’re concerned about the impact on your own family dynamics, and again, you are feeling apprehensive about potential emotional challenges. Well I am here to tell you…those are all curable concerns. So let’s address these concerns and explore the possibilities with accurate information and support.
First, remember that fostering dogs is a fulfilling and rewarding experience that not only enriches the lives of the animals but also brings joy and purpose to the foster families. Every single pup I have fostered has given me more purpose than any other aspect of my life. They save me as much as much as I save them, and they don’t even know it. It’s the purest form of therapy for both humans and dogs, and it’s cheaper than a traditional therapist!
In this blog, we’ll explore the incredible impact of fostering, the benefits it offers to both dogs and humans, and how you can get involved in this noble endeavor.
🐾Why Should You Be Fostering Dogs? 🐾
It is a sad reality that shelters everywhere are over capacity, lack resources, and without adoptions they have few options on how to handle these desperate situation where more and more animals are being surrendered and dumped by their former owners.
Rescues, like SDC, are constantly tagged on all social medial platforms, emailed, and messaged to save dogs that have been found dumped by heartless humans or dogs at shelters that are at serious risk of being euthanized. Well, sadly we have to turn so many dogs away because, like most if not all rescues, we are foster based. So without fosters our hands are truly tied. If we don’t answer tags and calls for help please know it’s not that we don’t want to help, it truly hurts our hearts to have to turn away any dog, and the reason is because so many people are afraid to foster.
Fostering dogs plays a crucial role in saving lives. By opening your home to foster a dog, you’re providing them with a safe and loving environment while they await their forever home. More importantly, you can be the human that helps a dog trust again after being so harshly treated by the the humans that gave up on them so easily. Fostering also helps shelters by freeing up space for other animals in need, because the more foster homes available the more dogs that we can help pull from shelters and place in safe and loving homes temporarily.
Dispelling the Myths of Fostering
- It’s too hard to say goodbye: While it can be emotionally challenging, fostering is incredibly rewarding. Knowing you’ve helped prepare a dog for their forever home makes saying goodbye easier. Also, many adopters do not mind when the foster asks for updates. They understand you established a connection with their new companion. And be proud of yourself for allowing a dog that you allowed to thrive and become their best self.
- You need special skills: Fostering doesn’t require special skills beyond basic dog care. From day one we provide support and resources to help foster families succeed.
- I don’t have time: Shelters and kennels are no place for dogs, especially German Shepherds. They would rather be in a home where the humans are gone 9 hours 5 days a week than sitting in the corner of a small kennel that is loud, scary and cold. Dogs need human interaction, especially German Shepherds. The breed craves human interaction and approval. Shelter life leaves them feeling rejected and alone. Most shelter dogs have limited interaction with shelter staff, who have a plethora of other sad pups to tend to, and maybe the occasional potential adopter gliding through maybe not even stopping to say HI!
- Fostering means getting stuck with a problem dog: At SDC we have a team of volunteers dedicated to carefully placing dogs with foster families based on their preferences, lifestyle, and experience. Plus, we provide assistance if issues arise. Again, we provide the support needed for both the dog and family to succeed! We don’t leave our fosters once they receive the pup. We do regular check ins and emphasize the need to know. If there is a problem we want to know immediately so we can help!
- I don’t have the money to buy food, supply preventatives, and to pay for medical care: WE COVER EXPENSES like food, veterinary care, and supplies. Fosters literally just need to provide love, time, and a safe environment.
- You have to have a big home: Dogs in foster care are adaptable and can thrive in various living situations, from apartments to houses with fenced in yards. What matters most is the love and care you provide.
The Benefits of Fostering:
1. Saving Lives: Fostering directly saves the lives of dogs who might otherwise face euthanasia in overcrowded shelters.
2. Temporary Care: Fostering gives dogs a chance to experience life outside of a shelter, reducing stress and increasing their chances of adoption.
3. Socialization: Fostering helps dogs become more socialized and adaptable to different environments, making them more adoptable in the long run.
4. Emotional Rewards: Fostering provides immense emotional rewards as you witness the transformation of a scared or shy dog into a confident and happy companion.
5. Trial Period: Fostering allows you to experience what it’s like to have a dog without the long-term commitment, helping you decide if adoption is right for you.
How to Get Started Fostering:
1. Complete an Application: Most rescues will require you to fill out a foster application, check references, and likely conduct a home visit all to ensure the suitability to become a foster parent. SDC is no different. We want to ensure we are setting up every foster and every pup for success!
2. Prepare Your Home: Prepare your home for your foster pup by setting up a designated sleeping area (we suggest a crate in the first few weeks at minimum), gathering necessary supplies (water bowls, toys, etc.), and for puppies, puppy-proofing your space is essential.
3. Provide Love and Care: Once you’ve welcomed your foster dog into your home, shower them with love, patience, and care. Help them adjust to their new surroundings and work on any training or behavior issues. Get to know the nuances of your foster pup. What’s quirks does he or she have? Do they prefer squeaky toys? Balls? Both? Are they food driven? Do they like cats and/or kids? This are all questions that facilitate the love and care they need to help get them on their way to a fabulous forever home!
4. Show Off Your Foster: Participate in any and all adoption events hosted by the rescue to showcase your foster dog and increase their chances of finding a forever home. Bring your foster to dog-friendly stores and parks! I am my foster pup’s biggest cheerleader! Who is a better hype person for your foster pup than you! Showing them off not only provides an opportunity for exposure to potential adopters, but it’s also a good opportunity for socialization! I recently entered my foster pup into a Doggie Fashion Show, and guess what? He won the top prize of TOP DOG! I made his a costume and made sure every patron knew that he was an all around good boy!
