Why fostering saves lives

‘Fostering dogs saves lives–both canine and human. The days of dog catchers and dingy pounds should be over. For many reasons, people should consider the more humane method, fostering.’

In the early 1800s, urban cities–experiencing huge numbers of rabid dogs–began setting bounties for their killing. By the mid-1800s, the cities saw an opportunity to profit from some of the best looking animals and created a pound system, which prevailed until recently.

Many weren’t happy with the treatment of these animals. Humane societies began cropping up in the mid-1800s. They advocated for better conditions and eventually an entire rethinking of the system. Enter a new concept, fostering.

Fostering is practical: Imagine a dog being trapped, then placed in a kennel around 50 other barking, terrified dogs. It will take much longer for the dog to become acclimated to people in this stressful environment. Fostering socializes animals, making them more adoptable.

Rescues rely on foster parents: A lot of rescues don’t actually have a brick and mortar building to keep dogs. Their carefully built network of fosters is their primary resource. Fosters are a lynchpin.

Fostering is economical: You only have to be rich in love to be a foster. The rescue buys everything you may need–food, medical care, and more–while the dog is staying in your home. This opens the door to many people who can’t afford a pet of their own but want to help.

Fostering is rewarding: Watching a dog go from cowering in the corner of your kitchen, to sprawled out on your favorite fuzzy blanket on the couch watching Netflix is the most rewarding feeling. Being the person who teaches them to trust again, is emotionally fulfilling.

Seeing is believing: It’s never easy seeing how some people mistreat dogs. However, being an active part of the solution brings so much joy and satisfaction. Facilitating an adoption makes your contribution feel more real and rewarding.

You might end up with a new best friend: Sometimes, a foster parent will fall in love with their pup. Instead of watching the dog go to a new home, the dog becomes a permanent fixture in your family–a ‘foster failure.’.