by Linda Goodman: Something you may not have considered before, or even be aware of, is fostering a dog. There are so many benefits for the dogs involved and for the fosterers.
Firstly, if you love the idea of having a dog but are not sure if your lifestyle is suited, it’s a way of seeing what it’s like to be a full time dog owner without the long term commitment. Far better to do this, than to buy a puppy and then discover you’ve made a mistake.
Secondly, it’s well established that dogs surrendered to rescues don’t do as well when kennelled as they do in foster homes. And it’s hardly surprising. These poor dogs suddenly find themselves institutionalised in kennels, a strange place that doesn’t look or smell like home, along with lots of other stressed dogs barking and crying. Don’t get me wrong, the kennel staff do their best to make sure every dog in their care is well-looked after, but with rescues full to bursting, it’s just not always possible to devote as much time to every dog as they would want. And let’s face it, nothing can take the place of a warm cosy bed in a home with a garden, where a dog can receive the one-to-one care, and the love and affection they crave.
Fostering is genuinely a lifeline for pets in need. But be warned, don’t be surprised if you fall in love with your foster dog and want to adopt them. It’s affectionately known as being a ‘failed fosterer’ and I’ve been one on numerous occasions.
What sort of dog could you foster?
There are dogs of every imaginable breed and age, including puppies, who need foster homes right now. Fostering is a brilliant solution for people who have never had a dog before, as well as for people who have lots of experience with dogs. It’s particularly beneficial for older, retired people who enjoy the company of dogs, or for people who like to go on holidays during the year and worry about leaving their best friend behind in kennels or with a dog sitter.
The rescue will usually provide you with everything you need to foster a dog, including food if required, and they’re always on hand with advice if you need it. The length of time you can foster for will depend on the dog’s circumstances and how quickly the right home can be found for them, and of course how long you are available or comfortable fostering for.
Helping people by helping their dogs
Sometimes fostering is used to help someone who has become homeless or they need to flee domestic abuse. These are people who are afraid to leave their dog behind and so put off leaving their abuser. Sadly most refuges for those fleeing domestic abuse don’t take pets, but with rescues offering foster spaces for their dogs, it can end up being a happily ever after when that person eventually finds a new permanent home, and they can be reunited with their beloved dog. One shelter that works with people experiencing homelessness, including those with pets, is St. Mungo’s.
Another reason fosterers are needed, is when people become ill and need to go into hospital for a few weeks but they have nobody to look after their dog. It’s incredibly rewarding being a fosterer, knowing that you’ve not only helped a dog in need, but a person as well.
The saddest reason for a dog needing a foster carer is when their owner has died, and no other family members are able to take the dog who is grieving the loss of their owner and their routine.
You can find out more about becoming a fosterer by contacting your local rescue. They’ll be so relieved to hear from you because there are just so many dogs today that need to get out of kennels and back into homes. You’ll really be a lifesaver, and that’s something you can feel really good about.
Volunteering
If you love the idea of having a dog, but just don’t have the time or space for a long term commitment, something else to consider is becoming a volunteer for your local rescue. That way, you can be around dogs as much as you like, and you’ll be helping the dogs as well as the rescue. Other than the large, well-funded rescue charity chains, there are thousands of small, independent rescues that rely on the good will of volunteers for things like fundraising and dog walking. They often don’t have paid staff and are 100% dedicated to saving the lives of dogs in need. Some even specialise in certain breeds. In becoming a volunteer you’ll be doing so much good in your spare time and will find it very rewarding.
WOOFABILITY 