All About Fostering Rescue Dogs.
Before Darcy I fostered dogs for a rescue, giving them a home and a full assessment. I was then able to make sure that the perfect home could be found.
Many dogs passed through, one stayed for nine months but some just three weeks. The cute ones were snapped up, the ones with health issues, oldies and bull breeds not so much.
I tried to imagine what their life was like before they came to me. Of course, I never got any answers and I don’t know if I would really want to know anyway.
Some were strays and some ex-breeding dogs. However, there was also a few whose owners circumstances had changed. They had no choice but to give up much-loved family pets.
How Do Dogs Find Themselves in Rescue?
The strays that came to me, or ‘poundies’ as they were known, all had impeccable manners and were completely house trained. I wondered if they had been loved as a puppy then discarded and replaced when they got older.
At the time I was fostering, chihuahuas were really popular with young girls as ‘handbag’ dogs. Anyone who has ever owned a Chihuahua will know that they are actually fiercely independent, strong-minded and extremely lively. They are not suited to be carried around as a fashion accessory. Consequently, another influx of a particular breed in rescue.
Dachshunds have also become extremely popular. They have featured in many television adverts
Everyone wanted one because they appeared so cute, however they are difficult dogs to train and need loads of patience.
All the photos show just a few of the dogs that stayed with me.
For anyone considering becoming a foster parent, here is a selection of books available from Amazon which may help.
You can find more personal fostering stories in these blog posts.
Foster Dogs, How Do You Let Them Go?
Always A Next One byJohn L Leonard
Have you ever tried to housebreak more than one puppy at a time, or a dog that lived his whole life outdoors? Have you ever had to convince yourself there is room for just one more?
I have, and experienced great joys and the occasional sorrow as a result. This expanded edition of Always a Next One is a true account of how we went from caring bystanders to front-line animal rescue volunteers. Follow our journey of rescuing misfit dogs and unwanted cats, fostering them, nurturing them, and rehabilitating them until their perfect “forever” homes come along.
How to Foster Dogs by Pat Miller
You Can Build a Bridge to a Better Life for Dogs
Pat Miller’s How to Foster Dogs is the first book on the market to deal specifically with the care and training needs of foster dogs and how the fostering process works when done through a formal arrangement with an organization like a shelter or breed rescue group.
I Love My Rescue Dog by Terry Washington
An Amazon.com Bestseller!
This e-book is a compilation of heart-touching stories of courage, friendship, love, loyalty, and bravery of man’s best friend. Dogs are more than just pets, they are companions that will comfort you during heartbreak and at the same time will protect you if need be. They will love you fiercely as their own family.
These stories talk about that bond and respect that we as humans share with them.
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So much sadness in the world of dogs. Thank God for people like you. Bless you 🙂
Thank you, it means a lot.
🙂
It’s such a nice thing to do. Thanks for your kindness. I’d love to try fostering one day. <3
It changed my life, it’s so rewarding but hard to let them go x
I can only imagine… 💜