Why did you get into fostering?
We originally saw an article in the Edmonton Journal about hart
and we decided it was something we would try. Not knowing what to
expect, we didn't commit beyond our first dog. Once we started, we
knew it was something we would enjoy very much with our entire
family. Our kids immediately have fallen in love with each dog
we've brought into our home, and have been active participants in
fostering.
Which hart dogs have you fostered?
We fostered Regis in 2009, Milty (now Monty) in 2010, Duke in
2011/2012, and Danno in 2012 as well.
What has been the most rewarding aspect to
fostering?
Knowing that our family has been able to take a dog at its most
vulnerable time and provide it with a loving foster home is the
most rewarding aspect. Taking a puppy that is perhaps scared and
just starting their life in unfamiliar territory, and watching them
develop into a dog with good manners and social skills is very
rewarding. Some dogs require little assistance in developing
into that dog, and others need extra time and help. Duke was our
most challenging puppy, but at the same time, the most rewarding.
He went from a feral dog scared of any human interaction to a 90
lb. dog who wanting nothing but to lay beside you at all times.
When individuals think it will be too much work or too
emotionally taxing, what feedback do you have for
them?
I think the key for us is the fact that we already have a family
dog. Our dog is a black lab named Buck and he is the greatest help
when it comes to fostering. He offers puppies security, playtime,
companionship, and most importantly boundaries. Buck is most likely
the best trainer out of all of us for the foster dogs we've had.
Since we already have a dog, we are already going for walks, and
participating in other dog activities so having that second dog
never seems like any extra work.
Relax and enjoy your foster dog. Just like a toddler acting up,
puppies do the same. Patience and a little discipline pays off.
If your foster dog(s) could speak, what do you think
they would say to you?
I know each time the dogs look at you with a wag in their tail or
a subtle lick on the face exactly what they are saying.