#1 Comment people say to me about fostering

Every time I tell someone that I foster dogs, I almost always get the same reaction from fellow dog loving people: ‘How do you do it and not keep them all?’ Consistently, a variation of this comment is made to me, and every time I hear it, I give the same response: ‘Because I can’t help more if I keep them all.’

I think there are a few key things that make fostering successful and in order to convince more people to foster and in turn, help more dogs.

Here are my personal tips for successful fostering:

1. First, go into fostering knowing that you cannot, or will not keep the dog. I know this seems silly, but seriously. Unless you are truly considering adding another permanent member to your pack, you need to be honest with yourself and your family members about the expectations of the experience. This will set you up for success!
2. Convince yourself that in order to help more dogs, you can’t keep them all. Many counties, towns, etc. have limits on how many animals you can have on your property. So, if you tell yourself that you can only have ‘3’ at one time, then you wouldn’t be able to help any more dogs if you kept your foster dog. At the end of the day, we’re trying to help as many dogs as we can by keeping our homes open and available to dogs in need.
3. When you first start fostering try looking for a highly adoptable pup who just needs help getting exposure. Things to look for include: house trained, friendly with people, kids, dogs and cats (even if you might not have these in your own household). At this stage I would even suggest a younger dog, as we are all still working to break the stigma against the seniors. When they get adopted fast, it’s easier to say goodbye.
4. Find a rescue you believe in and has good reviews. If you love a certain breed, look for that breed specific rescue. Consider your own situation and if you want food and supplies provided. Many times 501(c)(3) non-profit rescues have food, crates, bowls, leashes, and anything you would need that you can borrow or have for your foster dog. Currently, Rena is from the local county shelter. The county shelters are packed and limited on funds, so other than vet care, we are paying for her food and I already had the other supplies. Previously, Big Dogs Huge Paws out of Colorado reimbursed, or provided these things.
5. If you’re a dog lover like me, think of this as an opportunity to own/help that one dog you’ve always thought would be so cool to have. I’ve always wanted a Great Dane, but never felt like I could afford one. So as soon as I had the chance, I fostered one! (Miss and love you Duke, old man!) I’ve fostered a Great Pyrenees, Dogue de Bourdeaux, and Boerboel Mastiff just to name a few!
6. Look at your current lifestyle and choose a dog that will fit in easily. If you aren’t a super active family, please don’t bring home a young, energetic dog that isn’t going to get exercise. You won’t be doing the dog or yourself any favors if they start being destructive because they’re bored. At the same time, if you are active and go running or hiking every day, by all means get the high energy dogs out of the shelters and onto the trails! If you have time to foster a puppy; great! But if not, consider an adult dog that won’t require the same level of attention.
7. Market the heck out of them! Tell everyone, even if they don’t like dogs (but also ask yourself why you even know a person who doesn’t like dogs). The faster you can get your foster dog adopted the easier it is. The French Mastiff (Dogue De Bourdeaux) I fostered was with me for a few months and it definitely got harder to think of saying goodbye as the days went on. But now I can happily report she lives with a young family and another dog in New Mexico.

So many people think they don’t have the time, or that it will be too hard to let the dog go in the end, but I’m here to rewrite that narrative. First, if you choose the right dog, there should be no more time needed than what you’re already dedicating to your dogs. Other than helping them to adjust (and I suggest bringing home your foster dog on a weekend when you will be home to learn their eating, sleeping and potty habits), there really isn’t any additional time they need than your current dogs already do.

As far as thinking that it would be too hard to let them go, let me get real with you; What’s harder? Watching a dog you’ve helped leave for a loving forever home, or seeing them scared and confused in the corner of an unknown place? I promise you, it gets easier and is worth it, every time.

If you or someone you know have been wanting to foster, but just don’t know where to start, please reach out! I am happy to help find a rescue, the right dog, or just answer any questions you may have if it means helping more dogs in need. I’m also here for emotional support for those of you just starting or even those who just need the reassurance some days that what you’re doing matters and fostering truly does save lives!

In the meantime, remember, good-bye is the goal!