Whenever I meet new clients and their pets, I am always thrilled to learn as much as I can about the pets age, medical history, general disposition, any special quirks, as well as their daily routine.  I’m equally excited when I hear the pet is a “rescue”.  This typically means that the pet was formerly residing in a shelter, or foster home.  With an overwhelming volume of pets being surrendered to shelters, it is heartening to know that there are a growing number of rescue groups partnering with shelters to find these pets homes.

Some shelters are able to fund and operate their own foster program, which is a great way to expand their sheltering capabilities. The Alexandria Animal Welfare League, who operates the city-owned Vola Lawson Animal Shelter, recently introduced a volunteer foster program. There is an application and screening process and once enrolled, foster caregivers are trained to care for animals in their homes, with the goal of returning healthy and well socialized animals for adoption.

 I spoke to  Diann Hohenthaner, Foster Program Coordinator, who explained the animals that benefit most from a foster situation are those considered at-risk; under-age, under-weight, under-socialized or recovering from a medical procedure.  When asked what potential foster moms and dads can do to prevent themselves from getting too attached, Diane’s response was nothing.  She explained how important it is for foster parents to get attached to the animals they are caring for, so they really get to know them and can be as attentive and diligent as possible.  One of the Leagues goals is to recruit 50 or more potential families. That way they can draw from a pool of volunteers and make the best match depending on the animal’s specific need and the volunteer’s availability.
 
Many rescue groups do not have an actual building to house animals and so rely 100% on foster homes. Lucky Dog Animal Rescue is an all-volunteer, non-profit animal rescue organization dedicated to saving the lives of homeless animals.  Most Lucky Dogs come from high-kill shelters in Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. They work with shelter partners in low-income and rural areas where hundreds of highly-adoptable dogs are euthanized each month due to over-population problems, lack of spay/neuter education and inadequate funding. Lucky Dogs live in foster homes throughout the Washington, DC area, including Maryland and Northern Virginia.

I talked to  Mirah A. Horowitz, Executive Director of Lucky Dog Animal Rescue about their foster program.  She said that as well as being a very rewarding experience, fostering is a great way to test the waters to see if you are ready for the commitment of a dog.  When asked what makes a good foster parent she said, a willingness to roll with the punches and be flexible.  There are currently between 40-60 dogs in foster homes and many more waiting. Lucky dog has an application and screening process which includes a phone interview, a vet reference and if you are a renter, checking with the landlord to ensure that pets are allowed. There is ongoing training and each foster parent is required to attend at least two adoption events a month.

I contacted a couple of Lucky dog foster moms to hear what they had to say:

To know you've helped these dogs just a little makes all the difference, especially when you get them right off of a transport van. They are shell shocked, scared, tired from the long drive. You bring them home, give them a bath, a big bowl of food and they are yours! They just love being in a warm house and having someone give them that attention they've been missing. 
Kim, Old Town Alexandria.

I have contemplated keeping every dog I've fostered because I just can't help loving them all.  But, there is nothing like the feeling you get when a person comes along who is “that dog's person”.  I had one foster whose mom and dad stopped dead in their tracks when they saw her, and could not be parted from her.  I watched them fall completely in love with her in the
space of a few seconds.  When I dropped the dog off at her new home, I could see what a wonderful, love-filled life she was going to have, and it it gave me a moment of perfect happiness.  Nichole, Del Ray, Alexandria
 

Tina Leone, President & CEO of Alexandria Chamber of Commerce is currently fostering her 4th Brittany, Maverick, for American Brittany Rescue.  He is a sweet and loving one year old who is still a little unsure of himself.  When asked why she does it, she answered without pause: “ It's knowing that you have saved a life”. She added, “Having two other dogs really helps a foster dog get better prepared for their forever home, it’s the power of the pack” she laughed.  

If you think you have what it takes to be a foster parent; a big heart, some free time and the ability to be flexible, contact your local shelter or rescue group.  Fostering is a life-saving and rewarding experience – Try it!

Local resources:

The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria  
alexandriaanimals.org/~awla/volunteer.cfm

Lucky Dog Animal Rescue 
luckydoganimalrescue.org/volunteer/foster

King Street Cats 
kingstreetcats.org      

Last Chance Animal Rescue Inc. 
 http://www.lastchanceanimalrescue.org/

Sue manages the Alexandria Office of Doggywalker.com located in Old town. Doggywalker.com is a professional pet-sitting company providing daily walks and customized in-home pet care. Celebrating 10 years in business, visit Doggywalker.com or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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