Fostering - Paw Talk

sara8 · #1 01-11-2007, 05:07 PM

I have been wanting to foster for a long long time!! We went to Petco the other day-- to spoil our pets of course, and there was a local rescue there having and adoption day. I bought them some chew sticks for their dogs and as I was walking up and one of them said oh you're back to pick out your new dog. I have wanted to adopt another one but the more I think about it the more I want to foster. That way I always have dogs around me and I save more animals that way. Plus this shelter goes in and rescues mill dogs which is a passion of mine cause they rescue the moms too not just the puppies.

So we got to talking and they mentioned that they are always looking for fosters and gave me an app to fill out. It would be my job to socialize them and to attend adoption days (twice a month) I am a little nervous cause I am going back to school and I will be really busy. Do you guys think I should do it? Especially those who have fostered before. Or would I be doing more harm than good? I would be very specific about what kind of dog and personality type I would like. I just want to help--it's so overwhelming to see all of the homeless pets on petfinder and I just want to help. Thanks for listening.

Mel · #2 01-11-2007, 09:59 PM

I'm fostering now - and its a LOT more work than I had planned. Of course, if you take an adult who is potty trained, it's a lot different. I've got four tiny puppies, so they're taking a heck of a lot of effort.

Vanilla_Rat · #3 01-11-2007, 10:53 PM

I foster and Mel is right,it can be very hard work,depending on the needs of the dogs.It is also very rewarding to do.

I say if your up for it,whynot give it a try? If it don't work out,I am sure the organization will take the dog back.Thats what we do...if a foster home don't work out,we take the dogs back and find another foster home.But if you are really up for it,I say go for it.

k9s4us · #4 01-13-2007, 02:58 PM

I am currently fostering an adult cat that would have been euthanized if I had not fostered him. My only problem with fostering is that I get attached to the animal & it gets attached to us. I sometimes feel neglectful in that I don't get to brush him as much as he needs (white, long hair), but he certainly is very happy now. We certainly need more foster homes, so at least give it a try. You won't know until you do!!

sara8 · #5 01-13-2007, 07:36 PM

Thanks guys I think I will. I am just worried I won't do a good enough job because of lack of time. School doesn't start till April though so I have a little bit yet.

PokeyPokey · #6 01-13-2007, 08:18 PM

I'm also thinking about fostering in the fall when I get an apartment. I need a companion and cannot have my rabbit or chins in the apartment, but I also know that I cannot keep a dog for many years since I'll be going to a different college in 3 years, doing various internships, and will be moving around after that. So i figure fostering is a good middle ground, and also helps out the animals.

Where do you go to school in MI? I go to MSU and take about 16 credits a semester and if I factor in about 10 hours of working at a job i still believe that I'd have enough time to foster. I probably won't foster puppies, because they require a ton of work AND i am a firm believer that older dogs need more of a chance.

If it gets to be too much you can always tell the rescue and have them take the animal back, you'd probably feel bad but atleast that animal would have had a good start in a home.

Vanilla_Rat · #7 01-13-2007, 09:05 PM

Oh I have to add that I prefer fostering older dogs as well.Puppies do need alot more work.Then again,sometimes the older ones do too...if they have medical problems or something.

PokeyPokey · #8 01-13-2007, 09:13 PM

Do you usually foster dogs by themselves? I see that you don't own any dogs, do you find it harder to socialize them with dogs, without having other dogs in the house?
My *future* apartment complex has a ton of dogs, i saw 4 during my 30 min-1hour tour, there's two parks right next to it and I've already found a group of dog owners that have get togethers at a dog bakery here. I'm hoping that will be a good amount of socialization.

Vanilla_Rat · #9 01-14-2007, 12:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PokeyPokey


	Do you usually foster dogs by themselves? I see that you don't own any dogs, do you find it harder to socialize them with dogs, without having other dogs in the house? My future apartment complex has a ton of dogs, i saw 4 during my 30 min-1hour tour, there's two parks right next to it and I've already found a group of dog owners that have get togethers at a dog bakery here. I'm hoping that will be a good amount of socialization.

Yes,I usually take in one foster at a time.Altho one time I took in a mommy and her two pups.

No,I don't find it hard socializing them,as they are often at the office/kennel with other dogs before I get them and even if they aren't,my mom has a dog and she lives around the corner from me,so we often take the dogs out together and whatnot.Plus I take my fosters to all kinds of events and places,so they are well socialized.

mebri123 · #10 01-14-2007, 12:13 AM

You suffer from post tramatic stress in Iraq and see how you turn out

that is why I collect pets it brings out the good in me

Vanilla_Rat · #11 01-14-2007, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mebri123


	You suffer from post tramatic stress in Iraq and see how you turn out

What are you talking about? What does this have to do with fostering dogs?

sara8 · #12 01-15-2007, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vanilla_Rat


	What are you talking about? What does this have to do with fostering dogs?

I was curious about that too!!