I have been a foster home with ALGBR for 2 ½ years now. We currently have our 80th foster dog living with us. Most of the time we just have one, but sometimes we have a pair, or even a few puppies. One of the things I get told the most is "I don't know how you can do it, I couldn't let them go!"  I wanted to give some insight to why I can do it, and what it means to me.
     Not everything we do in life is easy, and I have found that most of the time, the things that come easy are often forgettable. It's the struggles and triumphs in life that really stick with you. So this is the approach I take to fostering.  I truly care for and bond with each dog that comes through my doors. If you saw me in public with one of my fosters, you wouldn't ever question that the dog wasn't mine, you would see us together and most likely be shocked when you found out they had just arrived 2 days ago. We bond, we love, we trust.
     I feel that the love and trust I give to each foster sets them up to love and trust again. I don't abandon them, I see them onto another life that will complete them. They usually aren't even sad to leave my side, I can send them off with positive energy; they trust me, and I make sure I trust the new hands I put them in.
     I can't even put into words how much it means to me to be a part of completing a family. When someone comes to our rescue looking for the perfect dog, we do our best to find that fit. Having someone enter my home and fall in love with a dog I am fostering is an awe inspiring moment. I usually know right away if this is the right place for them. I am happy to see them go to that family that has been waiting just for them.
     It can be hard to let go, but the act of letting go allows me to open my doors to another soul who needs me.  I often say that I could have adopted a dog 2 ½ years ago, and it would no doubt be a happy dog living in a great home, BUT look at how much more of a difference I have made in so many lives, both human and dog, in that same amount of time. For me, it's worth it.
     I feel that providing a loving environment for as long as it takes, is the best gift I could ever give to these special dogs. I give them my heart and they give back to me ten fold. I feel it is an honor to see that they go to a forever home that will love them as much, if not more than I did in the short time I had them.
     It's about giving back and saving lives, but it isn't a one-sided deal. Even though we give to them, and they take a piece of us when they go, the reward of knowing that you have done right by them makes it all worthwhile.
     If you question whether or not you can do it, why not give it a try? Even if you help just one dog, you have done more than most. You might find that the benefits outweigh the heartache.  I certainly have.
     I have a network of families that I still hear from about my former foster dogs, and the experience they have had with adoption just helps the rescue grow more and more and save more lives. Sometimes if you can just twist the way you see things a little bit, you will see that it's worth a shot. Don't go into thinking it will be too hard, go into believing that you will be saving a life and completing a family. Give it a try, I dare you!