Friday Facts: Why I Love Fostering!

Happy Fridayyyyyy!!!!! 🙂 I got to have a quick visit with Lola last night, and it got me thinking about why I love fostering so much. So, that is what today’s facts will be about. I know I previously talked about fostering here, but it is an important topic…so I’m talking about it again! Also, if you’re interested about fostering, check out my fellow blogger, & friend’s post, “Everything You Need to Know About Fostering.” 

Ok, here are my top 10 reasons that I love fostering dogs!

#1-You get to cuddle and love on a dog for free!

Sassy climbed up on my back, and fell asleep like this!

Oscar loves to cuddle on the couch!

 

 

 

#2-You are actively helping save a dog’s life. Whether it is an owner surrender, or a shelter that is too full, you are opening your home to a dog that is in desperate need of rescuing.

This is Charles Barkley. He is an urgent, adoptable dog at Wakulla Animal Shelter.

 

#3-You get to help a dog! Maybe the dog is sick & needs a place to get well. Or maybe the dog has been abused, abandoned, or mistreated, and just needs a stable loving place to learn about the world. Whatever their issue(s) is, you are responsible for their growth & improvement!

Sassy was a very sick parvo puppy, and literally was close to death. I got to be part of nursing her back to health. She is now in a great forever home, happy & healthy!

This picture shows the very first time Lola ever relaxed in my car! She was always anxious & scared, slobbering and shaking. With the help of Lucy, and lots of practice, she finally relaxed & enjoyed the ride!

 

#4- Fostering a dog helps you exercise! Especially if you have more than one dog! Dogs need exercise, that is a given. And if you have more than one dog, you know how crazy things can get if they all have pent up energy. So, you get outside & walk them! Fresh air is always good for you! Plus, it’s a great way to find out how the foster pup is on a leash. People are always interested in this info!

Toby & Lucy taking a break after a long, hot walk over the summer!

Chelsea, my current foster, taking a walk in a nearby field!

 

 

#5-It is great socialization for your own dog, for the foster dog, and any humans in the house! Lucy is a shredder, and chews on her feet. However, ever since I have had fosters in the house, she has completely stopped. On the rare occasion that it is just her again, she goes right back to doing both. Having fosters around is also great for Oscar, because he gets to play and is still at home where he can take naps in between. And of course, fostering dogs helps teach my son many important life lessons!

 

Petey & Sassy hanging out together

 

Lola & Lucy=BFF’s!

 

Oscar chasing Chelsea, chasing Lucy!

 

#6-Anything you do for your foster…buy treats, gas for driving her to meet & greets, etc…is a tax deduction! Every little bit helps, right?!

This guy is Frankie. He is urgently in need of a home, because he has been at the shelter for too long. He is sweet, gets along with dogs, and even knows some commands. Interested? Let me know!

 

#7-The experience is educational & inspiring. I have learned so much about different types of breeds of dogs, and their behaviors. I’ve learned tips & tricks for helping them through issues, like seperation anxiety, fear of cars. I have also learned just how many dogs are out there that need our help. Some of the emails and posts are beyond heart breaking. I also have seen how hard the volunteers work to help these animals, and that is truly inspiring. Are you signed up yet?!?

 

#8-Fostering brings people together. You will meet the volunteers that help put on adoption events, the people that help spread the word for the dogs in need. I’ve met lots of people in the community, that offer their place of business for events, promote adoptable dogs, and those that help train them. Doggie Dayz, for example, is a local doggie daycare. I have brought 3 of my fosters there now, and I very much believe that the socialization they got was a very positive thing for them!

Here is Toby @ Doggie Dayz! He was a giant fella, and needed all the exercise possible. He has since been adopted to a wonderful couple!

 

#9, and maybe the best of all-You get to be part of the dog’s happy ending! You, as the foster parent, know the dog the best. You have helped train them, socialize them, and have loved them back to health (physically, mentally, or both!). So, you get to help in approving an adopter. Sometimes a dog will have many people interested in them. Like Sassy, for example, had a handful of people that were wanting to meet her. Knowing her background and personality, we had to choose the right home for her, and I truly feel that we did!

Sassy at her new home, loving life!

#10-Updates on your fosters, from the adopters, are the best! You hear how the dog is flourishing, and how much they are being loved. You can take satisifaction in knowing that you were the bridge for that dog. You provided a temporary home, while the forever family found their way to that pup. If you are lucky enough to have the dog stay locally, and the family is ok with it, you might even be able to keep in touch!

Petey & his new mama, Daphne (my brother’s girlfriend). Petey was my first foster, and is my son’s all time favorite. As you can see, he now has a great life, with lots of hugs & kisses!

 

Maybe one day, one of my posts will inspire someone to foster a dog in need. And if not, maybe this blog will at least enlighten people on where to look for a family pet (hint hint, local shelters & rescue groups!). Well, that’s all for now! Have a wonderful weekend, my friends!