Fostering

Box Boys · #1 01-01-2009, 01:19 PM

I filled out my application to foster boxers here in my area. If anyone has any advise, that will be appreciated. I think this organization right now has two males that need fostering. We'll see what happens. Not sure how long the application process takes...keep your fingers crossed!

EAO76 · #2 01-01-2009, 02:57 PM

We foster. It’s very rewarding. My advice is to let the 1st one go. Many people fall into the trap of adopting their 1st foster and then they stop fostering. Letting the 1st one go is the hardest. After that you’ll get the hang of saying goodbye. It’s always bitter sweet! But I have kept in touch with all my foster dogs & their new families. It’s great fun to get happy updates and Christmas pictures.

Good Luck!

Box Boys · #3 01-01-2009, 07:45 PM

I guess that you only foster until they find their forever home, correct? I guess it ranges from dog to dog how long that process takes. And, I'm assuming if you have a sick boxer or one that needs more work, that the process is longer.

aeroeck · #4 01-01-2009, 09:47 PM

Sarah and I are currently fostering our first boxer. She was set to be put down at a kill shelter if she wasn't saved. The rescue we are working with had no room in their kennels, and we offered to help her out! She was severely underweight, and looks like she just had some pups. She is a beautiful, smart little girl. We have had her for just under a week now, and her and Presley are starting to get to know each other.

She is very possessive, so when she has a toy we learned to keep them separated. Does anyone know of a way to work this out? Presley always wants to play with her, but she gets into attack mode when Presley is just bouncing around for some fun!

jmurphy · #5 01-02-2009, 08:23 AM

First let me say thank you and congatulations. Fostering can be hard but is very rewarding. I actually just picked up me third foster dog three days ago. The advise about letting the first one go is right. I was so attatched to her I cried like a baby. However if you don't let them go you can't continue to help more. Hopefully you will be fostering with a good rescue agency. Their support is very important. Good luck!!!

Box Boys · #6 01-02-2009, 07:56 PM

Until I read the first response on letting the first fostered boxer go, I hadn't even considered how hard that is going to be. But you're right...it is the only way to keep being in a position to help more boxers in need.

djheitz · #7 01-03-2009, 09:50 PM

Beware foster #2 as well...that's how we ended up with Turbo!

I've been fostering since September and am on #4. My only advice is to think of yourself as the caregiver waiting for the family to claim the dog. And don't let your spouse pick any up frm the shelter or kennel. DH tells everyone about the ride home with Turbo and how he 'knew' he'd be staying with us.

Box Boys · #8 01-04-2009, 01:57 PM

Thanks for the tip!

No spouse to worry about...there's a relief.

I'll have to be diligent about telling myself I'm just the caregiver because I know I will fall in love with them all.

Box Boys · #9 01-16-2009, 04:53 PM

Looks like my application can't be completed until Buster's neutering appointment (2/3/09). I guess that's a good thing and best for all concerned to make sure the fostered boxers go to a home where they can't multiply.

I'm so excited to be doing this...but it's so frustrating because this particular organization has so many boxers that need fosters right now. So my hands are tied until early February.