Becoming a rescue dog participant?

[razz]

IrisLily is one, who else is doing this? Is there a need for this? How did you get involved? What made you choose the support type that you did?

I am thinking that I need something special to do with living things but with limits, when I want to take a break, I can. Right now, I can take a break and leave my dog at a great kennel if I want to get away for a few days.

What kind of commitment are we talking with rescue dogs?

[decemberlov]

I am a huge advocate for pitbulls. I feel in love with the breed when I adopted my pup a few years ago. I wasn't always so fond of them and in fact I too was pretty misinformed about them until I started doing my research. After I adopted my girl I decided I wanted to help with the rescue but didn't have the time to foster another do (or the space either). I would help out on weekend with transporting dogs from shelters to foster homes, or just a portion of the way meeting someone that would finally get the pup to their final destination. There really is a lot you can do without having to actually foster and care for a dog. Taking them to showings at a pet store on the weekends, helping post them to petfinder or craigslist etc.

[IshbelRobertson]

Pitbulls are one of a group of banned breeds in the UK. Unfortunately, so are 'pitbull types' which is causing huge problems in dog shelters here as so few want to adopt or foster these dogs as their personality can be an unknown quantity. Whilst some homes have a no kill policy, many don't. The no kill homes then don't have room for new abandoned dogs. It is a growing problem here. Pit bulls and other fighting breeds are destroyed.

I think anyone who agrees to foster dogs, regardless of breed, deserves a medal.

[catherine]

My daughter fostered, and then adopted a mixed breed. The shelter advertised it as a "mountain cur" but I really think it's one of those problematic mixed-breed pit bull types that Ishbel referred to. The dog is a wonderful dog.

http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp54386%3Enu%3D32%3C9%3E3%3C4%3E%3A33% 3EWSNRCG%3D38%3B395%3C6%3A7337nu0mrj

[decemberlov]

She's beautiful!! She looks similar to my pitt


http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/decemberlov/NOVA_zps7d91b433.jpg

[JaneV2.0]

According to a blurb on Animal Planet, pit bulls used to be known as "nanny dogs" because they were so loyal and protective of their human families. I don't have words bad enough to express what I think of the blood-soaked knuckle-draggers who changed that.

I have friends who volunteer at local animal shelters, walking and socializing dogs--and occasionally adopting one--and working with groups like Fences for Fido. God's work. Good for you.

ETA: My nanny dog was a Doberman--another maligned breed--who would likely have given his life to keep me safe. My one and only dog; he was a treasure. RIP, Hap.

[decemberlov]

According to a blurb on Animal Planet, pit bulls used to be known as "nanny dogs" because they were so loyal and protective of their human families. I don't have words bad enough to express what I think of the blood-soaked knuckle-draggers who changed that.
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You're right, they were known as "nanny dogs" and from experience I can say that my pitt is the most amazing, gentle dog especially with children! I adore her beyond words.

We just watched Beyond the Myth: A Film about Breed Discrimination on Nexflix last night. It does a good job of explaining how the Media has played such a tremendous role in stereotyping this breed. Well worth watching if you are interested.

[treehugger]

I am active with greyhound rescue, specifically ex-racers. We have adopted two and go to one or two "meet and greets" a month (regularly scheduled events at pet supply stores to introduce people to greyhounds in person, so they can see that they are calm and don't need much exercise). This is our group's main way of getting adopter applicants. We have also fostered twice (very short-term) and will do it more once our almost-19-year-old cat dies (it's too stressful for her these days).

Speaking only for our group, we don't accept volunteer fosters from "off the street", so to speak. That is, our foster homes are all established members of our group who have already adopted at least once. We do, however, encourage people interested in helping, but not ready to adopt, to attend meet and greets and just get to know the dogs and the people.

I am sure there are private adoption groups who do welcome new members as fosters. I would start calling around. No doubt there are many groups, for different breeds, for cats, for dogs, for mutts, etc. right in your area and they would be happy to hear from you.

As far as commitment, again, I can only speak for our group, but a foster dog can stay in a foster home from anywhere as short as a few days to a few months. Really depends on the situation. We do have people on a list to just be "backup fosters." They pitch in when ongoing fosters go on vacation or something. So, even less commitment there.

Good luck in your quest. It's a worthy endeavor!

Kara

P.S. You should be aware of the term "failing foster." That describes a foster parent who takes in a foster animal, but falls so in love with him that she can't give him up and just decides to adopt. It happens. :)

[jennipurrr]

I have been involved with animal rescue for 10 years or so. There is a huge need for animal foster parents in my area and most rescues will let you set your limits. I used to keep animals longer, but my house is at my limit now (3 dogs, 2 cats) and so I limit my involvement to short term dog fosters. I foster a couple times a year now, two weeks or so at a time, usually as a dog is transitioning from the shelter to a rescue and the logistics are being worked out or if someone is recovering from heartworm treatment.

