Foster a BDRA Dog
Welcoming a foster dog
into your home until their forever family is found is a genuinely selfless act.
When you foster, you are giving safe haven and care to a dog who really needs it
and helping set that dog up for success in finding a forever home.
BDRA
considers fostering a valuable resource in helping as many
dogs as possible. Some of the dogs who benefit from foster homes need that
extra bit of care that they can’t get in a crowded shelter, and that one-on-one
attention can make a big difference when it comes to finding them a permanent
home.
Like most rescues, BDRA
asks foster candidates to provide some information about their living
situation. The fostering process includes completing a Volunteer Application and
providing references, including veterinarians (for current pet owners). BDRA
will also do a home check to ensure that the home is pet-friendly and to
address potential safety issues.
BDRA will cover medical
expenses such as veterinary visits, microchipping, and flea and tick
preventives, as well as basic supplies like bowls or collars, if needed.
Every dog reacts to
being in a shelter differently, but it’s an especially stressful situation for a
blind dog. Your foster dog may be shy and frightened when you bring them home. They
may whine, or pace, or have accidents. Give them time to adjust without
introducing any additional stress, or major new activities.
BDRA will never leave
you to figure out a foster situation on your own. We are here to help you
through any adjustment issues or behavior questions. The most important
factor in making fostering work is a genuine desire to welcome an animal
into your home and make them feel safe and cared for.
Foster Mom Jen, patiently waiting for time with the eye doctor.
Andy is much more patient than Emerson!
BDRA relies on our foster parents to help choose the best possible forever family for their foster dog. Inevitably, you will develop an affection for your foster dog, and you will want the dog to have the best home. Having this active role may also make saying goodbye easier, knowing that your foster friend is moving into the best possible permanent home.
There’s no question that while fostering is a rewarding experience, the most difficult aspect is saying goodbye. After all, you’re living with a dog for an undetermined length of time, and it’s almost impossible not to get attached. In fact, it comes as no surprise that many foster families end up being foster failures and adopting the dogs.
It may get easier as you go along, particularly if you end up fostering again and again, and as long as you keep in mind that you are saving a dog's life and the pain of saying goodbye is more than worth it for the dog who has found their forever family. Often foster families and forever families develop their own bond and stay in touch with each other.
And never forget that when you take a dog into your home, you’re not only saving that dog’s life and making sure they have a safe place to be loved and cared for, but you’ve just made room in the shelter for another dog to have the chance at finding a forever home.
If you have additional questions about fostering a BDRA dog, please contact foster@blinddogrescue.org.