5. Say Goodbye (Temporarily): As your foster dog gets adopted, celebrate their journey to finding a loving family. Though it may be bittersweet, know that you’ve made a significant difference in their life. I have kept in touch with many of the adopters my fosters have gone to. Most adopters understand the connection you have established, and are happy to oblige if you ask for progress updates every once in awhile and even the occasional photo! Just don’t inundate them with requests all the time. Let them enjoy their new companion that you helped rescue and rehabilitate. And because you helped get your foster adopted, you can now help another foster pup in need!
Fostering Do’s:
1. Provide a Safe Environment: Create a safe and comfortable space for your foster dog, including bedding, food, water, and toys. Your foster pup isn’t looking for the Taj Mahal. They just want creature comforts. So do not think you must spend a fortune on bedding and toys. Also, the rescue will provide food, if needed.
2. Establish a Routine: Dogs thrive on routine, so establish a consistent schedule for feeding, walks, playtime, and bathroom breaks.
3. Show Patience and Understanding: Understand that your foster dog may have experienced trauma or neglect, so be patient and compassionate as they adjust to their new environment.
4. Socialize Your Foster Dog: This is so incredibly important. Introduce and expose your foster dog to different people, animals, and environments to help them become well-adjusted and adoptable. I take my foster pup to parks and dog friendly retailers with a vest and bandana making it know that he is available for adoption. It never fails, we are always approached and that means I get to brag about how great he is!
5. Follow Rescue Guidelines: Adhere to the guidelines provided by the rescue organization regarding feeding, training, and medical care. We are here to support you! We want success for you just as we do for your foster pup!
6. Monitor Health and Behavior: Keep an eye on your foster dog’s health and behavior, and report any concerns to the shelter or rescue organization promptly. You are the eyes and ears for your foster pup.
7. Provide Training and Enrichment: Help your foster dog learn basic obedience commands and provide mental and physical enrichment activities to keep them stimulated and happy. Just as you teach human kids with tools to set them up for success, the same goes for your foster pup.
8. Prepare for Goodbyes: Understand that fostering is temporary, and be prepared to say goodbye when your foster dog finds their forever home. Celebrate their adoption and the role you played in their journey. It doesn’t necessarily be a “Good bye” just a “See you later!”
Fostering Don’ts:
1. Don’t Rush Introductions: Allow time when introducing your foster dog to new people, animals, or environments. Allow them to acclimate at their own pace. Allow them to smell things out and check out their new digs. Introductions to other family dogs should be done in a neutral area at first, if possible.
2. Don’t Overwhelm Your Foster Dog: Avoid overwhelming your foster dog with too many new experiences or changes too quickly. Gradually expose them to new things in a calm and controlled manner. I make it a rule that the first week we spend solely at home. That allows them time to get comfortable. The second week, we go for several walks around the neighborhood to check out all the smells. The third week, we will go to a park for a stroll so check out people jogging, walking, and on bicycles. Also, experience unfamiliar dogs. This helps too with understanding their tolerance around dogs of various sizes and breeds.
3. Don’t Neglect Veterinary Care: Ensure your foster dog receives regular veterinary care, including vaccinations, deworming, flea and tick prevention, and spaying or neutering, as recommended by the shelter or rescue organization. If there’s a problem let the rescue know!
4. Don’t Force Interactions: Respect your foster dog’s boundaries and don’t force interactions with people or other animals if they seem uncomfortable or fearful. This is why understanding and observing your foster’s behavior is important. If you know that when the ears go back that is likely a sign your foster pup is not in a comfortable situation, so you can react before they do.
5. Don’t Skip Training: Consistent training is essential for your foster dog’s well-being and adoptability. Don’t skip training sessions or allow undesirable behaviors to go unaddressed. Prepare your foster for their forever home!
6. Don’t Keep Secrets: Be transparent with the rescue organization about any concerns or challenges you encounter while fostering. Communication with the rescue is key to ensuring the best outcome for the foster dog. We can’t help if we don’t know what’s going on!
Additionally, there are some viruses that can lead to severe long term health issues leading to chronic illness or even death. One of those fatal viruses is Parvovirus (please check out a previous blog for Parvovirus information). Parvovirus is not only incredibly contagious, but it can also lead to a rapid death due to dehydration from diarrhea, leading to cardiac issues, for example. In order for the rescue to help, fosters must contact the rescue immediately so that medical care can start ASAP. Every minute truly counts.
7. Don’t Become Attached: While it’s natural to form a bond with your foster dog, try not to become overly attached. Remember that your role is to prepare them for adoption and help them find a loving forever home. The way that I look at it is that I am not only preparing my foster pup with all the tools they need to be the best dog ever and I had a part in their success!
8. Don’t Give Up: Fostering dogs can be challenging at times, but don’t give up. Your dedication and commitment make a significant difference in the lives of animals in need. Remember you are helping them rehabilitate from past traumas. Seeing your foster pup blossom is priceless!
By following these do’s and don’ts of fostering dogs, you can provide a loving and nurturing environment for your foster dog by being the person that helps them to be on their journey to finding their forever home.
Fostering is a selfless act that has a profound impact on the lives of animals in need. By opening your heart and home to a foster dog, you’re not only saving lives but also experiencing the joy of companionship and unconditional love. Consider becoming a foster parent today and join the ranks of compassionate individuals making a difference in the lives of dogs everywhere.
We would love for you to fill out an application to foster. You will not regret it!
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