Thanks, Angie! I'm pretty new to the foster program. We've only been doing this since summer. We actually volunteer for a local organization that sponsors dogs at high risk for being euthanized. I've had three dogs out of Downey in Los Angeles and two local dogs that were having a hard time adjusting to shelter life here in the Bay Area. There is a whole network of volunteers involved in this process starting at finding the dogs that are at risk (and that are highly adoptable given the chance,) collecting money to get them out of the shelter, finding a rescue to back the dog (along with a foster home,) transporting them from LA, and then eventually finding them a forever home. I play a very small role in this process--I can't believe how much work goes into this process.
I generally have a dog for 3-5 weeks--since I don't have a dog of my own, I take the ones that are sick (usually kennel cough) which is highly contagious to other dogs. While they are with me, I get them into a routine--potty training, crate training, walking on leash, basic manners and usually getting them neutered or spayed. It's really surprising what a little TLC can do--every one of these dogs have come out of their shell and become a part of the family. It breaks my heart to think of all the dogs that don't get this chance. My husband who was the most dog resistant (after having dogs for years) said that he could have kept every dog we fostered! They are that sweet. That's it in a nutshell.
