Have you ever considered fostering a shelter or rescue pet? Fostering is a significant part of the animal rescue movement. Knowing that you’ve helped an animal get off to a strong, healthy start in life is one of the best feelings in the world.
Fostering most often entails caring for dogs and cats, but all animals can benefit from fostering. Homeless pigs, birds, etc., all have nurturing needs that must be resolved before they can be placed with forever families.
Additionally, fostering can be an incredibly life-affirming experience for you as well. Here are just a few of the amazing things that take place when you decide to foster an animal.
Animals are fostered because something has gone wrong in their lives: they’ve been abused, abandoned at a shelter, or hurt. When a pet comes home with you, he instinctively knows that he is a better place. Although this is not his final home, an animal senses that he will be cared for, and not be harmed in any way.
Each fostered animal is one less life that will be euthanized. According to Zenit Chughtai, spokesperson for the Washington Humane Society, “Not only are they helping us get animals adopted, but they are freeing up space at our adoption centers for other animals in need.”
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Washington Humane Society’s foster coordinator Jennah Billeter says that, “Fosters are the light and joy of my day. They swoop in and help all the animals that need their care the most.”
Indeed, it’s hard to make animals feel better about themselves without also feeling better about ourselves. Watching a scared dog come out of its shell with your dedicated efforts and love is a win-win situation!
Kelly Duer is a foster pet parent who loves witnessing the changes that take place as animals learn to trust, and says that the transformation process is significant for her own kids as well.
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“Interacting and gaining the trust of these abandoned dogs, many of whom have also been mistreated, has been incredible for their self-esteem,” says Duer. “It’s been a wonderful experience for all of us.”
So, are you ready to foster now? Most rescues and shelters have guidelines online, or you can visit in person.
And, as Lucy Rockdale, founder of My Buddy Dog Rescue acknowledges, “It’s never easy to say goodbye … but seeing their happy ending makes it all worthwhile.”
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As much as I would love to foster a pet, I would get way to attached so I just can't. I am so amazed by people who do- they are amazing people.
Fostering a pet could be fun, but it would be hard to get attached to an animal and have to let him go. This is a great idea though
My kids would love to foster an animal. I have a friend who does this for dogs.
I agree with Robin - Those who help foster pets are wonderful to do so.
I have been thinking of fostering for the local animal shelter. It is a great way to do something good for an animal in need.
This sounds like a great idea if you love animals but can't make a long-term commitment to them. We had to give up our dog because we travel about half the year, so not sure we're in a position to do this now ... but maybe in the future.
Just like what they always say, "Fostering saves lives". It's a cool setup if you want to pet but don't always have time to commit to having a full one at home. It's also very awesome, you get as much love and cuddles as having a pet!
This is a great idea! I would love to adopt a dog one day but I don't see myself fostering since I tend to get too attached quite easily.
I do have 2 dogs and I surely would foster a pet.. My older dog I don't think would be to good. I would wind up keeping the dog :)
I have a friend who fosters and she wouldn't give it up for the world. The only thing she hates is having to give them up because she gets attached to them lol