Fostering An Animal: What You Need to Know

Fostering an animal is one of the most rewarding things you can possibly do for an animal in need.  Without foster homes, many rescues would not be able to bring in and save the animals they do and they are constantly in need of people to foster animals until they find their furever home.

Today, I’m going to talk about everything you need to know about fostering an animal and hope that I can help answer and address some of the questions and myths regarding fostering.

To help get some accurate information, I spoke with an individual who fosters with a local rescue organization here in Edmonton.  They have been fostering animals since they were a child and are currently fostering their 73rd dog.  I’ve left the individual anonymous to respect their privacy.

What the biggest myths regarding fostering? “it’s too painful and difficult to let the animal go.  Another big one is that rescued animals are just too damaged to be saved.  That is simply not true.”

How hard it really is to say goodbye to an animal? “It gets a bit easier as time goes by. Knowing that I’m making a difference in that animal’s life makes the tears worth it.  I must admit that I cry every time but it’s short lived. I’m blessed to see where all my fosters go to live and that’s great closure for me.  The great thing is that all adopters keep in touch with me and provide me updates on how the animal is doing.”

If you follow any rescue organizations, you may or may not have heard of the term “foster fail”.  This refers to a person who is fostering an animal and becomes so attached to that animal that they decide to keep and adopt that animal.  While it’s always wonderful to hear that, it does create challenges such as potentially losing that foster home (though that’s not always the case in that animal is good with other animals). People who foster often hear “well why don’t you just keep the animal?”.

“It would be foolish to think that I’m the only one who could love these animals.  There are so many people waiting for a pet and the need for foster homes is so great that I need that spot in my homer another deserving animal.”

Like anything, there are challenges.  Fostering an animal is no different.

What is the most challenging parts of fostering an animal? “Getting people to understand the importance of spay and neutering your animals.  People also need to understand the  expense of vet care.  It’s not cheap and people need to be aware of that.  Alberta has one of the highest costs in the country for veterinary care, and trying to find more foster homes is always a huge challenge.  There are so many animals we have to turn away due to not having enough foster homes.  It’s heartbreaking.”

As I stated at the beginning of this post, fostering an animal is also incredibly rewarding. What the most rewarding part about fostering? “Helping a pet find their new home and seeing how happy they are.  I love seeing the transformation of these animals who often do not come from the best circumstances.  They learn what it’s like to be safe, nurtured and loved.  Plus, as I stay in contact with people who have adopted an animal I’ve fostered, I’ve made some wonderful new friends because of it.”

Why should people foster an animal? “My life is more complete and happier since rescuing animals.  Being surrounded by like minded people who are compassionate, empathetic and caring individuals has been a blessing.  If you have children in your home, teaching them empathy, compassion, responsibility as well as teaching them the values in volunteering will help shape them into caring and compassionate adults.  Also helping at risk communities stay safe from abandoned animals.  So many animals are able to give back by becoming therapy and emotional support dogs.  You are able to help give these animals an opportunity at a better life.”

One of the best parts about fostering is that it is very lost cost and depending on the rescue, FREE!  Rescue organizations will pay for any medical expenses and provide you with anything you will need.  All you need to do is provide a loving and safe home for them. While fostering that animal, they will have an opportunity to go to adoption events (great for exposure for that animal) as well as their bio will be up on the rescue organization’s website and on social media.  Most fosters are also involved with things like home checks for that animal and will definitely have a say in the adoption process of that animal.

If you are thinking of fostering an animal, please contact local rescue organizations and fill out an application.  Not sure who needs foster homes?  Then drop me a comment and I will help connect you to local rescues in your area.

You can make a difference and you can save a life.


Posted with permission from For the Love of Rescue

Fosters of the Week: Dog Squad

Like the Cat Crew last week, these four past Foster of the Week pooches are still waiting for their forever families to find them.

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We can’t believe Chinook hasn’t found his forever home. I mean, look at that face!! Chinook can be a little shy at first, but once he warms up, he’s ALLLLL heart. He loves all people, little ones too, and all animals (little ones too!) With just a little time and patience, this sweet and gentle guy will the best friend you’ve ever had. Given the bone-chilling temperatures lately, I think we could all use a little ‘Chinook‘ in our lives. Start 2017 with a new best friend, apply to adopt Chinook!

