Hi folks, Gomez here.

Yesterday, I was at the park with mum, when I saw a dog I hadn’t seen before. So, being an affable pawsonality, I went up and introduced myself. We did the butt sniffing thingie and he told me his name was Chuck.

Well, turns out he has been living in a rescue for the last 3 months and just got fostered by a couple of nice hoomans. It’s only been a couple of weeks, but he said he’s already feeling more relaxed and secure. He’s got his own bed, new toys, regular food and a great new furmily. And he’s keeping his paws crossed that this could be his furever home.

I was curious about the rescue centre and asked him to tell me about it. And then I wish I hadn’t.  

Turns out the rescues are absolutely drowning in dogs. Surrender dogs, abandoned dogs, ones that are sick or have behavioural issues or have been given up because their pawrents can’t afford them... there's a whole host of reasons why dogs end up back in shelters.

In fact, the rescues are so busy that there is often no room for new animals and some 264 dogs and cats end up being euthanised.

As Chuck told me this, a little shiver went down my spine and I thanked Dog for my loving pawrents.

When I got home, I couldn’t stop thinking about Chuck’s story. So next day, when mum was out, I jumped on her computer and did a little digging into fostering.

Keep reading to discover what I learned...

1. MOST RESCUES TAKE CARE OF ALL THE COSTS

I know, pawsome, right? We’re talking absolutely everything, including:

• Medication and vet costs
• Food
• Enrichment toys
• Bedding
• Leads and harnesses

In fact, the only thing you have to provide is love. So, if you were thinking you couldn’t afford to foster a dog, think again. Some of the smaller rescues aren't able to cover food and ask their foster carers to take care of this (but they'll give you donations they've received when they can!). So it's impawtent to take this into consideration when checking out potential rescues to foster with, to make sure it's a sustainable choice fur you. 

2. THE RESCUE WILL TRY TO FIND THE PAWFECT DOG FOR YOUR LIFESTYLE

Before setting you up with a doggo, the shelter will have an in-depth call to ensure conditions are ggrrreeatt both for the dog and for you.

This includes: 

• Whether your lease is dog friendly
• If your backyard is big enough and dog proofed
• If you have kids (in which case they'll find a dog that is family friendly)
• Your habits. If you are active, the shelter will match you with an athletic dog 
• If you are an office worker or WFH (for office workers, you'll be matched with dogs that can be left alone)
• If there are other pets to consider

 3. THE SHELTER WILL PROVIDE TRAINING

This is a hugely stressful event for your new pooch. He’s just come from being abandoned in a shelter and is now in a new home with new people and new rules.

And that’s why the shelter will provide you with tips and training on: 

• How to behave around your dog in those first few weeks
• Obedience courses (for the dog, not you!)
• How to watch for behaviour issues and how to deal with them
• How to socialise the dog around kids or pets
• How to make sure the dog gets adequate exercise
• How to dog-proof your yard

4. FOSTERING A DOG DOESN’T JUST SAVE ONE LIFE BUT TWO

When you foster a dog, you are likely saving its life. But that’s not all. You are also freeing up precious space in the shelter for another pooch. And this might just be the difference between it living and dying.

5. FOSTERING A DOG GIVES YOU A TASTE OF ADOPTION

Fostering is like watching a movie trailer. You get a good idea of what you are in for and, if you like it, you go see the movie.

By fostering a dog, you learn: 

• How much time and energy you need to put into being a pet owner
• Whether you find it rewarding
• How different breeds behave
• What sort of dog best fits your lifestyle
• Whether you are ready to have a furever friend

So, there you have it peeps. There’s a whole bunch of dogs out there who are doin’ it ruff. But you can help them, and possibly even save their lives by letting them into your home and into your hearts. Even if it’s only short term.

If you’d like to find out more about fostering, we recommend these pawsome companies:

• QSAR
• Lucky Paws Dog Rescue
• Animal Welfare League Queensland
• Animal Welfare League New South Wales
• Brave Companion Dog Rescue 
• Humane Animal Rescue 
• Pets of the Homeless
• Starting Over Dog Rescue 
• Hear No Evil 
• Tails of the Forgotten Paws
• Lost Dogs Home
• Strong Hearts Dog Rescue

FURTHER READING ON FOSTERING:

https://www.rspcansw.org.au/how-you-can-help/foster-care/#:~:text=RSPCA%20NSW's%20Foster%20Care%20program,the%20shelter%20environment%20too%20stressful.

https://www.rescuedogs101.com/benefits-of-fostering-a-dog/

https://www.hunteranimalrescue.com.au/foster/

https://www.petfinder.com/adopt-or-get-involved/animal-shelters-rescues/fostering/20-questions-before-you-foster-dogs/

Have you ever fostered or thought about fostering a dog?
Let us know in the comment section!