There are always appeals for foster homes for dogs, but many people are hesitant to volunteer because they are afraid of becoming too attached to the foster dog, and not being able to let it go to a new home.
Certainly there are risks involved, not least of which are the tugs at the heartstrings! But it is really extremely worthwhile and rewarding, and it gives a dog more of a chance of getting a permanent home, whereas it is less likely to happen in a refuge.
One of the main advantages is that it enables the foster dog to be assessed.
What is its attitude to other dogs? Can it live with cats? How does it cope with boisterous children? Can it be toilet-trained? Could it live as the only pet, or does it need another canine companion? What sort of things frighten it?
This particularly applies to the galgos and podencos rescued from a horrendous death at the hands of the galguerros of Spain because, in most instances very little, or even nothing at all, is known about the background of the dog.
Bitches can be kept in a run and used purely for breeding. Dogs can be kept in dark sheds, only coming outside when they are taken hunting. Some are chained to walls and have very little exercise to develop their muscles. Many are badly beaten and terrified of men – because it’s the men who maltreat them.
And yet most of these dogs have an amazing capacity to put this behind them and,
even more amazingly, are still full of love and affection when the hand of kindness is extended to them.
It is very rewarding to see a foster dog develop in confidence, health and training. And, yes, it does pull at the heartstrings when a forever home is found. But it is even more rewarding to know that you have helped bring together a dog and it’s forever family, and receive reports and photos of how happy everyone is afterwards.
If you have room in your home and your heart to offer to foster a dog for one of the rescue associations, please get in touch with them direct. They will need to know your experience and your home situation, naturally, to ensure the dog will be safe with you.
It really is a very rewarding experience.
If you have a story to tell about fostering a galgo or podenco, please share it with us all.
Pictured is Colate who is currently looking for a forever home, read his story here.