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Handsome, silly and playful Chance returned to Zoe’s this past summer. Since then he’s been splashing in ponds, playing with dog friends and, as you can see, lapping up peanut butter. Lucky dude!! Chance is a big ol’ sweetheart, but he has some leash issues to work through so he does need an experienced and patient family to continue working with him. He is very smart and eager to please; your efforts will be rewarded tenfold with more love than you can handle! Do you have fitness goals for 2017? Then this high energy guy is for you!

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Scruffy ain’t scruffy no more! Maybe we should change his name to Spiffy! This little man came in needing love, care, and attention inside and out. We tended to his medical, physical and behavioural needs and wouldn’t you know, Scruffy acquired a spring in his step and a flutter in his heart that turned him into the biggest little sweetheart around. What’s better than a cold evening in front of the Christmas tree with a piping hot beverage? A sweet Shitzu on your lap to enjoy it with you!

Arrow

Arrow is the perfect man: He is adventurous, he is playfully silly, and he is a superb cuddler. He’s a take charge kinda guy (read: stubborn as a mule), so he does need a strong and experienced owner to make sure he stays on the gentlemanly side of the scale. But if you put in the time and effort, your bond with Arrow will be unbreakable. Slovak Cuvacs are loyal and loving to the end, Arrow is no exception. If your perfect day involves hiking a new trail followed by relaxing in front of an intriguing movie, Arrow is the guy for you!

Fosters of the Week: The Cat Crew

This week, we are featuring past feline Fosters of the Week who are still waiting for their forever family to find them.

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First up: Beautiful bonded siblings, Miss Blue and George Weasley. These two have been adopted out twice and returned twice due to changing family circumstances. But when life handed them lemons, they, somehow, made catnip! Empty lap on a cold winter evening? Adopt these two furry cuddlers and never have a cold lap again!

Next: Two more bonded siblings, Wednesday and Merlina. You’ll never have a dull moment with these silly sisters! Their foster mom describes them as “Pirates” and “Partners in Crime.” They love playing and chasing each other and being adorably mischevious. Cut the cable! Entertain yourself with these sisters instead!

Does your home need a gentleman cat? Look no further than Moose Shrek! Described as quiet, unassuming, sweet, sensitive and soulful, Moose Shrek is the purrrrrfect man-cat. This guy is FULL of love and affection AND he’ll always help with the dishes. Looking for the perfect man? You’ve found him!

Looking for the perfect lady? We have you covered there, too! Heather Willow is as sweet as she is beautiful. She’s a little on the shy side, but there is nothing she loves more than curling up on a lap for a good, long snooze. She’s also a big, BIG fan of catnip. Adopt this gorgeous tortie sweetheart and you’ll have a best friend for life!

Foster of the Week: Cory Flower

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Hey there! How are you?

Oh, that’s good! Me? I’m wonderful!!

I’m Cory, by the way, but most people call me Mama.

I just moved to a new foster home. It’s so great! There are comfy beds, a fireplace, a dog to play with and SO many things to investigate. I just love it!

This is my first time living in a real house. It’s been an adjustment, but it’s been good. The transition has been slow with very sweet and patient people, which has helped a lot. When I first came to Zoe’s with my puppies, I was very scared of people. They didn’t mind, though. They gave me a safe and warm space to take care of my babies and showed me I could trust them. When my pups were old enough, they found wonderful loving homes for all of them and I moved to a kennel where I met up with one of best friends, Vinnie. It was so good to see him again!! It was also nice to be around so many other dogs, I love dog friends.

After being at the kennel for a few months, a few lovely ladies came to visit me. They wanted to teach me about leashes, stairs, cars and all the other strange things about domestic life. Those stairs… downright scary at first! But I didn’t give up, and neither did they. (Treats on every step is darn good motivation!) Cars weren’t as scary. I was unsure about them at first, but I now I love car rides. They take you to all sorts of fun places – like pet stores, parks, and cozy homes!

A car brought me to this home and it’s been terrific! The first time I visited, I zoomed right in! I had a moment of fear, but it quickly subsided and I settled right in. There is another dog here, which helped tremendously. Being around another dog makes me feel calm and relaxed, plus I love playing with other dogs. It’s probably the best part of my day. I’m a curious girl; I like to spend a little time each day checking out a new part of the house. There are so many things to explore! I like to watch my foster people too, humans do all kind of interesting things. After all that, it’s nap time! There is no shortage of lush and cozy beds here, but sometimes I like to snooze in my crate or sprawl out as big as I can on the floor.

