What exactly does fostering mean? It means bringing a dog into your home, caring for them, providing them with affection and socialization, until a permanent family comes along who will love them forever.
We have a kennel facility with staff, but space is limited and a kennel run is not a substitute for a foster home. Foster homes allow us to open up space to save dogs in danger of euthanasia.
Foster homes are the lifeblood of what we do. Foster homes provide a calm, stable environment for a dog which allows us to see their personality shine through in a way it just can't in a 4 x 8 foot run. Foster homes give us critical information to make the right matches for a dog which is so beneficial to the dogs and the adopters.
As a foster, you have the chance and opportunity to gain a dog's trust, show them human touch and love, provide an environment for them to feel safe, and watch them transform before your eyes. There are very few things in life more rewarding.
If you have existing pets, introducing a foster dog can be a great experience for them as an additional companion and playmate! Children can benefit from fostering as a way to introduce responsibility and to educate kids about dogs. It is also a great way to get first dibs on a dog because fosters have that perk.
Fellow fosters will help guide you through the experience, give ideas, answer any questions, and may even become your friends! There is nothing quite like sharing experiences with those who do the same and being part of a community of people who have like passions.
When the day comes that your foster finds that perfect home, the feeling you will experience is something very special. You will feel a sense of pride in knowing that you helped that dog get to his new family. It's true that some goodbyes can be tough, but knowing that a dog you helped save has found a happy ending is a gift beyond words.
DEAR FOSTER MOM:
There I sat, alone and afraid,
You got a call and came right to my aid.
You bundled me up with blankets and love,
And, when I needed it most, you gave me a hug.
I learned that the world was not all that scary and cold,
That sometimes there is someone to have and to hold.
You taught me what love is, you helped me to mend,
You loved me and healed me and became my first friend.
And just when I thought you'd done all you do,
There came along not one new lesson, but two.
First you said, "Sweetheart, you're ready to go,
I've done all I can, and you've learned all I know."
Then you bundled me up with a blanket and kiss,
Along came a new family, they even have kids!
They took me to their home, forever to stay,
At first I thought you sent me away.
Then that second lesson became perfectly clear,
No matter how far, you will always be near.
And so, Foster Mom, you know I've moved on,
I have a new home, with toys and a lawn.
But I'll never forget what I learned that first day,
You never really give your fosters away.
You gave me these thoughts to remember you by,
We may never meet again, and now I know why.
You'll remember I lived with you for a time,
I may not be yours, but you'll always be mine.
