Fostering Dogs - Offering a Safe Refuge

Not long ago I befriended Dan and Lynda, a retired couple who had recently lost their beloved rat terrier, Eddie. Eddie was with his people since puppyhood. At each stage of potty and obedience training, to tagging along for errands and vacations, Eddie was their world. As empty nesters, Eddie filled a void. When he passed, Dan and Lynda were crushed and vowed never again to have another dog. The loss was too painful.?

We shared recollections. Eddie was one of a kind and would be missed terribly. For any of us who have loved and lost a dog, we can relate. In honoring their grief, I sought to be an emotional ally. Tears were shed.?

Components of grief are layered. As time clicked by, Dan and Lynda began to live a new normal without Eddie. Swaying between almost-peace and sadness, the realization eventually became easier to accept. It was during this time I offered a suggestion: How about fostering in honor of Eddie??

Why foster?

Countless dogs await their homes in over-crowded shelters and rescues. These may be considered the lucky ones as they then have access to lodging, food and medical care. As well intended as these organizations are, they simply can not give the individualized attention to each occupant that a one-on-one, lived-in situation can. In repressive environments dogs tend to develop behaviors (nervous chewing, food guarding, lack of house training, barking) that make them feel safer. They run on survival mode: rarely do they show their authentic selves. Fostering allows the metamorphosis of a once scared, guarded dog into a trusted companion.?

You may be ready to foster if…

• You feel the need to help an animal.
• A temporary, rather than a longterm timeframe, fits your lifestyle.
• Your family is on board, willing to help with daily chores and understands the time commitment.
• Your environment has ample room and is (or can be) set up for success.
• You are willing to meet potential adopters to communicate your observations and share what you’ve learned of the dog’s temperament and behaviors.
• You’re willing to attend trainings and transport to veterinarian appointments, if needed.
• You and the shelter team have a plan in place if expectations aren’t met or when challenges arise.?

Dogs find themselves in the care of shelters due to numerous circumstances. Some have never lived in a home and know only life on the street. Others were a part of the family having to be re-homed due to unforeseen circumstances. Living with supportive people in a calm, loving space gives them a chance to decompress and learn to trust, not fear. Dogs in a structured, hopeful setting allow fosters to gain appreciation on what makes each dog unique.?

Getting started

After much consideration and conversation, Dan and Lynda agreed to foster. Friends recommended a close-by shelter with an excellent reputation. The process began with the following inquires:?

• Big or small? Puppy, adult or senior? Each age has different requirements.?
• How much effort are you willing to invest? Is the dog well mannered or a counter surfer and jumper-upper? Are you willing to train or attend training sessions?
• Will you dog proof the home? Establish a quiet place the dog can retreat to for sleepy time. Invest in baby gates. Tuck tempting items up out of reach.
• Does the shelter provide food, medications, supplies, leashes, collars/harnesses, bed, toys?
• What’s expected of the foster??
• How are behavioral or emotional issues to be dealt with??

Tried and true advice

Haley T. is well versed in the world of canine. She’s been actively working with dogs in daycare, boarding and training. A doggie foster mom since 2016, her first, and favorite, was Betsy, a pit bull mix. For five months, Betsy captured Haley’s heart. Although the bond was strong and Haley seriously considered adoption, life circumstances were not optimal at the time to make it happen. Other than being a master in the art of escaping the confines of her crate, Betsy had minimal behavioral issues. An ideal first foster, Betsy made a big impact. After heart-worm treatment, Betsy found her home and is now living her best life. A success to be celebrated.

Haley fosters for Long Trail Canine Rescue (LTCR) currently waiting to welcome her next guest.?Reaching into her storage of knowledge, she prepares the environment by removing anything that may cause confrontational or harmful situations. To decrease the incident of resource guarding, toys are put away to be introduced later;?feeding is done separately from her dogs Phoebe, Chester and Maple. First meetings typically include an outdoor introduction and walk together. Inside she separates her dogs from the new arrival with baby gates, when needed. Gates are essential tools. At times, giving the foster pup her own space, with use of a gate, can help aid in the acclimation period.

She’s had excellent experiences in fostering. “It’s really important to find a rescue that you will work well with and one you’re able to be a big part of the process when the time comes for adoption.” Each rescue is different in what they supply and how their adoption procedure works.

Fosters have awareness as to what makes a compatible human/dog match. Shelters typically rely on fosters to speak and meet with potential adopters to share their insights. Who better knows the dog’s behaviors, quirks, difficulties and preferences than her foster family? Fosters are vital for securing successful permanent placement.?

“It is so rewarding. Yes, it can be hard to say goodbye, but you’ve also saved a life. Fostering opens up a shelter space for another dog,” comments Haley. When one fosters, two lives are saved.?