I’m a shadow of the fearful mama I was when I first came to Zoe’s; I’m so very grateful for the ladies who worked with me to show how good this life can be. And for my foster parents for teaching me how to live in a home. Because of them, my sweet, kind and gentle disposition can shine. Because of them, I am ready to find my forever home.

My ladies say I am a gentle and kind soul. I know if you meet me, you will agree. Visit my bio and apply to adopt me!

Foster of the Week: Heather Willow

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Hey there! HW again!

The lovely Zoe’s people asked me to chat you up again because I’m still looking for my forever home.

I was a little shy last time we met, sometimes people aren’t sure about shy cats. I understand that. Sometimes I’m not sure about people. I feel much more comfortable now, but that might be the catnip talking……

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That’s my catnip face. RAWR!

Don’t judge, sometimes a girl has to let loose and have fun!

It’s true that I am a calmer lady and I prefer a quieter home, but I can still get down! I love to play and chase toys. And I lurve me some catnip!!

I’m also very cuddly. My foster mom says if you have a lap, I will curl up and sleep on it. I don’t like to be picked up, but I very much like cuddling. I also like to chat. I chirp and meow at my foster mom all the time. She’s been very patient with me, I appreciate that. And she understands that sometimes I don’t want pets and that I can get a little overwhelmed if there is too much going on around me. She lets me go off on my own for some peace and quiet. It’s important to me that my people are patient and understanding.

I was asked what I would like in a forever home…… a warm lap. That’s top of my list! I don’t like lots of noise and activity, so I would like a quieter home. Dogs and small children scare me, but I do like other cats. I lived with a few other felines for a while, we got along very well. They make excellent cuddle friends! I don’t have many requests: love and patience. That’s really all I’d like.

Oh, and catnip! That’s a MUST.

If you have catnip and a cozy lap, you should apply to adopt me! I’m sure we would be great friends.

Foster of the Week: Dozer

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Hmmm…. How does this thing work?  The Humans seem to push on this sticky-outie thing with their foot to get the top to open….Maybe my paw isn’t big enough….. I liked the old garbage can better, it was easier to open. Uh oh!! The Humans are coming! Gotta get to my bed and pretend I’m sleeping!!

Phew! That was close. I will conquer that garbage can another day.

Oh, hello! How long have you been there? Are you going to tell the Humans I was trying to get into the garbage?

They know I’m trying to figure it out. Just like they know I can open the fridge and that I know how to get delicious food from up on the table into my stomach. Tablecloths are a dog’s conveyor belt, you know. (By the way, caramel apple pie is sofreakingdelicious!! I highly recommend it.)

I love food. Can you tell?

I’m supposed to be on a diet, but restricting the amount of food I eat doesn’t really jive with my love of food. (Although shedding some excess weight has done wonders for my hips….)

At least there aren’t any restrictions on my other love – KIDS!!

I love all kinds of people, but I adore children. Especially the smallest ones. The smallest ones usually share food so they’re doubly great.

I couldn’t imagine life without children. They make me so, so happy, my whole entire body wiggles with excitement!

I’m as smart as I am hungry and I am VERY hungry. As a highly intelligent, older gentleman, I know what I want:

I know I want food (diet shmiet!) and I know I always want to have children in my life.

I know that I always want to be with my people, so I will shadow you and lay beside you wherever you are. If you leave me in the yard, I will let myself out of the yard so I can find you.

I like to chat and want to be the center of attention, especially when people are visiting.  If it’s too quiet, I will walk right up to you and start talking. When company is over, I will introduce myself. If they don’t properly introduce themselves (read: give me a suitable amount of attention), I will, politely, of course, get in their face and whimper until proper introductions (read: a suitable amount of attention) are given.

I enjoy being outside and going for walks, I will bring you my leash when it’s time for a stroll.

I know when the day is done and it’s time to sleep. If you’re a night owl or a Chatty Cathy after dark, I will shoot you looks of annoyance until you get the hint and go to bed.

And I know my perfect family is out there, waiting for me.

