Fostering Saves Lives

Fostering a dog is one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had. Difficult to let go, yes. But the bottom line is that fostering saves lives. I’ve learned something new with each foster dog I’ve been fortunate enough to help. And I’m so grateful to the foster parents of each of my girls for the love and care they provided before me.

What are the benefits of fostering a dog?

If a picture is worth a thousand words, my dog Olive’s pictures above are the epitome of how fostering makes a difference in saving a dog’s life. At the shelter, she was shutting down emotionally. Physically, she was in terrible shape, and no one wanted to adopt her. A code red alert was issued from the shelter in a last ditch effort to save her before euthanization. Libby & Mace’s Place Rescue stepped in to rescue her, and that “after” photo is merely hours later at her new foster home! She looks like a completely different dog!

Many dogs don’t do well in the shelter, and therefore present themselves as less adoptable. Having the time in a foster family setting allows a dog’s anxiety level to lessen. Their true personality begins to emerge, and they learn valuable lessons in being part of a household. Foster families are able to provide real life intel about their foster pup, which allows for making a better match with potential adopters.

Many rescues are able to do what they do because of foster volunteers. Shelters are well aware of the benefits of fostering, and many have incorporated fostering as part of their adoption programs. And whether you are fostering through a rescue or directly for a shelter, when you open your heart and home to a foster dog, you’re helping create more space and resources within the shelters to help yet another dog.

Is fostering a dog expensive?

Medical treatments and routine veterinary expenses for a foster dog are generally provided by the rescue or shelter. Many even offer food, if you will just open your home, and shower these pups with love like they are one of your own. When I have fostered in the past, I chose to cover the cost of food myself, as a way of giving a little extra within my means.

How long do you typically foster a dog?

There is no singular answer to this question. Personally, I have fostered anywhere from a couple weeks, to over six months. If you’re interested in fostering, but you have limitations on the timing, your best bet is to be honest about what you can offer. Don’t get me wrong – there is definitely a need for long term fosters willing to share their home for however long it takes. But there are always short term opportunities too, like covering for another foster family when they go out of town.

What are the benefits of fostering for me?

Fostering is an excellent way to dip your toes into dog ownership if you’re otherwise not ready for a dog of your own long term. (Because we all know, adopting a dog is not temporary, but forever!) It’s also an excellent way to test the waters, and find yourself a perfect match for foster failure. For me, fostering was also a way to heal. After losing Cedric to complications with NSAID use, fostering provided companionship for my other dog, and allowed me time to mend a broken heart.

I’ll say it again, fostering saves lives. But best of all, it’s you who are saving a life, and it feels damn good!

You have helped your foster dog to shine, putting their best paw forward for a new leash on life. Sure, you will cry. Maybe even A LOT. But I promise, they are happy tears. Because of you, your foster dog is getting a forever family of their very own. That’s certainly something to feel good about!