Want_to_Foster

What is fostering all about?
The purpose of a foster home is to place a rescued dog immediately into a normal family
situation - NOT A KENNEL - as soon as possible. Our dogs may come from a pound or from
the streets; a temporary foster home is the best place for the dogs to adjust to its changed
circumstances and, hopefully, to be adopted.

What is my responsibility
We ask that foster parents keep using the dog’s original name while they are fostering it. If
you decide to adopt the foster, and should you want to change its name, it will be less
confusing to the foster if you use both names for a time. Try to select a new name that
sounds somewhat like the old one.
A foster parent is responsible for the rescued dog’s basic needs such as food and shelter. A
fenced area large enough to allow the foster plenty of room to run and play safely is a must.
Basic health requirements such as shots, spay/neuter (and, if necessary, heartworm
treatment) are paid for by Rescue Group. If the rescue needs veterinary care follow-up, we
will discuss with you any arrangements.

The Perfect Home
Foster homes allow SEDHS to better evaluate a rescue. Because some of our
rescues come from shelters, sometimes we do not know if the dog is house-broken,
likes children, cats and other dogs. The rescued dog may be frightened and
insecure. A foster parent helps us to get to know the rescued dog a little better and,
consequently, the chances of placing it in the Perfect Home increase dramatically!
Fostering is not always an easy task. In fact, it can be quite trying at times! The
foster parent’s patience and understanding is one of the keys to the Rescue’s
success.

Tips for the New Arrival
A Dog’s security depends upon people and places he is familiar with. Having lost
both of these the Dog is apt to be frightened and insecure. It may appear timid or
slightly aggressive or hyper-active. THE WAY YOU INTRODUCE YOUR NEW
DOG TO YOUR PRESENT DOG IS VERY IMPORTANT. A little effort on
your part NOW can mean the difference between success or failure. Remember, all
dogs are territorial, and your present dog considers YOU and your yard and home
as ITS OWN. For this reason it is best to have the new Dog and your present dog
meet in "neutral" territory. Arrange to meet the new Dog away from your house ...
down the block, across the street, or a nearby park. THEN GO FOR A WALK
TOGETHER, both dogs on leashes, of course. Keep walking ... this is not the time
for the dogs to do their ritual sniffing. After a short time (if the walk is going well),
allow them to get acquainted ... then turn around and take them TOGETHER into
the yard. Now your present dog has a "house guest" instead of an intruder! It’s fun
to watch dogs form a new relationship! BE CALM AND BE FAIR. You should
make an effort to be as calm and relaxed as possible. Don’t smother the new
arrival. And remember, YOU HAVE TWO HANDS! One for the old dog and one
for the new. Also, be careful that the children (if any) don’t neglect your first dog
for the excitement of the new arrival.