Gentlemen don’t like to be boastful, and I am no exception, but I have to say I am a great guy. I am gentle, soft, and loyal. I am happy, FULL of love and SO ready to give my whole heart to my perfect family.

If you have room in your heart for a sweet gentleman like me, go on and visit my bio. Then apply to adopt me!

 

Fosters of the Week: Wednesday & Merlina

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Hey, Wednesday. Do you know what this thing is?

No clue, Merlina. I thought it was a fancy water dish for us, but then our foster mom sat on it. When she stood up again, it made this weird, loud noise.

I saw that, too!! Maybe it’s a toy for humans…..

I dunno, maybe. HEY! Let’s go play! NOT IT!!

Wednesday!! Wait up!!

You can’t catch me! Neener! Neener! Neener!!

Oh, yeah!? Wanna make a bet???

I bet ALL your treats that you can’t catch me.

No, way Wednesday! I wouldn’t give up my treats for ANYTHING!

Hahaha! I know, right! I wouldn’t either.

Hey, look! Our foster mom is home!

Yay!! Let’s go snuggle with her. I’m a bit tired from all this chasing and playing.

Maybe she’ll give us treats!

I hope so! I looooooooove treats.

*Purrrrrrrrr* Are you comfy, Wednesday?

Sure am, Merlina. *Purrrrrrrr*

Wednesday, do you remember the time you got locked in the fridge? Hee hee hee….

Haha! Yeah, I was trying to escape, but couldn’t, tumbled around and made a BIG thump inside the fridge. Foster Mom thought I fell behind the fridge. She moved everything, but still couldn’t find me. Then she heard me crying, opened the fridge and there I was!

I enjoyed watching that. I knew you were in the fridge the whole time, you know.

I know, silly sister….

Hey, do you remember that time you pounced on Foster Mom’s face when she was in bed and on her phone? You crashed her phone right into her nose! Bahahahaha!!

Oh, man! That was so fun! Being a black cat is so awesomely stealthy.

We do have a lot of fun together, don’t we, Wednesday?

We sure do, Merlina. Our Foster Mom is a lot of fun, too.

She sure is, I love her. But don’t you think it would be nice to have a forever home?

Yeah, that would be really nice. If you could pick your perfect home, what do you think you would want?

Hmm….well, I would definitely want people who understand we are shy at first and will give us time to get to know each other. And also people who have lots and lots of treats. I like to get to know people who have a lot of treats.

That’s a good one, Merlina. Treats are a must, for sure.

Wednesday, what do you think about kids and dogs?

I think I’d be fine with either, as long as they are nice to us.

You mean as long as we are nice to them?

Hee hee, yeah I guess we can be a little TOO playful and rough sometimes, eh?

Yeah, but we’re learning. Foster mom is teaching us how to play nicely.

She’s so good to us.

I’d like to be adopted with you, Wednesday.

I’d like to be adopted with you, too, Merlina.

I’m sleepy, Wednesday. *Yawn*

Shhhh! I’m trying to dream about our forever family.

But how will they find us?

Easy, Merlina. They can visit my bio and yours, then apply to adopt us. Now hush. Sleep time.

Ok, Wednesday….. ZzzzzzzZzzzzzzzZzzzzzz…….

Foster of the Week: Arrow Oliver

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Oh, hai! I’m Arrow!

I’m heading out on an adventure. Wanna come with?

I love running around, checking out new places. I dream of living in a home with a giant yard that I can freely, but safely, explore. I’m in the prime of my life and FULL of energy. My breed, Slovak Cuvac, is a working dog, you know. The history of my canines is actually quite interesting. As far back as the 17th century we guarded livestock against wolves in the mountains of Europe. Wolves! In the mountains of Europe! Can you imagine?? What a thrilling life!!

As a working dog, I am intelligent and clever. I am loyal till the end and very protective of my people. Once I know I can trust you, I want to be your best friend and always be by your side. I am also fun and silly. I love to play, I especially love throwing myself on my back and wiggling around like a goofy white fluffball. As active and energetic as I am, I’m also totally down to snuggle up beside you. I do a fantastic impression of a couch potato. Hehehe!  And I have the best smile, no one can resist my toothy grin.

