i should not look on rescue sites

[Owllady]

There is a dog up for foster and I have convinced myself I should put myself forward
Despite the fact
I am no expert, just a normal dog owner
My own dog isn't amazingly trained yet
I rent, rather than own home(though hopefully in two years we can buy)
I have a disabled child - so would be discounted straight away anyway
But
He looks lovely
:(
www.hularescue.org/

[Scuttlebutter]

Owl, I can't understand your post.

Foster carers are not necessarily experts, they are just ordinary dog owners who want to help dogs find a great forever home. Any reputable rescue worth its salt is very careful about matching foster dogs to foster homes especially at first when you are finding your feet. There is also behavioural backup and lots of advice and support from foster co-ordinators at the end of the phone. As you get more experienced as a foster, then you may get asked to handle more challenging dogs or dogs whom less is known about. But only if you are willing/able - charities will work with foster carers to get the best possible match in circumstances.

Renting would only be a problem if your landlord didn't allow dogs (which presumably isn't the case since you already have one).

Why would having a disabled child be a barrier? I know masses of people who foster in all sorts of states of health - including wheelchair users. Two of my closest dog fostering friends are blue badge holders, and my own health isn't brilliant. Of my friends, one is up to foster no. 38 at the last count and the other acts as an emergency foster home for a local greyhound rescue when a place needs to be found fast. The only problem I can imagine would be if your child might be very noisy/shouty which might be a problem for some dogs. Some foster carers have DC, others (like me) don't. Most rescues are desperate for foster carers with DC as it's really good for assessing dogs before moving into a forever family.

Most charities/rescues have an assessment/homecheck process for foster homes - unless they specifically say "We don't want collie owning, home renting women with disabled DC " then you should pick up the phone or give them a call.

Channelling my inner Mrs. Doyle here (Go on, go on, go on, go on, go on, go on, go on, go on)

[Bubble2bubble]

When I first offered to foster I never thought I would be asked to actually do it as plenty of other people would offer as well how naive was I.

My dogs are not particularly well trained either, but they are friendly to other dogs. I have young two DC but I am confident they are safe around dogs and know the boundaries. We walk every day and have a generally dog orientated household which comes with prechewed skirting boards.
Ok, our first foster became DDog4, but there there is such a need that while letting one go is emotional it is great to feel you are helping in a small way.

[threestepsforward]

Aw Owllady, he looks lovely, and I bet you will be a fab foster mum :)

You might remember my thread on the loss of my staffie?

Many people told me I'd know when the time was right to rehome again, and the time is now. I know it's soon, but I'm bereft without a dog, and know that my gorgeous old staffie Fred would have loved me to give another boy a second chance. I also know he can't be replaced, this is simply a new chapter :(

I too was dangerously browsing local rescue sites. And I seem to have re-homed a dog :) He comes to us on April 7. I met him today and he is such a poppet! Loves people and dogs and is placid and laid back, the polar opposite of my previous old boy, who was a complete loon! But I'm glad they are so different...

Posting a pic of new boy here...

Good luck owllady and go for it! He looks so lovely... So many lovely doggies out there looking for (foster)homes...

[threestepsforward]

Sorry if I have thread hijacked...

[MichonnesSamuraiSword]

OP - go for it, the worst they can say is no. But I think you sound lovely, and they'll be glad of your help.

The dog you like is gorgeous, he'd be happy for some love I'm sure.

threesteps - he's adorable! Well done you for adopting another. I have two ageing dogs and there is no way I will have a dog-less house. When the time comes to say goodbye to mine, I'll get another one straight away. It won't be a replacement, and like you say, the more different the better in some ways, but they'll fill the doggie shaped hole.

[Owllady]

Threestepsforward, he looks lovely, I am so pleased for you :)
Scuttlebutt and others, thank you. I realised today that the dogs profile says children 15 and over and mine are all under it also says he is quite timid and does not like noise and tbh my children are noisy and energetic, t
My daughter isn't really shouty scuttle, she is very nice natured in a gentle but enthusiastic way :o
But it has given me food for thought. I thought you would all say it was a mad idea, but you have all said opposite! I might pop in and see them anyway.

[Scuttlebutter]

I bet they'll be delighted to see you, and will give you loads of options of gorgeous dogs needing a nice foster home.

Good luck, and keep us posted.

[LadyTurmoil]

In a way, your busy, fairly noisy household is a great place for the right kind of dog. It won't be for all dogs, if they're marked as timid, needing a quiet home etc, but in other ways it will be perfect.

As a foster, you'd be getting them used to that kind of environment and therefore they'd be ready for most types of families with the start you will have given them!

I'm sure most rescues would love to have you on board

[threestepsforward]

Owllady you should still go for it if it's something you want to do. I bet your household will be perfect for many dogs, and if you're worried about being a suitable foster for them, the best way to find out is to suck it and see :)

Definitely go and see them - along with others, I agree, I bet they will be delighted!

Good luck

[TooOldForGlitter]

Your new boy looks lovely threestepsforward. What a sweet little face.

[threestepsforward]

:)

I'll start my own thread when he arrives as I'm sure I'll need some advice from the wise ones in the dog house!

[needastrongone]

I would really love to foster. I have this 'need' (no pun on name intended!) to do it.

DH is against it at the moment. He feels there's a happy equilibrium with our 18 month old Springer and 18 week old cocker puppy. I know this, but also feel we can offer something to another dog, even on temporary basis. Our dogs are lovely and gentle and well mannered. Our DC are teenagers, our garden is large, our house is rural etc etc, I work about 10 hours a week etc etc.

I have started studying canine behaviour and training, and feel I could help..

Boo hoo

Sorry for the thread hijack, it just struck a chord.

[needastrongone]

That doggy is fab

[mistlethrush]

The rescue we got ours from likes to foster if at all possible - you can find out more about the dog, which gives more information to possible adopters and also makes it more likely that the rescue will be able to match the dog to the right home where it (and the new family) will be happy.

They would not be put off with the fact that you have a disabled child or a young child - or that you rent - they would only suggest dogs that, hopefully, would settle well and benefit from the family home.

[FlashDrive]

I am sitting here waiting for my new foster dog to arrive

Owl, do please get in touch with the rescue and they can match you with dogs that will suit your family, I also have a disabled child and it has been wonderful for him, he has learned so much and is excellent around even the more challenging fosters

I love fostering and adore getting updates when my 'babies' are settled in forever homes

Do it, do it, do it!

[Owllady]

Needastrongone, you are ideal for my linked to dog! :)

Thank you everyone x

[chocolatelime]

You can make such a massive difference by fostering a dog & a responsible rescue will match you with the right dog for your home. If you have younger children, other dog(s), cats etc you would be perfect to foster puppies and help them with that essential early socialisation.

It is not always an easy job, but is very rewarding, especially when you have care of a dog who has had a bad start in life. You can see them blossom in your care.

The really difficult part is when they go their forever homes. When my current foster dog goes, I will weep buckets. However, if I keep her then I do not have the space to foster another dog and there are always plenty more who are in desperate need.

Go for it, make the call to your local rescue. If you are not suitable to foster, it may well be that you can help by taking the dogs in kennels for walks, or even by putting posters up and sharing posts on your facebook/twitter.