Are you considering fostering a dog in need, or aren’t ready for a full-time furry friend?
Fostering a dog might be the perfect way to make a difference. Here’s how I fostered a senior dog named Marvin and, with the help of some cute Instagram videos, was able to find him a loving forever home in just three days!
What you will find in this post:
Summary
If you’re ever considering adopting, foster care can be a great way to see if a particular dog (or even having multiple dogs) fits with your lifestyle.
Nina
If you are considering adopting a dog but are still deciding about a long-term commitment, fostering a dog is a great option. I wish I had known about it when I got Chevy.
Most rescues will give you the chance to foster to adopt a dog. This way, you get to know them first, like having a trial before buying 😉
Fostering a dog like Marvin changed my life and taught me a lot about being a dog mom. I realized I could make a difference for shelter dogs. It was easy, fast, and the rescue gave me everything I needed.
Most importantly, we helped Marvin find the perfect forever home! I’ll share my story, answer a few questions about fostering, share the few challenges we faced, and hopefully inspire you to consider fostering a dog yourself.
Chevy, Marvin and Me
My dog, Chevy, is my world. He’s a spoiled big guy, and for most of his life, he’s been the center of attention. When I saw a rescue Intagram post, about an old, sweet little dog named Marvin who desperately needed a foster home, I knew I had to open my heart to him.
Marvin was a scruffy old Chihuahua mix, surrendered to the shelter because his previous family could no longer care for him. His soulful eyes and greying muzzle immediately tugged at my heartstrings.
He wasn’t bouncy like the adorable puppies or energetic like the younger dogs – but something about Marvin said,
“I need a warm bed and some love.”
Senior dogs often get overlooked in shelters. It’s hard to see these older pups living out their golden years in cages, especially when they deserve a cozy home and lots of love. Marvin was no exception. He was thin, a bit timid, and desperately needed a soft place to land.
The rescue brings Marvin home, and while Chevy isn’t exactly thrilled at first, they learn to live together peacefully.
It was hard not to want to adopt Marvin myself – there’s something extra special about those gray muzzles and gentle eyes.
Why did I decide to foster a dog?
I chose to foster a dog instead of adopting for a few reasons:
- Fostering is temporary: I love Chevy, and while I knew he could adjust to another dog, I wasn’t sure if I was ready for the lifetime commitment of another furry friend.
- It’s a way to help more than one dog: Fostering Marvin let me make room in the shelter for another dog in need.
- It’s good practice: If you’re ever considering adopting, foster care can be a great way to see if a particular dog (or even having multiple dogs) fits with your lifestyle.
What does fostering a dog mean?
To “foster” a dog means to provide temporary foster care for dogs in need. Many shelters are overcrowded, and fosters offer dogs a place to stay until they’re adopted. Sometimes this can be for a few days, a few weeks, or even a few months. We had Marvin for 15 days.
Finding My Foster Dog a Home – The Power of Social Media
One thing I wasn’t expecting was how easy it would be to find Marvin a home. The rescue suggested I feature him in short videos on my Instagram stories. It wasn’t about fancy camera work; I just talked about how sweet he was and showed a bit of his goofy personality. And I always tagged the rescue!
People love a heartwarming rescue story! After only three days and three very simple videos, someone reached out – they had fallen in love with Marvin and wanted to adopt him! It was so incredible to witness just how fast social media can make a difference for a dog in need.
Questions You Might Have About Fostering a Dog
Fostering is incredibly rewarding, but a few questions might pop into your head:
How much does it cost to foster a dog?
Thankfully, it’s free or very little! The rescue provided everything I needed for Marvin – food, bowls, a leash, treats, and toys. They also cover all vet bills, so you don’t have to worry about unexpected expenses.
Is fostering a senior dog easy?
Marvin was the easiest dog ever! He was housetrained, didn’t need tons of exercise, and mostly enjoyed naps and head scratches. Most senior dogs are low-energy and happy to relax with their foster parents.
What about dogs with medical needs?
Many dogs entering shelters require some medical attention. The shelter will let you know what you’re getting into, and if you’re comfortable administering medication or taking a dog to regular vet appointments, you can absolutely foster a dog with disabilities.
I have kids/other pets! Can I still foster?
Most definitely! Let the shelter/rescue know about your home situation, and they’ll match you with a dog that’s a good fit. Sometimes a foster dog thrives in a house with other pets or kids; other times, they may need a quieter environment.
Can I return my foster dog?
Yes, you can. Fostering a dog can be challenging, and life happens. Sometimes, we need to make adjustments, and it’s OK if you need to return your foster dog; no questions asked! Always consult with the rescue/shelter before committing to foster.
How to foster a dog
Feeling inspired to give fostering a try? Here’s how to get started:
- Reach out to a local shelter or rescue. Start by visiting their website or giving them a call. They likely have a whole process set up for foster parents.
- Complete an application. Be honest about your experience with dogs, availability, and the type of dog you can take in.
- Attend an orientation (if required). Some shelters provide orientations to go over all the important aspects of fostering.
- Bring your pup home! Get ready to welcome a deserving shelter dog into your life.
If you live near the Miami area, I recommend contacting Pawsitive Beings Rescue or your local shelter.
Challenges of fostering a dog
Honestly, while it’s rewarding, it also taught me valuable lessons:
- Fostering isn’t always easy: I won’t lie – sometimes fostering a dog can be heartbreaking. You become attached, knowing it isn’t your forever. I definitely found myself tearing up when Marvin left.
- Fostering needs careful consideration: Every dog is different. Some take days to settle in, some weeks. Medical needs can arise, and potential anxieties might surface as they come out of their shell. Being aware of your time constraints and emotional bandwidth is essential.
- Being realistic helps: While it would be incredible, not every dog story is an instant Instagram find-a-home miracle. Sometimes, finding a dog their perfect home takes longer. That doesn’t make it any less amazing when it does happen.
Saying goodbye to your foster dog
Saying goodbye to Marvin was bittersweet. Even though I knew helping him find a perfect family was the goal, there’s always that tiny part of you that gets attached. That’s just what happens when you foster a dog – you give a piece of your heart.
But there’s a special term in the fostering world for when people end up keeping their foster dog: “foster fail”! Now, even though the thought crossed my mind momentarily, I knew Marvin was meant for another incredible family. And boy, did he find the perfect one!
You can learn more about fostering a dog in Petfinder.
If you want to know more about fostering a dog or want to share your fostering experience, feel free to comment below!
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