Here’s the thing, if I can get serious for a minute….I can be very stubborn and difficult. I think I should be the boss and without a strong, experienced person, I will take over. I don’t think I should have boundaries or rules and definitely don’t appreciate being told ‘no’. Typical teenager, right? I am a good guy, my foster mom says I am super sweet with serious BFF potential. Like all kids, I need the rules and boundaries I so strongly balk. I will thrive in a home where my people won’t give in to me and are committed to positively training me. I know training me will be difficult at first, for both of us, but I also know it’s what I need and will be one of the best ways for us to form a stronger than steel bond. My heart is huge and I promise your efforts will be greatly rewarded with love and devotion.

My perfect human? I would say confident, strong, playful, active and adventurous – just like me!  Does that describe you? If it does, check out my bio and apply to adopt me! Let’s go on an adventure together!!

 

Foster of the Week: Moose Shrek

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Oh, hello! My name is Moose.

Who are you? A friend? How nice. Very nice to meet you.

Do you have a forever home? You do? Oh, that’s wonderful! I’m looking for my forever home.

I’ve been a Zoe’s foster cat for almost a year. Can you believe that? I do love my foster home, my foster mom is the best a cat could ask for, but, oh, how I would love a family of my own.

I am an affectionate gentleman. I love to sneak onto my foster mom’s lap when she’s sitting down, or curl up at the foot of her bed. I have the biggest cat smile, and I will use it show you how much I appreciate your attention. I love water, and I like to play with it. When you wash dishes, I will happily help you! I love other cats and small children and babies. I have a “best friend” cat here in my foster home. We love to play wrestle. After playtime, we nap together and snuggle. The other kitty here is not very social with other cats, so I respect her space for the most part. I’m sweet and unassuming, and I don’t meow very often. Instead I quietly chirp when I want to “talk” to you, or your other pets. I never get underfoot, or try to run out the door and I never beg for food.  Because I’m a sensitive and soulful guy, I prefer to watch from afar when new people and pets visit. After I get used to having company over, I will come out and say hello to everyone.

I’ve been wondering why people are passing me by, maybe it’s because I have some medical issues. They might sound intimidating, but it’s very easily managed. When I was just a baby, I accidentally inhaled some cat food into my lungs. Because of this, I occasionally go through periods where I start coughing and will have to go on antibiotics for a short while. It’s very easy to give me a pill though. Most of the time, my foster mom hides my medicine in a pill pocket, and I just eat it. I take fancy Chinese herbs, they keep the coughing periods at bay. But that’s all I need. Other than love and cuddles!

Now that we know more about each other, I think we are a great match! Let’s meet in person – apply to adopt me! You bring the treats, I’ll bring the purrrrrr……

 

Foster of the Week: Scruffy

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Hi! Scruffy here!

Let me tell you how fantastic I am – cause oh, I am feeling F-I-N-E!

When I first came to Zoe’s, I had what they call “Little Dog Syndrome.” I was rude and tough and nippy and refused to share. It’s not that I’m a bad guy, I just didn’t have a whole lot going for me. I didn’t have a very stable home, didn’t feel safe or loved. That makes a little guy like me grumpy and nervous. I also had some rotten teeth and painful knots in my fur. Pain can make even the most jovial character a sour grape.

Life has totally turned around for me though and I am feeling on top of the world! I’ve had my teeth taken care of and my coat cleaned up. I’ve also learned that manners and good behavior are the way to my foster mom’s heart. The better my behavior, the more love and attention I get!! It’s great! I am much happier now that I am the sweet and cuddly man I’m meant to be.

Being clean and healthy inside out has me feeling like a young fella again. I love to play fetch with my favorite squeaky toy, I love car rides and walks and I’m a cuddle bug! I try to snuggle up with my foster mom at night but she has a silly no dogs in bed rule. Pft!

My forever home should be one that lets me sleep in bed with my people.

Kidding!

I’d prefer to sleep with you, but I can be happy with a cozy bed of my own. Patience and positive reinforcement are what’s important to me. Also security and love. Those things make me happy and nobody likes a grumpy Shitzu! I Shitzu not! Hahahaha!! That joke never gets old…..

I am a people dog, I just LOVE people. I’m not sure about the very small ones, though. I think I would be better with older kids.  I wouldn’t mind a dog sibling, but I don’t enjoy cats. Strange creatures, they are.

So what do you think? Am I the dog you’ve been waiting for?

I am!?!? Yay!!

Go check out my bio and apply to adopt me! I can’t wait to meet you!