Don’t foster a dog if…
I originally shared this post back in September 2023 after the dog I had been fostering was adopted. It was sent out to 13 subscribers and had 39 views, but I think it deserves a little more attention so I decide to reshare it. I updated a few things and included a list of 10 dogs in animal shelters around the U.S. that are looking for their furever home.
I’m not gonna lie, it can be a lot of work and heartache, but all the reasons you should not foster a dog below are also every single reason that you should.
The don’t foster a dog if… list:
Don’t foster a dog if you want it to be easy. It is hard, but it’s not supposed to be easy. It’s supposed to be hard for us so it can be “easier” for someone else. Maybe you’ll get lucky and get the perfect dog, but chances are you are going to get a dog that isn’t potty trained, isn’t crate trained, is scared of everything, needs medications, medicated baths multiple times a week, and lots of vet visits. But all those things will somehow make you love them even more.
Don’t foster a dog if you don’t want unconditional love from a dog that has been let down so many times by people that should have loved them unconditionally. The dogs I have fostered and the dogs my sister has fostered are some of the most loving, cuddly, snuggly dogs I have ever met. They give love even when they shouldn’t and that’s all they want in return. So be the person to finally give them all that love and affection they deserve.
Don’t foster a dog if you don’t want to become attached. Even if you say you won’t you will and the dog will become just as attached to you. Even more if they come with any of the special problems I listed in #1. You are going to become the dogs whole world even if it’s just for a short period of time. But this may be the most important time and when they truly need someone the most.
Don’t foster a dog if you don’t want to get emotional. You’re gonna become the dogs safe space when they are learning to trust again . When they start to become comfortable around you, they will probably still be terrified to go out in public, but you know what you do, you continue to bring them out in public until one day they wag there tail on a walk instead of keeping it between their legs or come out from behind you to meet strangers or maybe even let that stranger pet them. And in that moment when they become comfortable around more than just you, it could almost make you cry happy tears.
Don’t foster a dog if you don’t want to end up heartbroken. Eventually, days, weeks, or months done the road you will have to give your foster dog up. At this point all of the above has happened and you are a proud, loved, attached, emotional parent that has spent lots of time helping your dog find its forever home and family. It’s all excitement and happiness until you remember they won’t be coming home with you again. You may feel a tiny bit of your heart being ripped out, but you say you’re goodbyes, give them all the hugs and kisses, tell them they are a good boy or girl and how much you love them and you walk away knowing you helped save a dogs life. Instantly you’ll say you will never doing it again, but believe me you will probably change your mind.
Don’t foster a dog if you don’t want to continue to miss them. It becomes easier, but if you are like me you may occasionally feel guilty and wonder what it would have been like if you decided to adopt instead. Don’t beat yourself up about it. You did the right thing for you and the dog. Your foster dog may also miss you at first, but dogs are adaptable and it won’t be long before they are happy and comfortable in their new home. They have a loving family and now you have the opportunity to do it all over again with a different dog. And when your foster dog is adopted ask the adopter/s if you can stay in touch. If you live in the area maybe you can dog sit or if you live further away ask if they can keep you posted and send you pictures.
So let’s get more animals out of shelters and into happy homes, even if it is a temporary home. If you aren’t able to foster, consider volunteering at your local animal shelter. Benefits include getting to play with the cutest, sweetest little ones 👀
Even just following and sharing posts on social media can do you more than you know. The shelters and dogs will love you for it!
Do you want to meet the dogs that made me fall in love with them and took a piece of my heart at the same time??
Poppy - a puppy with mange that was found with her sister Penny and her mom. They were set to be euthanized due to their condition before a different shelter rescued them. After many medicated baths, weekly vet visits for months, lots of shots and becoming comfortable in the outside world she went to her forever home.
MJ (now Penny) - a 2 year recent mama that was rescued by an animal rescue officer and brought to the shelter where I picked her up 3 days later. Without quite as rough of a start, she was still fearful of others and needed a safe place while she learned to trust again. 4 weeks later, she showed her sweet and loving side to a potential adopter and off she went to her forever home.
These two pups having happy loving homes now, but there are hundreds and thousands of dogs and other pets that are still waiting.
I wish I could include each and every one of them here, but for now here are 10 dogs around the U.S. looking for their furever home.
Estelle - a ~4 year old female lab/pitbull at Pima Animal Care Center (PACC) in Tucson AZ. At the shelter since December 10, 2022.
Poseidon - a 2 year old male from Wisconsin Humane Society Ozaukee Campus in Saukville WI.
Duchess - a 4 year old mixed breed female at the Dubuque Regional Humane Society in Dubuque IA.
Bologna - a 6 month old mixed breed male from Wags & Walks in Nashville TN.
Moose - an almost 2 year old lab/mixed breed male from Edgewater Animal Shelter in Edgewater FL.
Topaz - an almost 3 month old small mixed breed male from Texas Humane Heroes in Leander TX.
Topanga - a 2.5 year old husky mix female from Auburn Valley Humane Society Shelter in Auburn WA.
Crockpot - a one year old Catahoula/lab mix male from Foothills Animal Shelter in West Pleasant View CO.
Tino - a 10 year old Cocker Spaniel male that needs special care from Animal Haven in New York NY.
Buddy - a 8.5 year old Basset hound/Shepard mix that needs special care from the Humane Society of Ohio Valley in Washington County OH.
If you know anyone that might be interested in fostering or adopting one of these dogs, please share!
Any donations that are received from Buy Me a Coffee for this post will be used to purchase wishlist items and donated to one of the shelter’s above 🐶 🐱 **If you do donate, please specify in the description box :)
BUT WAIT, I have one more thing to share with you before you go. A story from Barb Lieberman:
There I sat, alone and afraid, You got a call and came right to my aid. You bundled me up with blankets and love. And when I needed it most you gave me a hug.
I learned that the world was not all that scary and cold. That sometimes there is someone to have and to hold. You taught me what love is, you helped me to mend. You loved me and healed me and became my first friend.
And just when I thought you’d done all you do, there came along not one new lesson, but two. First you said, “Sweetheart, you’re ready to go. I’ve done all I can, and you’ve learned all I know.”
Then you bundled me up with a blanket and kiss. Along came a new family, they even have kids!
They took me to there home, forever to stay. At first I thought you sent me away. Then that second lesson became perfectly clear. No matter how far, you will always be near.
And so, foster mom, you know I’ve moved on. I have a new home with toys and a lawn. But I’ll never forget what I learned that first day. You never really give your fosters away.
You gave me these thoughts to remember you by. We may never meet again, and now I know why. You’ll remember I lived with you for a time.
I may not be yours, but you’ll always be mine.
Thank for you reading this week’s newsletter. Before you go please like, comment, or share to get the word out. If you are new and like what you see, subscribe to The Mind Reset to get all future weekly newsletters and Sunday S.P.A.R.K.L.E.S. sent straight to you!
-Leanna
you are such a kind hearted soul to foster animals. They have gotten themselves a good place to recooperate. On a totally unrelated note, how did you make the photo collage of Poppy and MJ? Did you use Substack's photo gallery or create on Canva?