Why did you get into fostering?
We have always had stray dogs finding their way to our door. My
husband used to laugh that we had a flashing sign over our door
that was visible only to stray dogs. Our pets have always been
adopted so when we lost our Shadow years ago it was natural to
think about adopting. We were introduced to the pet fostering
system and Hercules, our beloved now-late German Sheppard. From
there we decided that we could make a contribution by being foster
parents.
Which hart dogs have you fostered?
We fostered and kept Della (Delia), and then Dreyfus who was
adopted out to a wonderful family from Smokey Lake. For the past
year and a half, we have been fostering Jetta, the Airport Dog.
What has been the most rewarding aspect to
fostering?
The most rewarding is watching dogs learn how to go from fearful
to confident. They go from being totally out of their element to
knowing how to be part of a family. In Jetta's case, the first time
she reached out and gave fingers a lick after accepting a treat was
a huge step forward. Just recently she has started to come, with
tail wagging, for a pat without needing encouragement.
When individuals think it will be too much work or too
emotionally taxing, what feedback do you have for
them?
This is one of the most rewarding things they can ever do. Yes it
takes a little effort to train a stray, to bring them into the
fold, but watching the transformation is wonderful. As for it being
emotionally taxing, keeping in mind that you are going to be
connecting your foster with a furever family helps to keep things
in perspective. The pleasure of watching the interaction of your
foster and the adopting family is very rewarding.
If your foster dog(s) could speak, what do you think
they would say to you?
I know you can't keep me but I am glad to know you love me.