Why Foster a dog in need of a temporary home?

Hello,

My name is Brenda and I’m one of the dedicated volunteers for New England All Breed Rescue. I work a full time job, have a family (kids & fur kids), and dedicate a lot of my time to help out the rescue. My life has become very hectic since I’ve been involved, but honestly I wouldn’t prefer things any other way. I enjoy making a difference and saving lives!  I have fostered, but my general purpose is working with our approved adopters to find the right WONDERFUL home for our rescued fur kids.

I hope this information will help you understand why you should consider becoming a foster parent. We and our foster parents choose to help the homeless animals sitting on death row, in high kill shelters through no fault of their own.

I have taken actual testimonies from our fosters or rescue partners, who also foster their rescued fur kids, as I start the introduction to “Why Foster”.

Foster moms and dads are a wonderful tool in helping to find the perfect home for a pet! Fosters help a homeless dog adjust to family life, other pets learn how to share food, drink and the rules of a household. Fosters see first-hand if an abused pet needs patience and a loving hand or if an unsocialized pet needs structure and a firm but loving hand. Fosters observe the pet's interaction with children, visitors, and visiting pets and truly learn what that particular adoptable dog needs in a future environment to make the adoption a successful union. Fosters are the stepping stone to a loving home for homeless dogs and cats!

The spirit of these animals and the unconditional love they give back after what they have been through is truly amazing.  
To know you are saving a life is a feeling that must be experienced, because it is too powerful to ever be captured in words.  
It seems to be a feeling that only the heart can understand.  It hurts to give one up, but with tears in your eyes, you’ll know 
it has to be done in order to save one more life.  Our only hope is to join together, where one has weakness, the other has strength. 
 Saving the life of one dog will not change the world, but surely the world will change for that one dog.

In the battle to save animals, if the Rescue is in the "Trenches", Fosters are the foot soldiers and an army cannot function without its soldiers. Dedicated, committed Fosters are the backbone of any rescue operation.

What qualifies you as an approved foster home?

Are you willing to provide a kind, caring, loving & patient home?

Are you willing to be dedicated to your foster and help teach him/ her basic commands, potty training, crate training, what’s acceptable  behavior and what’s not, but in a positive manner if need be?

Do you have experience with dogs, perhaps have or have had one in the past?

If so then your chances are pretty good at becoming a foster parent for NEABR.  You would submit your FOSTER  application to application@newenglandallbreedrescue.org  we would process, and check your reference. We would then contact you and at that time would hopefully be welcoming you aboard.

Foster Testimonials

I foster because I have always loved animals.  All my animals have been rescues, including my mare.  After being in an accident and becoming confined to my home most of the time, I was looking at my dog (rescued 4 years prior) with her head in my lap and was thinking about all she has done for me by just "being there" through-out the years.  I decided then and there that I wanted become a foster.  If it wasn't for the woman who fostered my dog, she wouldn't be here with us today..... I wanted to make a difference in the lives of those who have no voices and are merely a victim of our society and can not save themselves. Even though I have only been fostering for a few months now, I have found it to be one of the most rewarding and selfless experiences I have EVER had.  I’m helping the dogs, the dogs are helping me as well as I continue to recover from my accident.  It always ends the same... Bitter Sweet, but there is nothing like seeing the expressions on the faces of a family when they come pick up their newest member and take them home  :)

Kelly – Foster parent,  NH

I just started fostering for NEABR but it is something I have wanted to become involved in for years. I have always had rescue/shelter dogs but never felt like I was doing enough, there were always so many more that needed to know what love and kindness was. By fostering I can help on such a larger scale. To see the changes in just 10 days in the 2 dogs I took in , that previously didn’t know what a home or kindness was- is amazing and makes me really, really happy. It is also a lot of fun- yes at times it is a bit chaotic and almost overwhelming but in the broader sense the dogs are so happy/funny/ and obviously appreciative of their 2nd chance, it is completely worth it.

MJ – Foster parent,  CT

Here is why I tell people to foster and why I foster -

If you want to make a difference in MANY animals' lives, then offering a safe haven as a Foster Home is the best thing anyone 
can offer.  There is a limit to how many you can adopt, but as a Foster you can have them come and stay, get love, learn to
 socialize, and be adopted to a good home.  That means MANY animals can go through your home and onto permanent homes.

