Fostering: A Win-Win for the Animals and You
by Constance Young

I recently agreed to “foster” a “special needs” deaf dog for a rescue group in Flushing, New York. In my case it hasn’t been exactly a “win-win”— just a “win” for the dog, because Donnie requires more attention than I am interested in giving. But in another sense it can be considered a “win-win” because I have learned from the experience that I prefer more independent dogs—a dog more like my cats—than this sweet cocker spaniel who rarely takes his eyes off me. I guess some might call me a Cat Person (I now have 7); and my last old mixed-bred dog, who recently died, was in some ways a Zen dog. I still have Donnie, and we are looking for a “forever” home for him.

Another thing I am learning from this experience: for me, a dog should be older or less playful. Donnie loves to play with multiple changing toys that he keeps taking and returning to his toy basket. And whenever I have a moment he wants to play catch.

But I am glad for the experience in another, more basic way. I am saving a life. If he had made it to a “kill shelter” Donnie would probably have been euthanized. Here are the sad, hard facts:

An estimated 3 to 4 million dogs and cats are killed in shelters each year—many of these are healthy animals, but are killed for lack of space or funding.

In New York City, the nonprofit Animal Care & Control, (AC&C), which operates under a contract with the city Health Department, had more than $1.5 million slashed from its budget over the past two years. Homeless cats and dogs were the latest victims of the budget ax.

Shelters in the Hudson Valley are also suffering from budget cuts and fewer donations, causing them to take in fewer needy animals and otherwise cut back on services.

To address the economic crisis, many shelters are now opening their doors to reliable, well-checked people who are willing to “foster”—provide a safe place for—an animal for an agreed upon period of timem or until a “forever” home arrives. Often vet care, food and other expenses are paid by the organization. If you fall in love with the animal, you can usually adopt him or her, waiving any adoption fees. You may call your local shelter or rescue group to see if they have such a plan.

For more information go to: http://www.bestbullysticks.com/blog/3/be-a-volunteer-foster-pet-parent-to-a-shelter-or-rescue-animal/