I asked past foster parents about their experiences. See their responses below!
"For me it was wonderful to get the opportunity to help out an animal that needed a home, without having to make the long term (10+ year) commitment of dog ownership, which would have been difficult at the time with my work and travel schedule." - Dave
"My family wanted to do something good for the community while also not wanting to commit to having a dog for a very long time because we had never had one before." - Kaitlyn
"To see a dog come into your home and blossom (personality shows up!) within a few days is so rewarding. Regardless of their prior life -- good or bad -- they are always just so grateful." - Brenda
"Getting to know a new dog. Gaining their trust, treating them nicely and seeing them open up and respond with an excited and happy wagging tail." - Dave
"I loved having someone to go on walks with. It gave me a reason to get some fresh air and have some alone time just with me and my pup." - Kaitlyn
"Definitely when the adoptive parents come along, and you have to give the foster dog up to their "forever" home. You're happy when they have found a good adoptive home, but sad to say goodbye." - Dave
"Saying goodbye when they go off to their forever home. It's bittersweet because you can't help but already feel bonded to them, but knowing this new family will get to experience how much love this pup will bring to them makes it all worth it." - Brenda
"Anyone who enjoys dogs and has the time to spend with them during fostering." - Dave
"Any and all kinds of dog lovers make for the best foster parents. Rescue groups are always in need of foster parents and so many of us end up adopting our fosters and therefore don't have the room to take on more." - Brenda
"Patience. The first few days (sometimes a week or more depending upon the circumstances) can be confusing for the dog and for you too! It takes a while for the dog to come to terms with what's just happened to them -- as if they have now landed on a different planet! With patience, care, and understanding, they will begin to trust and know that they have landed on a planet with an awesome pack." - Brenda
"Every dog is different in personality, circumstance, and needs. Taking the time to observe your foster dog and find the right forever home is crucial for success." - Hillary
"If possible, make sure you get as much information about the dog from anyone who has been around him or her, so you know about any likes or dislikes, or if the dog has something like a favorite chew toy that could make the transition easier. Also, having the same food the dog is used to can minimize potential problems with a diet change."
- Dave
"My favorite memory with my foster dog was when Gumball jumped into the car all by himself. He was an amputee after a car ran over his back leg, and I speculated that his previous owner must have traumatized him because he was deathly afraid of cars, leashes, and men. The first week, he would freeze if he saw a car 20 yards away. We worked on desensitization, and we finally got him to approach a car about a month later. Then it was getting used to car rides; then it was learning to enjoy car rides. And then, one day, Gumball saw our car, ran right to it, and hopped in before I could even get the treats out." - Hillary
"Absolutely. It is so rewarding. We have fostered 14 dogs and I remember each and every one of them with a smile. They were all different with their likes and antics. But every one of them was an absolute joy." - Brenda
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