Nancy- Rescuer / foster parent, MO

Homeless Pets Lifeline is a small group of volunteers that  are part of the New England All Breed rescue volunteer network 
who rescues and  foster shelter animals that is slated for  euthanization and  abandoned animals  that have been abused and 
starved.  Our common bond being a genuine concern for animal welfare.  Our purpose is to oppose cruelty in all forms and
 encourage humane handling and care of animals, advance  spay/neuter programs and strive for responsible adoptions and
 ownership.   The spirit of these animals and the unconditional love they give back after what they have been through is truly
 amazing.    To know you are saving a life is a feeling that must be experienced because it is too powerful to ever be captured in 
words.

It seems to be a feeling that only the heart can understand.  It hurts to give one up, but with tears in  my eyes I know it has
 to be done in order to save one more life.  Our only hope is to join together, where one has weakness, the other has strength.   
Saving the life of one dog will not change the world, but surely the world will change for that one dog.

Sharron – rescuer / foster parent, AR

I rescue and foster because I love animals and can't stand to see them suffer.

I rescue and foster because my conscience won't let me walk away

I rescue and foster because the rewards and satisfaction are overwhelming.

In the battle to save animals, if the Rescue is in the "Trenches", Fosters are the foot soldiers and an army cannot function.

without its soldiers. Dedicated, committed Fosters are the backbone of any rescue operation.

T. C., Rescuer / foster parent, Missouri

Foster moms and dads are a wonderful tool in helping to find the perfect home for a pet! Fosters help a homeless dog adjust to family life, other pets, learn how to share food and drink and the rules of a household. Fosters see first-hand if an abused pet needs patience and a loving hand or if an unsocialized pet needs structure and a firm but loving hand. Fosters observe the pet's interaction with children, visitors, and visiting pets and truly learn what that particular adoptable dog needs in a future environment to make the adoption a successful union. Fosters are the stepping stone to a loving home for homeless dogs and cats!

Helga Lange- Rescuer / foster parent

Cherokee Village, AR

I fostered because I love animals and wanted to try to make a difference.  I saw an article about the economy and how when people were foreclosed on, they dumped their dogs at the pound or left them on the side of the road to fend for themselves.  I believe these were good dogs, and just because their owner didn't take care of them, they should be put down? I don't think there are many bad dogs, just bad owners.   I have only fostered 3 so far, because life gets in the way.  I plan on fostering more when I get the time.  There really is not a lot involved.  Just feed them, play with them, love them, and train them to go outside.

-Christine – Foster parent, NH

Have you ever gotten a great big hug?

This summer my family fostered Misty, a 70 lb White German shepherd.  She lived in our home while undergoing treatment 
for heartworm.  After 4 weeks, she was adopted by a married couple from northern Vermont.  Unfortunately, one month later,
 the couple filed for divorce and we were called to take Misty back.  That night I drove 3 hours (one way) to meet the man in a 
parking lot along a highway in Vermont.  When Misty recognized me, she ran over, jumped up, and wrapped her big white 
paws around my body.  It was as if she had arms and used them to give me an amazing hug!  I've had dogs my entire life, and
 have never experienced anything remotely close to this.

When the man and I were about to part ways, he thanked me for driving half way to meet him.  I politely told him that he was 
welcome, but that I didn't drive one minute for him.  I did it for Misty.

Misty is now just one of over 60 dogs our family has fostered.  If her great big, human-like hug is any indication, the dogs truly
 appreciate what we do for them - even if they can't tell us.  I encourage you to foster.  The dogs will never forget that it was you 
who saved their life.  All it takes is a little time and a lot of love.

Ed Gouin  - Foster parent

Why do I foster? Why clean up poo and pee, add yet another dog to my ever growing pack, buy more food, treats, leashes, collars-conduct "housetraining 101" for the millionth time, give another bath, apply Frontline, drive to the vets...allow yet another dog to sleep on the bed?
Because that new addition knew nothing about those things...until I opened my heart and home.
These dogs have spent their short lives in crates, tied up in backyards, ignored, abused, allowed to become pregnant(or impregnate), suffer from heartworm disease, malnutrition, fleas, parasites, wounds-never chewed on a rawhide or played fetch...and all they ever wanted was someone...anyone to show some kindness, a loving home...a family that would not betray them. I try and show them that humans can be counted on and trusted. That they ARE a family member...not to be tossed out like garbage and suffer the unimaginable. I foster because if I didn't many dogs in loving homes right now would not be alive. To see them happy is a joy unlike any other. To see them transform before your eyes from scared, sad, lonely, starving beings into cherished family members is absolutely priceless...this is why I foster.

Christina – Foster parent, MA

Just once I would like to wake up to a nice quiet morning where I don’t have to take 10 dogs out to go to the bathroom.

Just once I would love to go to the bathroom by myself.

