From the unborn to the elder, hundreds of dogs are facing the same fate weekly due to shelter overpopulation and abandonment; euthanasia.
Even with the multitude of rescue groups tirelessly trudging through unwanted pets, the need for foster homes and funds continues to rise. As some groups are turning their focus to educational and rehabilitative efforts on the part of the dog owners, the desired effect is slow coming in this new concept to avoid abandonment and surrenders.
Aside from the obvious that a life is being saved, there are other benefits that foster families also reap.
- Families with children are helping their kids form important life skills such as compassion and responsibility
- Caring for a dog that relies on your nurture, watching it thrive, and being not only witness to, but a part of the happy ending is a very rewarding an humbling experience
- Taking on a foster dog from a reputable organization is leading by selfless example in the community
For years, animal welfare activists have pushed for stronger punishments on animal abusers and fought for the opportunity to give second chances to mistreated dogs. With puppy mills being illegal and now raided regularly and with laws such as Susie’s Law being implemented, more abused and neglected animals are being removed from their unhealthy environments.
Sometimes, puppy mill raids result in hundreds of homeless animals. Where do all of these animals go?
Rescues rely on the public to lend a hand in fostering so that once an animal is freed of its former neglected life, it can have a second chance at a normal life with a family. Without foster homes, those second chances are not granted.
What can you do?
Start asking questions. Could you potentially become a foster parent? What is typically required of the parent? Is it expensive? How long do I have to commit for? Can I choose what type of animal I want to foster? How do organizations get their dogs adopted? These are common questions with simple answers that can relieve a lot of concern new foster parents may face.
Want to learn more? Email firstname.lastname@example.org for answers to your fostering questions and find out how you can get involved. Find out what type of animal may be the right match for your foster environment. Can't foster? Find out how you can still help foster animals.