Question:
How did you start fostering?
Fostering came about just by chance.
In 2013, we were looking for a companion for our boxer boy, Milo (rest in peace buddy). We found an adorable pit mix on DDR's website and were excited to see she would be at an adoption event at out local Petco. We brought Milo up to meet her (which we now know is a BIG NO NO- do not bring your current pet to an adoption event, way too stressful for some of the dogs there). Anyways, the dog we were interested in had already left the event, but our dog and a shaggy shepherd mix seemed to get along well. We weren't interested in adopting him, but then a DDR staff member asked, "would you be interested in fostering?"...
We had no clue what fostering was all about. After being educated a bit, and talking it over at home, our first foster, Buddy, came to our house a few days later and so our journey began.
In 2013, we were looking for a companion for our boxer boy, Milo (rest in peace buddy). We found an adorable pit mix on DDR's website and were excited to see she would be at an adoption event at out local Petco. We brought Milo up to meet her (which we now know is a BIG NO NO- do not bring your current pet to an adoption event, way too stressful for some of the dogs there). Anyways, the dog we were interested in had already left the event, but our dog and a shaggy shepherd mix seemed to get along well. We weren't interested in adopting him, but then a DDR staff member asked, "would you be interested in fostering?"...
We had no clue what fostering was all about. After being educated a bit, and talking it over at home, our first foster, Buddy, came to our house a few days later and so our journey began.
Question:
What are the responsibilities of a foster?
The main role of a foster family is to help transition a dog from a shelter environment to a home life setting. From talking to friends who foster through different organizations, each group provides varying degrees of support. At DDR, bottom line, you just need to open your home. They can provide the rest.... a crate, a collar, a leash, bowls, food, treats, toys, medicines, etc.... DDR asks that you are available to transport your foster dog to the vet if they have scheduled appointments and provide transportation to adoption events if asked.
I personally think another responsibility of a foster family is to keep in touch with the adoption coordinator about what you are learning about your foster dog. Sometimes behaviors a dog exhibits in a shelter environment will look totally different in a home setting. A dog that was timid in the shelter might turn into a confident little pup when in the comfort of a home. Let the coordinators know about any little quirks your dog has as well as all of their positives. This information will further help them being placed in the best fit home.
I personally think another responsibility of a foster family is to keep in touch with the adoption coordinator about what you are learning about your foster dog. Sometimes behaviors a dog exhibits in a shelter environment will look totally different in a home setting. A dog that was timid in the shelter might turn into a confident little pup when in the comfort of a home. Let the coordinators know about any little quirks your dog has as well as all of their positives. This information will further help them being placed in the best fit home.
Question:
What advice do you have for someone
who is thinking about fostering?
I can only speak to fostering with DDR, but we have had nothing but positive experiences. Any rescue you volunteer for wants you to have a good experience. Like anything in life, if you have a positive experience, you are more likely to repeat the same activity, and ALL rescues are in need of good volunteers, especially fosters. DDR has always worked with us to help us with supplies, training, and resources to help us have a successful experience time and time again.
Some people I talk with aren't sure about if their schedules, other pets in the home, kids, etc... would facilitate having a foster dog. You'll never know unless you try. Reach out to an adoption coordinator or fill out a foster application. The rescue will work with you to determine if any of their current dogs would be a good fit. Remember, fostering is not permanent. It will take a few days or weeks for most dogs to settle in, but if you find that the foster dog in your care isn't a good fit, communicate that with the rescue. They can work with you to try to make the situation better or perhaps try another dog.
When meeting a foster dog, DDR will have a team member come to your home and help the foster dog meet any of your other pets or family members to assess if it will be a good fit.
If your work schedule is flexible, try fostering during some of your off times or holiday breaks. I am a teacher, so in the summer for instance, we are able to foster puppies because they require LOTS of time with frequent potty breaks, whining in the middle of the night, and those little puppy teeth that like to chew on everything. They need to be watched every moment, so I choose not to foster puppies during the school year because my schedule won't allow for me to give them the time and careful attention they need.
Some people I talk with aren't sure about if their schedules, other pets in the home, kids, etc... would facilitate having a foster dog. You'll never know unless you try. Reach out to an adoption coordinator or fill out a foster application. The rescue will work with you to determine if any of their current dogs would be a good fit. Remember, fostering is not permanent. It will take a few days or weeks for most dogs to settle in, but if you find that the foster dog in your care isn't a good fit, communicate that with the rescue. They can work with you to try to make the situation better or perhaps try another dog.
