You
Too Can Foster!
By Deb Carr
 Whenever
I introduce one of my foster dogs or it comes up in conversation
that I foster dogs I ALWAYS get the same response: “I could
never do that, I wouldn’t be able to give it up. It would hurt
too much”. Well I am here to say that if I can do it….you
can do it!
I
thought many years about fostering. With my already full household
of three Humane League alumni, I finally opened up our home to just
one more at a time. Yes I was scared to death. Each time I think,
what if the new dog doesn’t get along with my dogs? What if
the dog disrupts my family’s home?
And
then a remarkable thing happens. We meet the dog, who has been introduced
to inside living for the first time, and the fear slips away. There
is just something amazing about a rescued dog. Although somewhat
needy at first, they begin to realize they are safe and loved and
their personalities begin to shine. For the first time in their
life, they are living the way our faithful friends deserve.
 Although
sometimes timid and scared, they are never bitter or resentful because
of past treatment. A quality in which I am envious. To watch them
experience their firsts….chasing a ball or chewing a bone,
is such a wonderful gift you can’t help but smile. And yes,
you do fall in love.
My
first foster was perfect to break us in. She was a two year old
beagle I named Rosalita who was penned her whole life. I was able
to foster her knowing she would be heading to Beagle Rescue the
next week. Although a few tears were shed, I quickly got over it
and Rosie was soon to find her forever home. The next foster was
an emergency situation. Then again, aren’t they all? He was
a four year old shepherd/lab mix who was tied to a run down shed
with very little shelter. He was tied with wire in such a way that
he could not lay down or walk around. The obvious torture had shown
where the wire had dug into his skin. We named him Shane.
Shane
was exceptional from the first night he was brought to our home.
He was housetrained the first night and on the second day learned
that he gets treats if he sat and lifted his paw. I somewhat cheated
with this adoption. Friends of mine fell in love with Shane and
he has been their baby ever since. He comes to visit often and has
sleepovers with his canine cousins. I would definitely recommend
this route whenever possible. It is the best of both worlds, he
has his family and I still get to love him.
Another foster was just six months old. We named her Raven (who
you see pictured through the article). She was tied to a doghouse
for the entire start of her life. Even her chainer knew she deserved
better. She was such a beautiful playful puppy it was only a week
before I found her forever home. She now goes for long daily walks
where she swims in a huge lake with all her doggie friends.
.
 This happened ONLY because I gave
her that temporary foster home she so desperately needed.
Yes I fall in love. Yes I cry. But knowing these dogs have
found a family of their own is a feeling that so much surpasses
the hurt. I know in my heart that they are forever grateful because
without us opening up our home, they would have never had the chance
at finding their family and a chance at a life they never knew existed.
So
when you say no to fostering because you are afraid to get attached
or fall in love, try and consider the cost it is to the dog. A continued
life at the end of a chain, left alone to spend each and every day
outside, no matter the weather. Some with shelter, some without.
Left, just waiting, for even one minute of the love you are capable
of giving. To me, that is much more difficult.
—Deb
Carr, CPA, Treasurer of Dogs Deserve Better
To
download a foster form to mail in, click
here.
To write to your nearest rep to foster, click
here.
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