I only do fosters with a set end date and no one has balked at it. Also, I have stipulations that they absolutely must get along with animals - my crew is super accepting to new dogs and so this has never been a problem. I could not handle an aggressive dog though. Cats on the other hand are a completely different story. I loved being a kitty foster mom. I used to do kittens and would even do some bottlefeeding. My cat who is my avatar stopped all that. She hasn't met a foster cat she didn't hate (kittens/adults, males/females), so I've given up trying foster cats. She is in super mean kitty mode the entire time and urinates on things :/ I think after my other kitty passes away (he is older than her) we will just have one kitty for a while because she is so territorial. She loves the dogs though, comes right up to them rubbing and purring.

When I lived in a small town with only an animal shelter, no foster or rescue groups, I would go wash the dogs/take them for walks once or twice a month. It was heartbreaking but I know it made their lives easier for that small period of time.

[catherine]

She's beautiful!! She looks similar to my pitt

They do look like cousins!

[catherine]

When I lived in a small town with only an animal shelter, no foster or rescue groups, I would go wash the dogs/take them for walks once or twice a month. It was heartbreaking but I know it made their lives easier for that small period of time.

When my daughter applied to foster her dog, she went through the ringer with the agency: she almost didn't get him because she lived in an apartment, had to show she could afford the dog, etc. etc. So at the end of her foster period, she was afraid she'd get denied adoption, they were so strict. And she talked about it with her boyfriend and they decided that maybe the dog would be better off with a "more qualified" family--one who might live on a farm or something (they live in VT, but in the city).

But when they dropped him off at the shelter (they had picked him up at a pet store), they were appalled, because this agency who had such a high bar for its foster "parents" was nothing but a warehouse where all the dogs lived, barking at all hours of the day and night, with limited access to the outdoors.

Well, they couldn't sleep that night. The next morning they called to say they wanted to keep him and they didn't hear back for two days. They were so guilt-ridden, fearing he had been euthanized or something. But they finally heard back from the director of the agency, who was actually thrilled that the dog was getting a good home.

[Tussiemussies]

I used to take in rescue dogs but I had a place for them to live in my garage. Be very leery of who takes the dog a lot of people lie and there are ones who will lie and sell them to research facilities. Once I went to check on a dog that the woman was positive on all of her answers and I found he wasn't living in the right conditions. I brought the dog back home. i did make vet reference checks which really helped me weed out candidates.

I rescued stray dogs, brought them back to health if needed and then found them good homes.

The only problem is that some of them may not be housebroken and you would have to have them in your home like that and find someone who is willing to gently housebreak them...

[decemberlov]

Good point Christine. It is very important to thoroughly research the rescue organization as well. Not all of them are what they seem (like Catherine stated). I was naive when I adopted my pup and the "rescue" she came from was nothing more than a puppy mill. She was kept in a basement in a crate for the first 5 months of her life. I paid a $350 adoption fee and never received any vaccination records either. Because she had no choice but to go in her crate she has been very, very difficult to house train! I absolutely love her though and I'm so happy she doesn't have to live in those conditions anymore.

And as you stated it's just as important to be leery of adopters as well. I believe this to be especially true with pitts. I guess any dog though really...I never thought about anyone selling a dog to research facilities. How sad :(

[JaneV2.0]

... I think after my other kitty passes away (he is older than her) we will just have one kitty for a while because she is so territorial. She loves the dogs though, comes right up to them rubbing and purring.
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My friend's dog is much the same, but he's friendly with only a limited number of dogs and adores all cats. Apparently the concept of "cat people" and "dog people" extends to the animal kingdom.

[treehugger]

My friend's dog is much the same, but he's friendly with only a limited number of dogs and adores all cats. Apparently the concept of "cat people" and "dog people" extends to the animal kingdom.

As does misanthrope. My cat doesn't like *anyone*. She is our last barrier to fostering regularly.

Kara

[fidgiegirl]

We adopted both our dogs from two different rescue groups but I have not volunteered beyond that.

My friend has fostered puppies, but she got in trouble with municipal authorities because her neighbors kept reporting too much barking. She had a kennel license but I think she was in violation sometimes. She had sick dogs often, and once she caught something from them - yuck. But I think she does an awesome service and she is the most doggy dog person I have ever known. She derives a great deal of satisfaction from the job.

I once did attempt to volunteer for a traveling low-cost spay/neuter program. I was excited but due to some reorganization it never did work out in time for me to do it when I was available (summer). Maybe next year. I would have been cleaning instruments and I think some customer-service type tasks. If DH weren't a germophobe, I would launder towels for them. That's a big need they have, and it could be done at home.

I actually think the bigger part of the solution to animal overpopulation lies in this type of program. I worry that rescue groups are making it too "easy" for people to get dogs/cats they have no business having - "I'll just have a rescue take it if I can't keep it." OTOH, I would hate for any animal to suffer in a home where it was mistreated or unwanted or uncared for simply because the owners have no choice but to keep it going or dump it in the ditch. So I'm torn on the issue.

