by Michael Hylton, Adoption Support Team 

 

Until four years ago, I never thought about fostering.  Then we adopted a rescue dog, named Radar (Ray).  Ray was roaming the streets at six months and likely would not have survived if not for some dedicated volunteers.  My wife wanted to give back to show our appreciation and gratefulness for their saving Ray's life.  "OK," I thought,  "sounds good to me.  He has become a 'Ray of Sunshine' in our life!"  So we began to volunteer for the rescue and before you knew it we became fosters.
 
"OK.  What's that mean?," I asked Debby.  She told me basically we would be a temporary home for a dog in need, until the rescue was able to locate a "Forever Home."  I knew what that meant...Hi Fido!  Welcome to your forever home!!!  Not interested.
 
Debby promised not to be a FF-"Foster Failure," where we just keep the dog.  She did quite a lot of research and learned just what it took to be a successful foster, not a "foster failure."  She told me about the need and I read all about the foster-model and she quickly convinced me to give it a try.
 
Our first foster dog was named Triscuit.  Triscuit turned out to be pretty darn awesome.  I was reconsidering this whole FF thing!  I mean after all "Foster Failure" is pretty harsh term, I thought.  Why not FF-"Foster Found," as in foster found exactly what he was looking for!  Certainly Triscuit would be happy here with us!  Plus, how could providing a warm loving home to a dog-in-need be a failure?
 
Debby remained grounded for me and, although she loved Triscuit too, she gently explained to me that if we kept Triscuit we wouldn't be able to help any other doggies in need.  I agreed and we found Triscuit a home. AND boy oh boy, did he hit the jackpot...an estate in the hills of Westlake with cooked premium-hamburger for breakfast and his own E-Z lounge chair!  I almost wished I was the one being adopted...smiles.  
 
So, personally, while I don't think there are any "foster failures," I do understand that the greatest benefit can be realized by helping as many pups as possible.
 
Fostering is a terrific option for volunteering, but you do need to be very, very careful to decide up front WHY you are fostering in the first place.
 
Do you want another dog?  OK, great!  Then you know going in you are looking for a Foster-to-Adopt situation.
 
Do you want to help as many orphan dogs find a warm, loving Forever Homes as is possible?  OK, awesome!  Then you need to know going in that your mission is to help multiple dogs find multiple homes.  Now be ready for the really heroic part---parting. It's by making your decision before you begin fostering that you can head-off one of the most difficult challenges in fostering...letting the dog go, not an easy task.
 
It's impossible not to get emotionally attached to your foster.  You wouldn't be reading this newsletter if you didn't care about dogs.  So, it's only natural that such a caring person will become emotionally invested in saving a life.  And that is precisely what you are doing when you take on the challenge of being a foster.  You are saving a dog's life and you are nurturing, loving, and preparing that dog to be adoptable into a forever home.
 
That is the Joy, the Benefit, the Satisfaction you can get from being a foster to an orphan dog in need of some love and guidance until they become forever members of families with whom they can share their lives.
 
Are you ready to be a hero?
 

We are pleased to announce some new classes for the early Fall schedule:

 

Pre-Pet Therapy - Has your dog already mastered the basic skills, but perhaps isn't quite ready or old enough to join the pet therapy class?  Our new Pre-Pet Therapy class is designed for dogs 9 months and older who have either already completed Pet Dog Manners, Puppy Manners or the equivalent.  The first class starts Saturday morning, August 15.

 

Introduction to Agility for K9 Kids/Teens or Adults -  Su Tu, a CPDT who competes in agility will be instructing this fast paced and fun class.  The class will cover targeting, motivational games,  directionals,  jumps, tunnels, table, weave poles, and more. Both the kid and adult classes start Tuesday evening, September 8.

Fun and Games - Are you looking for a fun activity you can do with your dog?  Instructor Jenny Kerwick will help you and your dog explore the sports of agility and rally.  The class will also include two weeks of games.  Prior enrollment in Puppy or Pet Dog Manners Class required.  Class starts Wednesday evening, September 16.

 

Our Puppy Manners, Pet Dog Manners and Pet Therapy classes are also now enrolling for the mid-August/early September time frame.  Since class sizes are kept small, some classes have been selling out, so don't wait too long to enroll.  

 

Puppy Manners - Classes start Thursday evening, August 13, Wednesday evening, September 16 and Saturday morning, August 15.

 

Pet Dog Manners - New this Fall, most classes will now feature a mini multi-media presentation.  These mini lessons will cover topics such as food and nutrition, dog body language, leadership and other dog training concepts.  All the basics:  sit, down, leash walking, leave it, drop it, greetings, stay and basic tricks will be covered.  Classes start Thursday, August 13 and Saturday, August 15.

 

Pet Therapy - Instructor Debi Krakar, a Delta Society Pet Partner evaluator and CPDT will help you prepare for volunteer opportunites in hospitals, nursing homes, schools and libraries.  Classes start Tuesday morning, September 8 and Monday evenings, September 14.

 

Fees from our training classes allow us to continue our rescue, pet therapy and children's programs.  Thank you for supporting our efforts.  For more information and to register, please see our website at AustinDogAlliance.org or call the Training Center at 335-7100.