Hi all... I am a young woman, who currently owns a young well behaved and social rescue bullie, and I am thinking about becoming Foster parent. My life currently revolves around dogs and the inspiring woman explained we would be housing a young (3mos to 1yr) pup, usually mixes of bullies or labs, and then taking him to all of their different functions to help him find a home. I will deffinitely be asking the advice from the other volunteers here locally as well, however just wanted to get a collection of answers. Mainly does anyone find it difficult to give up the young pups? or Has anyone ever helped to put them through a training program to get them ready for their new homes? Any tips at all would be helpfull... =)

***Edited By: azynda on 6/17/2008 11:48:17 AM***
Reason: x

I foster dogs and it takes tons of patience, time, and effort, but is most certainly worth it! I have 2 other rescue dogs (mixes) and they get along well with all, the first few dogs they were confused when they left, but now they seem to understand that they are permanent and the rest come and go as playmates and friends...they love the playmate part!!
Training is most important...a trained dog is adopted more than 2x as fast as untrained...tricks, obedience, etc all add to how fast. i don't mean taking him/her to classes, but buy a training book/look up online. Obviously you have already trained your dog, so your not new at it!!
Housetraining is huge as well as crate training...big pluses for people looking for dogs.
It is hard to give them up. The longer they stay, the harder it is, but they go to loving homes where people will care for them and love them as much as you do. And now you can open your home to another needy dog. That is what makes it worth it.
Most important part is to love them like they are your own. It is hard when they get adopted (I take in special needs fosters and when they get adopted, many of us cry because we have had them so long and are so happy for them!), but is well worth it knowing you are saving a dog's life!
Many thanks for thinking of fostering. It is truly a wonderful experience!! :)

thank you for the advice... I really look forward to helping out =)

some things to have clear before starting. Who pays for food, vet care. How are emergencies handled? Will you have a number to call for permission to vet.

Will you have any say in the adoption? Will you have first refusal? How long are you expected to keep a foster? Is there a limit? If so, what happens to the dog if it doesn't get adopted?

Do you agree with their adoption policies? Euthanasia policies? Do they have a foster agreement that you will be signing?

Since you will be getting them very young, is there someone home all day to housebreak a puppy

Good questions SueBgone...
The only one's I do know are:
Their is no euthanasia (it is an outside volunteer organization)
also I have the opportunity to take dogs to work with me.
i pay for food and they pay for vet care, through donations.
But I will check into thier adoption policies and time periods. Thank you =)

***Edited By: azynda on 6/17/2008 11:47:04 AM***
Reason: x