This holiday season, you may find yourself considering a life-changing decision: whether or not to add a dog to your household. It may begin as a spontaneous idea inspired by a visit to the local shelter or an adoption event, or the desire may have been growing for weeks or months, with lengthy discussions and Internet searches about what type of dog would suit you best. Perhaps your kids or spouse want a dog, or you’ve been considering a second dog, or you’re tired of seeing so many wonderful, homeless pets and want to do something to help.
Before you expose yourself to any adorable, pleading doggie eyes, please do your research and make sure you can commit to caring for a dog, particularly the type you’ve decided you want. Shelters and rescues are overcrowded, in large part, because many people underestimate the money, time, and energy required to care for a dog – especially a puppy.
Even if you’ve thought about it carefully and are ready and able to bring a dog into your life, you may have lingering doubts or questions. Will the kids really help take care of the dog? Am I up for having two dogs instead of just one? I really like this particular breed, but is it a good fit for me? In addition to seeking advice from various animal professionals, one way to gain experience is through fostering.
What is fostering?
At Our Pack, we rely on foster homes in our efforts to rescue adoptable Pit Bulls and prepare them for life with their forever families. As a foster home, you assume responsibility for the needs of a dog, usually for a period of weeks or months, until that dog finds a permanent home. In addition to shelter, you provide food, toys, love, exercise, basic training, socialization, etc. – just as you would for your own dog.
Most fostering is done through rescue organizations, although many shelters allow their staff or volunteers to foster dogs who need special care (such as very young puppies or dogs recovering from illness or surgery) or during times of overcrowding. The exact terms of a fostering agreement vary among organizations, so find out what is expected of you as a foster home before you commit.
What are some benefits of fostering?
Fostering can save the life of a dog who would otherwise be euthanized for lack of space or resources, or due to illness, age, or other needs.
Fostering can give you the hands-on experience of caring for a dog without committing to the dog for his entire lifetime. This can be useful for families with children, those who travel frequently, and individuals looking to gain expertise in dealing with a wide variety of dogs.
Fostering can help the adoptive family. Because you know the specific needs and behavior of your foster dog, you can give the adoptive family extra insight on living with him.
Fostering can give you experience with a particular breed or type of dog.
Fostering can give you experience with managing and training multiple dogs in your home.
What else should I know before I foster?
Even though fostering is not a long-term arrangement, it’s still a commitment. If you have concerns about your ability to care for the dog during the foster period, bring these up before you commit. Don’t assume someone else will be able to take the dog if you decide you no longer want the job!
Fostering can be challenging. Dogs go through an adjustment period as they learn to live in an unfamiliar place with unfamiliar people. Some dogs struggle with behavior issues that must be worked through while they are in foster homes. Dogs with medical issues may require special care or attention. Ideally, your sponsoring organization will help you deal with these issues, talk about any concerns you have and find out what kind of help and support you can expect.
Fostering can be incredibly rewarding! Many foster families have made significant impacts in the lives of dogs by opening their hearts and homes. You may find it helps you become a more skilled, compassionate, and attentive doggie parent to your existing pets. Sometimes, deciding to foster means meeting and falling in love with a dog who becomes a permanent member of your own family!
Fostering is a gift that gives back. To meet some wonderful dogs in need of foster homes right now, check out the websites of your local rescue groups, including ourpack.org.
Stephanie Lam, MBA, ABCDT is a certified dog trainer and author of Barron’s Dog Bibles: Pit Bulls. She volunteers with Our Pack, Inc., a Pit Bull rescue based in the South Bay. She also teaches “Pit Bulls 101,” a people-only class for new and would-be owners. All dogs adopted through Our Pack receive free training classes for life! Visit www.ourpack.org for more info.
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Main article photo by: Marthina McClay
