Foster: Before You Foster

Without foster homes, we could not accomplish anything at Stray from the Heart, and we never have enough. Webster's Collegiate Dictionary defines the word "FOSTER" as this: "affording, receiving, or sharing nurture or parental care though not related by blood or legal ties." Something to think about.. not only will you be nurturing, but you will "share" that nurture, by getting it back from your charge a thousand fold. These animals need doors that will open wide for them and guardians that will "share" the love that they so desperately long for but may have never known. Someone that can help them adjust and cope and LEARN that life can be full of joy and happiness.... prepare them for that special "forever" home that they are one step away from finding. You can be a part of this magical time for them. You can be that special someone! What exactly is "fostering"? Why foster? How does fostering help? How do I become a foster parent? What would I be expected to do as a foster parent? Would I be responsible for my foster's vet expenses? What if I find somebody to adopt my foster? What exactly is "fostering" a pet? Foster parents are those amazing souls that agree to take animals into their homes and care for them as if they were their own, until they can be adopted to new "forever" homes. At the least, this involves feeding, cleaning, grooming, and playing with the animals. Sometimes, however, that's just the tip of the iceberg for fosters. Because some rescued animals are sick, stressed, or frightened, they may require special care. A frightened or abused animal may require extra attention and behavioral modification to become ready for adoption. So why in the world would any sane human being volunteer to be a foster parent? Because it's extremely rewarding and a tremendous amount of fun!! There isn't much more fulfilling than to watch a shy, abused animal blossom around people who love them and there is a special joy in sending a pet to a wonderful new family who have been looking long and hard for that special best friend to love. Why foster? Stray from the Heart relies solely on volunteer foster parents to care for our rescued dogs. These wonderful volunteers provide for their fosters as if they were their own, often administering medication and emotional TLC to help them recover from the fallout of their hard lives. Why would anyone want to take on responsibility for a pet that they will ultimately be giving away to another? Well, there are a few reasons: Many fosters are animal lovers stepping forward to "do the right thing". They know that there are many abused, neglected and homeless animals that they see on the streets every so often, and many times have passed right on by, out there that are in dire need of warmth, love and companionship. Well, here is where they can help make a difference. People who choose to foster do so because they know that these animals face a death sentence at the city shelters, that no-kill shelters are almost always overcrowded and don't always take in traumatized and ill animals and that private rescue groups' resources are always stretched to the max. They do it because they know that there's the right family out there for every animal. They are making the difference, every minute and every day, in the life of an innocent soul and a few months of inconvenience easily turns into a rewarding experience they will never forget. Some people who cannot have a full-time pet of their own due to frequent travel enjoy having a "temporary" pet for a few weeks or months. Finally, there are those who foster because they are interested in adopting a and want to"lease with an option to buy". There's no better way to find the right addition to your family than by fostering a new friend and getting to know them first. Fostering is challenging, fun and rewarding. If you love animals, and have the space and time to open your heart to a foster animal, you will find it immeasurably fulfilling. There are few acts more heart-warming than helping to save the life of somebody in need. How does fostering help? Fostering helps by providing temporary care for animals which have not yet found that perfect "forever" home and those not yet ready for adoption. Fostering can provide socialization and training, as well as security and confidence to an animal that may have had previous traumas that left him without those basics. Fostering can help an animal really get a glimpse as to what joy life can truly bring. How do I become a foster parent? Becoming a Foster Parent is very simple. First, an application form must be filled out. The form can be obtained online as well as from a foster counselor. The application form is used to locate an appropriate home for each of our Strays. The form may be considered long, but every question is necessary to determine who is right for you. It is important to list what you would or would not foster. The next step to the process is a home inspection. Once the application is complete, a foster counselor will contact you to set up an appointment for a home inspection. This involves observing where the animals will be kept, going over the guidelines of Stray from the Heart and answering any questions that you may have. Once this is complete, you are on your way to fostering one of our very special Strays! If there is no animal at that time that fits, your name will be added to our foster parent list. Once an animal becomes available, you will be contacted by Stray from the Heart. If you are available at that time, arrangements will be made. If you cannot take the animal at the time of the call, then your name will return to the list for the next time. What would I be expected to do as a foster parent? Provide a clean nurturing home for your charge, pending adoption. Feed, clean, groom and LOVE your foster. (note: Food and other supplies can be provided if requested.) Give medication (if you agree to this kind of foster). We teach the inexperienced! Would I be responsible for my foster's vet expenses? No. Not unless you wanted to and were able to help in that respect. Remember, we are always in need of donations. What if I find somebody to adopt my foster? You are not required to find the animal a new home. All foster animals are placed for adoption through Stray from the Heart's adoption process. The information that you provide us upon the animal's return will assist us in a successful adoption. However, if you have a person that is seriously interested in adopting the animal, please refer them to our adoption staff. Your foster can only be adopted though Stray from the Heart.