Please do not say: “I could never foster. I would get too attached.” ..Ah. If I had a dollar for every time I had heard THAT one!
As an avid animal lover, long-time foster, former ACO and former volunteer in multiple rescue capacities, I can say with assuredness that if I can foster, than ANYONE can foster. Do I get attached? Absolutely. You let them go, you cry, and then you do it all over again.
The Ark is currently seeking foster homes for our dogs during this time. Please call the shelter for more information.
Please keep in mind the benefits that fostering dogs bring, at all angles:
1. Foster homes allow shelters to pull and rescue more dogs.
2. Being in a foster home and establishing open communication allows us to find out more about the dog, thus enhancing the chances of successful permanent adoptions. For example: What toys do they like? What are their quirky behaviors? Do they play a lot? Do they chase cats? What are their habits?
3. Foster homes often times save the shelter money, as fosters often purchase dog food themselves.
4. Foster homes allow human bonding, social interaction, and the chance for a dog to live in a home environment prior to adoption.
5. Foster homes give us the chance to teach. Teach love, teach manners, teach routine.
6. Providing a foster home allows your own pets to learn love, sharing, tolerance, and socialization. (My girls get jealous at times, yes). HOWEVER, at other times, they have learned to be “mom” to a new dog. They have helped dogs otherwise not treated so great to come out of their shell. They have worn themselves out from playing so hard that they’ve slept for 12 hours. They have learned to share their bed, their toys, and their space safely with supervision.
Please take a moment to meet my two “biological” dogs, the Treeing Walker Coonhound and the Blue-tick Coonhound. As you can see, they really took to Odie, who was one of my most recent fosters. Here are some pictures of them sharing their space, their mom, their love and even keeping him warm and helping him feel safe. There have been very few dogs that my girls didn’t “take” to.
Thank you for your consideration in this time of need. We hope to hear from you soon! Give us a call.
Shaina MugfordShelter Administrator