When meeting a foster dog, DDR will have a team member come to your home and help the foster dog meet any of your other pets or family members to assess if it will be a good fit.
If your work schedule is flexible, try fostering during some of your off times or holiday breaks. I am a teacher, so in the summer for instance, we are able to foster puppies because they require LOTS of time with frequent potty breaks, whining in the middle of the night, and those little puppy teeth that like to chew on everything. They need to be watched every moment, so I choose not to foster puppies during the school year because my schedule won't allow for me to give them the time and careful attention they need.
Question:
What can I expect when I foster?
As I write this, we have had 31 foster dogs, and no two experiences have been the same. Except for the puppies (because they are typically with us for only a short time), I'll summarize some common things we have seen among some of our adult foster dogs.
The first few days or weeks you will see some of the most drastic changes. I find this to be one of the most uncertain and yet rewarding times. Some of these dogs are coming from tough situations. Our first foster dog was from a hoarding situation, most of our other fosters have come from the DDR boarding center or have been boarded at a vet office. I've been to the DDR boarding center and the volunteers are amazing! They work so hard to give these dogs enrichment and exercise, but like any facility, they are limited in what they can do. Boarding/ shelter life is stressful for a dog. So when these dogs get to a home situation, it is so cool to see how their personalities change as they destress and learn our home routines. Some dogs settle right in and other dogs will need up to a few weeks to really relax. One of my favorite moments are seeing these dogs take their first big nap in a big dog bed or cuddled up on the couch. Just to see them let their guard down, when some of them have very few reasons to trust people, is simply beautiful. Every night I keep a foster dog, I often remind myself that we are giving this dog one less night in a shelter and bringing them one day closer to their forever home.
You can expect that most adult foster dogs will need some degree of potty training. Most of our dogs have learned very quickly, so for us, this is never a big issue. We take precautions to protect our home such as pulling up any area rugs or blocking them from going to carpeted areas until we know they are potty trained. We keep little clean up stations throughout the house of paper towels and disinfecting wipes.
Training and basic commands will vary with each adult dog, but they usually learn pretty quick. Although not required, we personally try to teach our dogs some basic commands like sit and stay and waiting to be given permission to eat their food. Expect that your foster dog will need some basic obedience, training, or practice with leash manners.
Like humans, every dog will have some quirks and you'll learn their personality in the weeks or months they are with you. Some of our dogs have been afraid of noises, steps, car rides, or other dogs. Our foster dog from the hoarding situation was terrified to be on a leash for a walk. Some are big 'ol couch potatoes and others have an endless supply of energy. Some will not want to leave your side and others may need lots of personal space. Because we have another dog in the home, our only criteria is that our fosters are dog friendly, but otherwise, we let DDR have a say in which dog they place with us. If you are looking for a certain temperament, be sure to convey this information to the staff. Helping these dogs work through some of their uncertainties and learning to trust people again is a HUGE benefit to these dogs.
One of the biggest things I didn't expect when fostering, was that I truly believe it has made me a better dog parent. I've had a snapshot into the lives of so many dogs with varying temperaments. I learn so much from each foster as I work to find and use and try different techniques to help each one be successful. I also feel that fostering has made me more empathetic to other dog owners. I am guilty of having been too quick to sometimes judge a "misbehaving" or "aggressive" dog, but after having a challenging foster, who struggled with some behavioral issues, I can better understand that dogs, like people have issues that they need help working through.
You can expect a roller coaster of emotions. Anticipation and possibly nervousness to meet your new foster dog, excitement and joy helping them reach a milestone, frustration or patience as you help them transition to home life, but most importantly, you can expect to feel extremely proud that your willingness to go beyond your comfort zone and open your home to a four legged stranger, has helped a dog in need transition from a difficult past to a brighter future. Fostering has brought me an immense sense of gratification and love.
