Fosters

DH and I want to foster dogs before we get our next dog.
Has anyone ever done this?

What are your experiences?

We want to start this summer, but then I thought....What happens when we go on vacation? would we be able to board him/her?

Re: Fosters

most likely not. being a foster is a full time job basically. you have to be home most of the day to monitor the dogs behavior, help train it, etc. it is an extremely amazing thing to do this. im sure it'll be hard to give up some of the dogs to their new parents but you'll know you saved a life. i recommend it. i'm going to do this when we get a house.

Re: Fosters

I've truly thought about it, but I can't do it for a few reasons.

I know I'll end up keeping the dog (Shanti did), because it will break my heart to give it up.

A lot of these dogs are special needs and you have to be able to train it and stay with it. You probably couldn't board a foster dog as it would be very traumatic for the dog.

I would want to be home with the dog for a few weeks at least and we don't have that option. We both work full-time and neither of us are teachers. I think if you are a teacher it would be much easier to do.

If you do decide to do it, God bless you. It's a wonderful thing.

Re: Fosters

If you go on vacation most rescue orgs would not allow you to board the dogs, however if there is another foster family close by they can make arrangements for a short visit. The process to become a foster is even more intense than becoming and owner/adopter. There are additional skill sets needed, and you have to be prepared to have some out of pocket expenses in the way of medicines, vet bills, food, training, etc. Many rescue orgs help to pay for things like this, but some do not always have the funds upfront and reimburse you with the adoption fee once the dog is adopted/re-homed.

I think it is a great thing to be a foster. I would love to do it, but with the new baby in the house and me not working I just don't have the resources. It is so important because the fosters really help the dogs become pets again.

Good luck in your decision

Re: Fosters

I fostered, I ended up keeping her. I fell in love. I was a foster flunkee :)
I was thinking about doing it again, I feel like I owe them a foster.

It's a great thing to do. I did it thru Bide-a-wee. and there was no $$ involved. They supplied all the food bowls and food. You could go pick up food whenever you wanted. Also, if the animal gets sick you just bring it to their vet and there is no fee.

Good Luck!

I would think the vacation they could work out with you. myabe they take her back at the shelter that week, or find another foster home for that week ?

Message edited 2/11/2008 11:01:53 AM.

Re: Fosters

i tried but the rules were way to strict. I was even going to foster some kittens but my work hours are too long. Also, they didnt like the fact that I had a dog and cat because , like Gerty said, most of them are special needs so they either can't be around other animals or just need your undivided attention.

Good luck if you decide. It can't hurt to check it out! I think there's a link of petfinder?

Re: Fosters

A lot of people on my dachshund website do it. They have their homes set up for it. I don't think I could do it. My dog likes to be dominant and even though he plays so well with other dogs, having another dog live here would be different. There are a lot of people who get attached and want to keep their fosters. They jokingly call that failing at Fostering101. It's tough to give a foster up when the time comes. If you can do foster, go for it. It is such a wonderful thing to do!