Just once I would like to not have to run to the vets with an emergency. Just once I would like to have time to myself and not have to worry about a dog.

Just once I would like to have a full night sleep and not have to take care of a sick puppy.

Just once I would like to have a meal to myself and not have 10 or so pairs of eyes looking at me.

Just once would I like to have some extra money not having to scrape around for an extra penny.

 Just once I would love to walk barefoot in my kitchen and not worry about having to step into / onto something.

Just once I would like to sleep alone.

Just once I would like to not panic when one of the pups cries.

Just once I would like to go grocery shopping for myself and not the dogs.

Just once I would like to not cry when one doesn’t make it.

 Just once I would not have to look into those eyes of pictures on the euthanasia lists and NOT CRY because I have no room.

Then,

I would miss stepping over a sleeping dog

I would miss the hugs of a dog that I have saved

I would miss the wet kisses of a pup getting better after being sick

I would miss the smell of puppy breath

I would miss the unconditional love from animals

I would miss the smiles from the new adopter as they take their new dog home

I would miss the satisfaction of knowing that I saved a life

These,

Are my reasons I do rescue and foster and although I complain, I wouldn’t change any thing.

Heather – Rescuer / foster parent, NH

I decided to foster because last year, while I was searching the pets on  Craigs List I decided to go out of state just to take a look around, and was horrified with what I encountered.  I came across an URGENT POSTING for dogs that will be euthanized by gassing if not rescued by Friday at 5:00 p.m.  I couldn’t turn away, I felt compelled to click on the posting. There were SO MANY BEAUTIFUL pups/ dogs all in need of loving homes. Some were owner surrenders, others were strays, but what I realized was only the shelter volunteer who had a full time job, would go to the shelter daily to take pictures and post them.  She was the only one who cared about their well being and if they made it out alive from this particular high kill gassing shelter in North Carolina. I knew I couldn’t adopt another because I had 2 fur kids of my own, but thought about fostering as a way of helping them get out of the high kill shelters, and into a  loving home until a forever home could be found for them.  I started to foster for an organization who only rescues dogs/ pups from Gassing Shelters down south. My first foster was such a sad case, but yet a very sweet dog for all he had been through.  I couldn’t comprehend why or how his owner could just turn him over to a high kill gassing shelter with out any regrets, and walk out with his head held high.  My foster was 5 when I started fostering him, he knew nothing about living in a home, didn’t know what a toy was, or how to play with it, he was emaciated, had heart worms, was used as a bait dog, his teeth were filed down and he was infested with every intestinal parasite imaginable. Had been abused & neglected his whole life, but after a month or so that scared dog who would only sit in the corner of any room came over to me and gave me a kiss on my cheek.  My heart melted because I knew he was beginning to trust humans once again.  To see him grow into the dog he is today is and was very rewarding for me, because I know without me, or people like me, these sweet voiceless souls will never get a second chance at a real home, or to know what being loved is like.  I have since adopted my foster because he is a special boy to me as are my other fur kids.  There really is no way to describe the amazing feeling you get when you work with that dog, and each day you see an improvement. He did require a lot of patience in the beginning, but that’s because he had no idea what it was like to be a dog, never mind part of a family. He enjoys his life very much now, he is now happy, healthy & LOVES to give kisses & hugs.

Since then I have joined with NEABR as a volunteer.  It was one of the other volunteers in this rescue who opened up my eyes to the huge problem that exists throughout down south, not just North Carolina.  Now together NEABR volunteers and our foster parents are dedicated to making as many changes in these dogs lives as we possibly can!  By fostering you truly are saving a life, and there is no better reward then the unconditional love,  hugs, and sweet kisses your fosters will repay you with for saving them. They will never forget what you did for them.

Brenda – Rescue Volunteer

Why do I foster? Sometimes I ask myself the same thing! LOL  Here are the BEST reasons:

1.      Because if I didn’t the wonderful fosters that I’ve taken would have died, and that would have been a sad waste of a wonderful dog.

2.    Because my children will grow up understanding what it means to love and be unconditionally loved more than if we didn’t foster.

3.    Because Dogs bring so much joy into our lives every day.

4.    Because it is a wonderful feeling when you receive a VERY scared shaking little creature in your arms, and then get to feel (after holding them for the right amount of time ) the deep sigh of relief from the dog in your arms when they realize they are finally SAFE!

5.     Because of walking into a room to find your 9 year old daughter stuffed in a crate the size of a poodle, because she thought the dog needed some company!

6.    Because My children will grow up caring and hopefully helping others in need.

7.    BECAUSE THEY WOULD DIE OTHERWISE!!!

Kelly, Foster parent