The first few days or weeks you will see some of the most drastic changes. I find this to be one of the most uncertain and yet rewarding times. Some of these dogs are coming from tough situations. Our first foster dog was from a hoarding situation, most of our other fosters have come from the DDR boarding center or have been boarded at a vet office. I've been to the DDR boarding center and the volunteers are amazing! They work so hard to give these dogs enrichment and exercise, but like any facility, they are limited in what they can do. Boarding/ shelter life is stressful for a dog. So when these dogs get to a home situation, it is so cool to see how their personalities change as they destress and learn our home routines. Some dogs settle right in and other dogs will need up to a few weeks to really relax. One of my favorite moments are seeing these dogs take their first big nap in a big dog bed or cuddled up on the couch. Just to see them let their guard down, when some of them have very few reasons to trust people, is simply beautiful. Every night I keep a foster dog, I often remind myself that we are giving this dog one less night in a shelter and bringing them one day closer to their forever home.
You can expect that most adult foster dogs will need some degree of potty training. Most of our dogs have learned very quickly, so for us, this is never a big issue. We take precautions to protect our home such as pulling up any area rugs or blocking them from going to carpeted areas until we know they are potty trained. We keep little clean up stations throughout the house of paper towels and disinfecting wipes.
Training and basic commands will vary with each adult dog, but they usually learn pretty quick. Although not required, we personally try to teach our dogs some basic commands like sit and stay and waiting to be given permission to eat their food. Expect that your foster dog will need some basic obedience, training, or practice with leash manners.
Like humans, every dog will have some quirks and you'll learn their personality in the weeks or months they are with you. Some of our dogs have been afraid of noises, steps, car rides, or other dogs. Our foster dog from the hoarding situation was terrified to be on a leash for a walk. Some are big 'ol couch potatoes and others have an endless supply of energy. Some will not want to leave your side and others may need lots of personal space. Because we have another dog in the home, our only criteria is that our fosters are dog friendly, but otherwise, we let DDR have a say in which dog they place with us. If you are looking for a certain temperament, be sure to convey this information to the staff. Helping these dogs work through some of their uncertainties and learning to trust people again is a HUGE benefit to these dogs.
One of the biggest things I didn't expect when fostering, was that I truly believe it has made me a better dog parent. I've had a snapshot into the lives of so many dogs with varying temperaments. I learn so much from each foster as I work to find and use and try different techniques to help each one be successful. I also feel that fostering has made me more empathetic to other dog owners. I am guilty of having been too quick to sometimes judge a "misbehaving" or "aggressive" dog, but after having a challenging foster, who struggled with some behavioral issues, I can better understand that dogs, like people have issues that they need help working through.
You can expect a roller coaster of emotions. Anticipation and possibly nervousness to meet your new foster dog, excitement and joy helping them reach a milestone, frustration or patience as you help them transition to home life, but most importantly, you can expect to feel extremely proud that your willingness to go beyond your comfort zone and open your home to a four legged stranger, has helped a dog in need transition from a difficult past to a brighter future. Fostering has brought me an immense sense of gratification and love.
Question:
What if I fall in love with my foster?
That's not a bad thing and if you foster a lot of dogs, it is bound to happen. If you absolutely fall in love with your foster dog, let the rescue know ASAP if you'd like to adopt them, and join me and the many other "foster failures". :) It's a nice group to be a part of.
If you are an animal lover, you will find something about each of your foster dogs to love. But you also know that adopting a dog is a long term, serious commitment and should only be done if the fit is mutual.
There have been several of our fosters that I thought, "well... maybe we can keep them", especially the ones that have been with us for so long, I hate to put them through another transition. However, when I am honest with myself, not every dog fits perfectly into our home life. You need to look at ALL aspects of your life and ask not only if the dog is a good fit for you, but are you a good fit for the dog.
For instance, one of our recent foster dogs who I adored and loved to pieces because she had a great personality, would get extremely car sick, even on short rides to the pet store. We worked with DDR to find a medication that helped, but she still looked miserable on long car rides. We need to frequently go up north to check on family property. Would it be fair to continually put this dog through an uncomfortable situation due to our travel? For us, the answer was no. It was so sad to see her go, but she is now being spoiled in another home that doesn't travel frequently. It is a much better fit for her.
