fostering

[kilmuir]

does anyone foster?
thinking of doing this for a large breed rescue. we got our dog from them and know they need foster homes .
average time with us would be 6 to 8 weeks.
I am a sahm but all kids will be at school from Sept, large garden, surrounded by great walks etc.
I know i could get attached and want to keep them but does not put me off .

I have two long term foster dogs from the Cinnamon trust. They are our dogs but vet bills (apart from vaccinations) are paid and we meet all other expenses. A bit different because they will be here for forever.

We signed up with two rescues to foster dogs this time last year. In our case we have two cats, 4 kids (now 14-4) and at the time I was a SAHM. It was a long time before we were offered a dog to foster (first one suitable for cats and children) but in the end she wasn't handed over to the rescue. A week later we took in a dog via this forum as she needed to be rehomed urgently. Valhalla on here sorted out rescue back up and they found a forever home for the dog after about 4 months with us. We loved having a dog in the house again :) but were happy that she found her new family with several other dogs to play with.

We'd have foster dog again, but now I'm working part time and dogs that can be left 4 hours a day and are ok with kids and cats don't tend to need foster homes as they get rehomed :)

Yes, I foster. It's very worthwhile. Dogs that are in foster homes will usually find homes faster than dogs in kennels. Kennels are never ideal - dogs are always stressed and can't exhibit full range of behaviours. Fostering in a home environment allows plenty of opportunities for learning about the dog's personality and character. You can start training too, and things like getting them used to domestic life e.g. hoovers, washing machines, stairs etc.

Also, from a welfare perspective, most rescues quite rightly insist on dogs being neutered/spayed before adoption. For bitches in particular, spaying is a big op and I would always feel more comfortable knowing they were able to recover and recuperate in a home environment rather than in a kennel. Sometimes there are other health/veterinary issues that just wouldn't be fair to expect a kennel to manage. Again, from a welfare perspective, I don't like seeing elderly dogs in kennels, especially if they've come from a home environment. Foster much better.

Current foster is an adorable Norty Minx - she's likely to be a long term girl, but it can be as short or as long as you would like. She is lying behind me on her duvet looking gorgeous. I have just given her a sausage.