When Harry met Jenny?

Jenny R. also fosters for LTCR. Her current charge is a Harry, a handsome fox hound. Along with her three personal dogs, Prunella, Tucker and Emma, this foursome is beyond adorable. Harry is described as, “Jimmy Stuart in a dog body. He’s really good natured, doesn’t know an enemy, doesn’t think enemies exist. He thinks everybody is a potential friend waiting to happen.” ?

Harry wasn’t always so well-adjusted. “He came from a kill shelter, tested positive for hook and heart-worms. He was so starved he had muscle atrophy—you could see every bone. One tooth was barely hanging in, three needed to be removed. He was a mess.” Having never lived in a house, he was terrified of ordinarily, everyday items. “There was an adjustment period for him,” said Jenny. “I have seen him go into catatonic shaking in front of a broom and branches, which is not normal behavior, that’s associative behavior, a learned response.”?

Deciding to foster Harry, Jenny was drawn to his challenges: he was a senior, ill in heath, riddled with parasites and exhibited fearful tendencies.“I love projects and I love project dogs.”?

Being as inherently sweet and friendly as he was, Harry was the perfect undertaking.

Jenny’s experience in informal fostering began when she was a child. She recalls people dropping off dogs on their road, which she cared for and coaxing feral cats out from hiding. “I do love fostering and having a multi-dog household. I like the personalities and learning about different breeds. It’s amazing to immerse in research.”

Introducing a new dog into an already-established pack can be tricky. Jenny: “My expectations when I have a new foster hits about zero, just because you don’t know what they’ve experienced. With Harry, I’m getting an entire dog life up to senior hood. I’ve got to honor that as he’s had a lot of lived experience before even seeing me. You have to respect that.”?

Realizing a hound’s proclivity to live by his nose, Jenny is mindful. “He does have his genetics that come into play. That nose will lead him to trouble. He will smell all the livelong day.”

“We had to do a lot of work having to adjust to a lot of things. When you get a foster dog, you know you’re friendly, they don’t know you’re friendly. Keep that top of mind. You are a stranger to them. They have no idea of your intentions.”?

When I visited this most enthusiastic pack, I was met with serious waggie tails and curious sniffs. Even Harry joined in. After a few minutes on the floor meshing myself within this doggie crew, Jenny’s diligent commitment in Harry’s welfare was obvious. His physical presence is now pristine: healthy, shining and strong. A far cry from day one. He was engaging, had a lot to say with his silly grumbles, and asked for pats and attention. He then wandered into the dining room for a snooze. I was looking at a rehabilitation, albeit still in process, success. Harry’s current address has no expiration date. He’ll stay put until a proper home is found.

Setting up for success

Haley and Jenny not only adore dogs, they know dogs and rely on others in the know for problem-solving challenges, if a new situation is encountered. Fostering is a team sport. ?

• Take notes when you see interesting behavior. What was going on? Time of day? Date? What happened prior to the incident? Keeping documentation of behaviors shows patterns, which will yield solutions.
• Document the things you notice and be transparent to his potential adopters. Jenny: “If you’re not transparent, you’re setting everyone up for failure.”
• Baby gates and exercise pens are must-haves.
• Fostering is not a race. Don’t feel guilty if you’ve had one dog for a number of months while another foster has been through eight.?
• Jenny: “Be a good manager, not a bad boss.”
• Timing is important. Plan your availability dates for when your home will be free of excess gatherings of people and when you’ll be able to honor a daily routine.?
• Be aware of Compassion Fatigue. Give yourself permission to take breaks to refresh.?
• Haley: “If you can’t foster, you can still help by sharing, sponsoring, or donating. Being involved in any other way helps.” ?

“Fostering will always be a part of my life forever,” comments Jenny. Dan and Lynda mirror her sentiment. They are currently on foster dog number three and couldn’t be happier. In respecting Eddie’s silly nature and memory, they are giving other dogs a safe, new beginning. I think Eddie would approve.?

If you’re interested in fostering, contact local shelters, rescues and humane societies to learn of their process. Fostering is gratifying for both human and canine. If you’re a hound lover, aware of their special requirements, and interested in more information about Harry, please contact Long Trail Canine Rescue at www.longtraildogs.org.?

To foster families: on behalf of all foster dogs everywhere, thank you for being a positive steward and advocate in their journey to wellness and a hope-filled future.?

Further learning

For free resources on dog aggression/resource guarding, Mike Shikashio is globally renowned and an all-around solid professional. He runs master classes on dog aggression, his speciality.?

https://aggressivedog.com/webinars/

Free webinars from MDs who specialize in doggie science/canine learning:

https://behaviorvets.mylearnworlds.com/free-presentations