Good advice we received from another foster parent was that if you do not want to adopt, do not foster a breed or look of dog that you are especially smitten with. My husband and I love the breeds with extra smooshy faces, underbites, and big personalities. Our first boxer, Milo, was our whole world. When we were looking for a second permanent dog as a companion for him, and DDR called me asking to foster a boxer mix with a underbite and sassy personality, we were tempted to adopt. We still tried to resist the urge, but after taking her to one outdoor adoption event and finding myself crying behind my sunglasses when someone else would approach her crate, it didn't take too long before she officially became the fourth member of our little family. There was just something different about Jackie than all of our other fosters. It felt like there was zero transition time, it felt like she had been here all along. She got along great with our boy, Milo, all of the other dogs in our family and friend groups, and she made us laugh every day. You'll know if your foster dog is "the one".
If you are an animal lover, you will find something about each of your foster dogs to love. But you also know that adopting a dog is a long term, serious commitment and should only be done if the fit is mutual.
There have been several of our fosters that I thought, "well... maybe we can keep them", especially the ones that have been with us for so long, I hate to put them through another transition. However, when I am honest with myself, not every dog fits perfectly into our home life. You need to look at ALL aspects of your life and ask not only if the dog is a good fit for you, but are you a good fit for the dog.
For instance, one of our recent foster dogs who I adored and loved to pieces because she had a great personality, would get extremely car sick, even on short rides to the pet store. We worked with DDR to find a medication that helped, but she still looked miserable on long car rides. We need to frequently go up north to check on family property. Would it be fair to continually put this dog through an uncomfortable situation due to our travel? For us, the answer was no. It was so sad to see her go, but she is now being spoiled in another home that doesn't travel frequently. It is a much better fit for her.
Good advice we received from another foster parent was that if you do not want to adopt, do not foster a breed or look of dog that you are especially smitten with. My husband and I love the breeds with extra smooshy faces, underbites, and big personalities. Our first boxer, Milo, was our whole world. When we were looking for a second permanent dog as a companion for him, and DDR called me asking to foster a boxer mix with a underbite and sassy personality, we were tempted to adopt. We still tried to resist the urge, but after taking her to one outdoor adoption event and finding myself crying behind my sunglasses when someone else would approach her crate, it didn't take too long before she officially became the fourth member of our little family. There was just something different about Jackie than all of our other fosters. It felt like there was zero transition time, it felt like she had been here all along. She got along great with our boy, Milo, all of the other dogs in our family and friend groups, and she made us laugh every day. You'll know if your foster dog is "the one".
Question:
Is it sad to say goodbye to your foster dog?
Every time a dog leaves, I feel so many emotions. Happiness for their new life, but also sadness because I won't see them anymore.
When a dog leaves, I also sometimes feel some guilt... "will they think I am abandoning them?". I then remind myself, that they needed some time to transition to our home, and they will need time to transition to their new home. I know in the end, they will be ok. The weeks and months they spend with us, are preparing them for many YEARS with their new families that they will come to love and adore.
The adoptions where I don't get to meet their new families can be more difficult because I am left wondering and wondering about how they are. Many of these dogs have had a rough start, and we have worked so hard to help train and prepare them for a new home, I just want to know that they are being spoiled to the degree they were in our home.
I have however been fortunate in a few situations where I am able to meet their new families. Knowing and seeing that they went to such GREAT and loving homes makes our transition a lot easier. It is hard to be sad when we see how our little furfriends are being spoiled and loved. It also brings us such joy to see the happiness these dogs bring to their new families. I still keep in touch with some of the families and they are kind enough to send me photo updates from time to time.
When a dog leaves, I also sometimes feel some guilt... "will they think I am abandoning them?". I then remind myself, that they needed some time to transition to our home, and they will need time to transition to their new home. I know in the end, they will be ok. The weeks and months they spend with us, are preparing them for many YEARS with their new families that they will come to love and adore.
The adoptions where I don't get to meet their new families can be more difficult because I am left wondering and wondering about how they are. Many of these dogs have had a rough start, and we have worked so hard to help train and prepare them for a new home, I just want to know that they are being spoiled to the degree they were in our home.
I have however been fortunate in a few situations where I am able to meet their new families. Knowing and seeing that they went to such GREAT and loving homes makes our transition a lot easier. It is hard to be sad when we see how our little furfriends are being spoiled and loved. It also brings us such joy to see the happiness these dogs bring to their new families. I still keep in touch with some of the families and they are kind enough to send me photo updates from time to time.
Manny (now Silas) with his sister, Trixie,
for their first Christmas together |
Cookie celebrating her birthday with her new family
|