Page 22 - DoggieRescue E-Magazine November 2015_Neat

22 NOVEMBER 2015 DOGGIERESCUE.COM MAGAZINE

TRULY IS A LIFE
CHANGING EXPERIENCE!

By Nikki Steadman DR Foster Care Co-ordinator

I've been fostering for Doggie Rescue since 2008 and
remember each foster doggie (and there have been a lot)
with a smile and a tear. A smile as each of them brought so
much laughter and light to our house and a tear because
it is never easy saying goodbye. With that in mind, there is
still nothing more rewarding than knowing that I have been
able to help a little soul that needed some respite,
rehabilitation or an extra hand along the way in their
journey of finding a forever home.

I often get asked ''how can you foster and give them up?"
or am told "I could never do that'' or '' I would get too
attached''. You know what? You will get attached! And it's
not easy! Many times tears have streamed down my face
as a foster dog has left my home or as I have driven away
after dropping them off at their new family. BUT IT'S STILL
WORTH IT!!

These doggies are so very forgiving of all that they have Nikki with Benny a previous foster dog
been through and so very resilient. Whilst I might be sad to
let them go, when you see your foster doggie go to the right You know your foster dog better than anybody! These
home, all wiggly bottoms and smiles, you know your job is gorgeous little souls change once in a loving family
done and that the best possible outcome has occurred. environment. They open up, they get a brightness in
Also, some do not realise that as a foster carer you have their eyes and a renewed spring in their step. You get
'first right of refusal' on any potential new homes. to witness that and it's awesome!

FOSTERING HAS NUMEROUS BENEFITS FOR EVERYONE INVOLVED:

1. It saves adoptable dogs from death at an overcrowded shelter. The more doggies in foster care, the more
doggies Doggie Rescue can take from the pounds.

2. It removes dogs from the hectic shelter environment and gives them a happy home to live in (and be
trained) while they await their forever home. Some dogs do cope better with life in a shelter. I always ask
which doggies could best benefit from being in foster before choosing my next charge.

3. It gives the foster parent the benefits of having a pet without the long-term commitment (or gives their
current pet a playmate). Don't automatically exclude yourself from having a dog if you have cats. We have
always had cats at home whilst fostering dogs and it has never been a problem. Dogs and cats can and do
get along famously in most instances if introduced correctly.

4. It allows the foster family to learn the animal’s personality so they can help the forever family determine
whether it’s a good fit for them (animals don’t always behave like themselves in shelters—how would you
act in jail?).

5. It allows the foster family to screen applicants and ensure that the pet is going to a good home. As a foster
carer you do have first right of refusal. You know your foster dog better than anyone as you get to spend
24/7 with them in your home.

6. If you plan to adopt a dog or cat in the future, it gives the foster parent incredible insight into what they
do or don’t want in their own pet. Be it breed, sex, age, etc.