I’ll never forget my first foster dog. She was a beautiful red heeler mix named Leia. She fit in very well with my four dogs at the time. The only thing I remember more vividly than that sweet girl was the reason WHY I decided to open my home to foster dogs. In 2011 when I began fostering, the ASPCA announced that more than 2.6 million healthy dogs and cats were euthanized each year in a shelter. As an animal lover, when I took off the blinders to the staggering problem of animal euthanasia, I knew that I could not sit around and do nothing. I was involved now, I was on a mission to make a difference.
Fast forward, 30 plus dogs saved and years later, these beloved furry friends need us now more than ever. As we all are still trying to understand what is going on in the world around us (schools closed, restaurants closed, travel restricted, social isolation), now is the time to step up and speak for those that don’t have a voice. The Shelter Animals. With people focused on their own families, it is easy to forget those that are desperate for us to save them. The great news is you don’t have to commit to permanently adding another pet to your house, instead you just open your home to a short term guest via fostering.
What I love most about the human race is our capacity to love and open our hearts to those in need in time of crisis. This is one of those times, there is a dog or cat sitting in the shelter right now on their last days waiting for help to come. Now is the time to step up and be that miracle! Fostering is rewarding and easier than you would think! Here are 10 reasons why you should foster an animal right now!
- Fostering can be FREE! That’s right. MANY groups provide you everything you need to foster with 0 cost to you. Food, Crate, Vet Care – All you need to do is provide love!
- It is a great way to give back. If you really feel a compassion toward helping out animals in need, this is THE BEST way to do it. Nothing else has a greater impact. In addition, it is very rewarding. I can’t tell you how many times I have cried seeing photos of a dog who is forever changed because I gave them a chance!
- It is a temporary commitment. Not everyone can make a permanent commitment to a new pet so this a a great way to make a difference with no long term commitment.
- For every animal in a home, that gives another animal in the shelter another day. Sadly, space is the greatest reason why healthy animals are euthanized in shelters. Having dogs in foster home saves the dog in the home and another at the shelter – It’s a 2 for 1 miracle!
- Socialization helps make all dogs more adoptable. Dogs that are placed in foster homes are less likely to be ill, stressed and calm. Well Socialized dogs are just more adoptable. Potential adopters get a chance to really get to know the dog through the eyes of the foster parents. It makes an HUGE IMPACT. I know this from experience! Since you can’t social with people right now, why not more dogs!!!!
- Foster Fails! My most beloved dogs are Foster Fails! When you have a chance to really bond with a dog/cat in your own home, sometimes you realize that they are already home where they belong. All Foster families will tell you that foster pets are the best. It is really a try before you buy π
- FUN! Fostering is fun. I love my dogs! Fostering gives you a chance to get out and play with all kinds of different dogs. It also allows your pet to have companionship and playmates!
- Goldmine for Social Media. I think some of the greatest way to brighten up your social media posts is by posting sweet critters. Some of my fav social media icons are dogs! If you are looking to really boost your social media exposure, posts some super cute puppies!
- This is online match making! Lets face it, we need some good news right now. We are living in scary times of uncertainty. Rather than having to post about not finding toilet paper lets post dogs needing homes online and do some online match making! People will be spending a ton of time online connecting now due to social distancing.
- They need our voice. Right now the shelter animals need us more than ever. They have no voice without us. Don’t abandon them in their greatest time of need. If you can do nothing else, you can give them a voice by sharing this message and those dogs in need.
Without a doubt, fostering saves lives. Not only do you save the life of the dog you foster, you make room for another one to have space to live another day. As humans, it is our job to be good stewards of this beautiful earth and I know that it means to take care of all of God’s creatures. If you are like me, you know that you need to advocate for those who can’t speak for themselves. Don’t let the fear of the unknown stop you for making a difference in the life of one of our furry friends. They desperately need us now more than ever.
Ready for action? – If you decide to foster because of this article, reach out to me, Dog Mom, and I will provide a special treat for your foster (FIRST COME FIRST SERVE) ! Reach out to a local animal rescue in your area. You will be glad you did! Wishing everyone wet noses and tail wags – Keely and Biscuit
Keely, Dog Mom Biscuit
