As many of you might know, Bryan and I took an active interest in fostering when we were still fresh into our relationship and essentially living together in Hoboken. At the time, I had met a few people who worked at Liberty Humane Society in Jersey City, a really wonderful shelter with little resources and volunteers with great big hearts. Over the years, B and I have fostered a total of 8 dogs, some small, mostly pit bulls, a few breeds neither of us had any familiarity with, one pup with separation anxiety, all wonderful animals.
Yesterday, we went to an adoption event hosted by 11th Hour Rescue, a local rescue that a few of my friends had told me about. Since we are still relatively new to this area, we thought it could be a great way to meet some people and get back to fostering, something we have really missed.
Side note: the pain of losing Buster is still incredibly fresh and there can never be a replacement for him (he’s in my photo above). It’s been almost a month and we miss and talk about him always. We are both still processing his loss in our own ways, but I think we are at a point where we feel ready—not for a dog of our own, but to welcome another pup into our lives and prepare him (or her) for a forever home.
After we returned home last night I started to think about some of the things we have learned over the years that I wish I knew when we started. If you have ever considered fostering and have ANY questions whatsoever, please don’t hesitate to reach out (charlotte@mypixieblog.com)–I’m always happy to help!
If you already have a pet at home, make sure to do an introduction. This one is super important, because some pets (like humans!) are set in their ways and prefer to be the only one vying for your attention. ALWAYS do an introduction and listen to your pet’s needs—you don’t want this to be a stressful situation for anyone.
Know your lifestyle and choose a dog accordingly. Are you active and looking for a dog who can go on long hikes? Or do you prefer a couch potato to watch TV with at the end of a long day? Whatever your lifestyle, you’ll want to be sure you find a dog whose energy level matches yours.
Don’t overlook the seniors! I know I’m biased, because I have such a soft spot in my heart for them, but they need love, too (PLUS—as an added bonus, you probably won’t have to clean up after too many accidents and sometimes they are just super chill roommates!).
Approach the process differently than you would if you were adopting. When we left the shelter yesterday, Bryan said to me he didn’t feel a connection with Bruno, the main dog we had our sights set on, but that he likely would benefit from fostering the most. He is meeting a potential adopter this week (Bruno, not Bryan, LOL), so keep fingers crossed for him! PS: stop by my stories today to see Bruno in action 🙂
Be prepared! Here are just a few things you’ll need when bringing home your foster animal (also I’m not familiar with fostering cats, so many of these will be different if you decide to bring home a kitty, best to check with the rescue to see if they have any suggestions): blankets for the car and a car seat cover, food bowls, a leash, a harness (if the dog is prone to pulling on walks—this can make a huge difference!), a collar big enough to fit around your dog’s neck but not too big that he can escape, dog food (duh, right?), some toys, a dog bed so your pup feels as though they have their own safe space, poop bags (get in the habit of stuffing a few extras in all of your coat pockets!), and a crate for when you are away.
Give the animal time to adjust. This is the same for fostering/adopting, and it’ll always take a few days for your pet to settle in.
Have you ever fostered and what are some things you’ve learned? Let me know in the comments!
I have not fostered, but I love all of these tips. I think it’s amazing that you and Bryan DO foster, and I think it’s a great way to be around dogs again while still grieving the loss of Buster.
-Lauren
I’m glad you guys are talking about fostering again, I think that would a good way to have a dog in your life again, maybe even help you heal a bit more from losing Buster. I’m glad you shared all these tips and ideas because I would have no idea how to approach fostering an animal. I hope you guys are able to start soon and help some sweet pups find their forever homes! You have such a big heart, I love you for it!
I love this! I worked at my local SPCA and went through some of the adoption process and you are so right about making sure you are prepared for a new pet. I can remember so many people who had no idea what they needed and it stressed out the dog. Also love that you included not overlooking the senior pups. They need a nice retirement home too! I miss working with the pups and kitties everyday.
Totally understand – there will never be a replacement for Buster – he was one of a kind and will always be special to you and Bryan. When you are ready to foster again – you’ll both know.
I think it is great that you’ve fostered so many dogs over the years.
A friend of mine always had different dogs at her home because her Mom fostered quite a few. Some stayed for ages and were a big part of the family.
Thank you for sharing this and I love how you say not to overlook the senior pups!
Such great advice! When the boys are a little older, we might consider a dog, and I think fostering would be a great option. It would really help them learn responsibility, and we could see how a dog would fit into our life.
I’m still sending you lots of hugs and love for sweet Buster.
It’s such a special special thing to do. I’ve thought about it! For humans and animals. I don’t think we’ll be keeping any pets anytime soon – with the three of our clowns – but that’s why I think fostering would be such a gift.
Yes yes and yes! We have taken a little break from fostering because my boys (dogs) are up there in age and they are kinda over having foster siblings running all over the place. Unless it is urgent, and the rescue really needs a placement, we have decided to wait and just love on these two until their time comes. I hurts to even think about that but I tend to overthink things. Anywho, fostering is the most rewarding thing I have ever done. To be able to love on them until they find their forever homes and staying in touch with most of them has been such a light in my life!
Sounds like the adoption event was a really good, positive experience for you both and that warms my heart so. <3
I really wanted t to foster down the road for senior and/or special needs dogs.
Great tips! We used to foster dogs before the kids came along. One of our dogs came to us very sick. They weren’t sure what was wrong initially, but it was much more severe than they thought. He ended up passing away and it devastated me, so we haven’t fostered since. 🙁 Here’s his story, but it’s VERY sad, so only read it if you don’t mind sadness.
http://www.stephthebookworm.com/2014/02/13/loving-and-losing-oliver/