[iris lily]

Please Please Please do this! You'd be a great foster mom and would really help dogs and rescue groups!

I do English bulldog rescue because these dogs bring joy to my life. They are so silly and goofy and affectionate. It's how I get my English bulldog fix. I always learn something with each dog. It is remarkable how different they are. We've been a foster home for 3 years and have had 24 dogs through here. This is a popular breed and so the dogs don't stay a real long time, probably 2 - 5 weeks and they do get adopted.

When I went into it I did it with the foremost idea that I wouldn't be keeping any of them. And for the most part, that works. About once a year I fall for one of them, so 3 of the dogs that have passed through my house are "my" dogs and I had a hard time giving them up. Our current guy has been here for several weeks. Through holidays it's hard to place a dog.

[cdttmm]

We adopted all three of our dogs through rescue groups and they do indeed have a tremendous need for volunteers. Although fostering is often the activity that comes to mind, it is a big commitment and it's hard to anticipate the length of time a dog may be with you. But the groups also often need someone to coordinate transportation of the dogs, to make the phone calls to veterinarians (and others) for reference checks, to go to applicants homes and do the necessary home visits before applicants can become approved adopters, to maintain the website if the group has one, to do social media posting of dogs available for adoption, and a myriad of other tasks. These volunteer activities are things that are less of a time commitment, but no less important, and they also generally have more flexibility in terms of being able to take a day or week or month off at different times.

[JaneV2.0]

... I always learn something with each dog. It is remarkable how different they are...

True of cats, too. (And probably animals in general.) No two cats I've known have had the same er, catality. Which suggests they have souls, or whatever essence animates us.

[razz]

I need to do some investigating and see what is local and how involved my time and space might be. Thanks for all the input.

[Wildflower]

Well, if you're a sucker like me - I fell in love with every dog we fostered over the years and adopted them all...

In the past we've had 4-5 dogs at a time. Now we have 3 and they will all be staying with us, we are their forever home...

Most every dog we've taken in has had some type of behavioral problem that we have had to work with....usually thanks to their previous crappy owners.

[razz]

Well, if you're a sucker like me - I fell in love with every dog we fostered over the years and adopted them all...
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That is my fear. I can only handle so many pets and help neighbours with their dogs as needed so don't want too much more responsibility.

[sweetana3]

We fostered two very young kittens once. I was able to take them to one adoption event. When I realized they might leave me, I cried and took them home forever. Bert is no longer with us due to kidney disease but his brother is here next to me.

I always adopt now and our latest came from one of those Petsmart kiosks. Turns out I have a cat that fetches. But beware if you have multiple pets. Even with segregating them, it is easy to pass on an URI and costly for vet visits.

[creaker]

When I was married, we had done 2 rescues - one was text book perfect and the other not. The first was just a really nice dog that needed a home, we had him until we got him placed into a really nice home, absolutely no issues and it was a fine experience.

The second had severe allergy issues that really were not treatable (severely smelly, balding, cheesy skin kind of issues). For whatever reason the agency involved was convinced if the dog was moved out of the south, the issues may have treatable and convinced my ex of the same. They weren't. There was no way the dog was ever going to be placeable, her issues were too severe to keep her, she was suffering and after having her for several months we put her down. It was really sad because other than for the medical issues, she was a wonderful dog.

I think rescue is a great thing to do, I'd just recommend doing your homework upfront and making sure the dogs you foster are truly placeable, otherwise you could end up with some very difficult choices to make.

[iris lily]

...I think rescue is a great thing to do, I'd just recommend doing your homework upfront and making sure the dogs you foster are truly place able, otherwise you could end up with some very difficult choices to make.

Right, fortunately the head of our rescue group is good at evaluating health and temperament in a dog. She does temperament test for the SPCA and Humane Societies here. We seldom take old puppy mill bitches, they are very tough to place. They are never toilet trained and they won't learn at the late stage of their lives and so often they have chronic health problems that have never been addressed. We don't take an older dog that needs extensive surgeries. Last year our group spent $25,000 in vet bills and that's with a bulldog owning vet who cuts us a great deal. We operate hand to mouth for each major health event.

We don't take known biters. Still, a fair number of dogs come into our foster homes that turn out to be aggressive. Sometimes it is because the owners outright lied about the dog's history. In one case in our group the new foster parents woke up one morning to find the foster dog standing over them on the bed, menacing and growling. They managed to back away out of bed and the man threw a blanket over him and held him while they wrestled him into a crate. In another situation the new dog backed a child of the house into a corner. Fortunately that kid had dog experience and knew not to run or make sudden moves, he quietly called for his mom. Both times the former owners had know the dogs were aggressive but lied to us.

So having a clear standard of what to take into the rescue program helps a lot. But then, the foster home still has to evaluate temperament and health, that's part of the job.
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