FOSTER HOMES 2012
How many of you watch our website to see the dogs that are up for adoption? How many of you cheer when they are marked "adopted," knowing that they now have their chance at a happily ever after? We at ACES are thankful to be able to save the number of setters that we do every year. But, there are many, many more that we cannot help, simply because when they need us, we don't have an open foster home to take them. Every month, ACES is notified of 40 or more setters that need rescuing, and that's just the ones we hear about. We are only able to help a fraction of them.
Fostering is not for everyone. It can be hard work, but it can also be one of the most rewarding and selfless things you could do. There is no reason to take an unknown dog into your home to live for a little while until it finds a home of its own. No reason except that you care. Here's an example of how one of our current volunteers feels about fostering:
It usually starts off the same, "We've heard of another needy setter. Can you foster?" "No," I sometimes want to say. "I'm busy. Another time would be better." I think someone else can do it. But, I end up saying yes because a little disruption is a small sacrifice to save a dog who needs me. To give them a chance at happiness. To give back to those who brought me Abbie, Biggles, and Sara. Seeing a foster transform into a healthy, happy dog is reward enough.
It's two days before my foster comes, and I am excited. I pull out the extra crate. I can't wait to meet them. Now, it's the night before, and I think, "This is going to be a lot of work. Why did I think this was a good idea?" And then my foster dog is here, and I fall in love with them. Sometimes fostering isn't so hard. Of course, fostering has its challenges. There is housetraining to learn and trips to the vet. It's my job to teach them how to live in a house and to feel secure. I've stood outside, in the dark and cold, encouraging a dog to potty. I've learned to put away my shoes in case I have a chewer, and I now know to never, ever pick up a boy puppy that is peeing in the hallway!
Each foster is special in his or her own way. Chesney pushed open the gate and took Biggles for a romp. They visited every porch in the neighborhood before I tracked them down. Chip would make the dreaded "double drool loops" which completely grossed me out, but I loved him anyway. And, Merry I loved so much that I wanted to keep her for my very own, but I knew there was a perfect home out there for her and, of course, there was. Each foster dog has found a special family who loves them dearly. And I am able to bring in another foster dog and give them a chance.
I had no idea what a rewarding journey fostering would be or how many wonderful people – and dogs – I would meet. One of the things I love is watching my fosters figure out the toy bin for the first time. I also smile when we come back from a walk and I can tell they know that this is home. The best is hearing back from an adoptive family and knowing my foster is cherished. I've been asked how I can let my foster dogs go. I think the best answer is another question. How can I keep them when I know their forever family is out there waiting?
Think about giving fostering a try. Need more information? Click here. Still have questions? Contact us! There are homeless setters out there waiting for you.
