What It’s Really Like To Foster A Rescue Dog
If you’re like me, you love dogs and want one so badly. But in my small Toronto apartment with no yard, it is not practical. I decided to try fostering a rescue dog during the pandemic since I am home so much more often and thought it would be nice to have a companion on my daily walks. I also thought it would be a good test to see if my boyfriend and I are ready for a dog. Here’s what we’ve learned in slightly less than 48 hours.
It’s way more complicated than you think.
The application process to become a foster is extensive. Online application form (very detailed), three referrals, a virtual interview with home viewing, a signed NDA required for every person living in your home, a separate contract signed for each dog you foster. And that’s all before you even get the dog. Once you have the dog, the goal is to get he or she adopted quickly. This means you have to record details about the dog’s behavior in the adoption agency’s portal, as well as on social, since Instagram is used extensively advertise. It’s important to get an accurate picture of the dog as soon as possible so the adoption agency can put the information up on their website and increase the chances the dog will get adopted.
Don’t expect to sleep much the first night.
Chances are, your rescue dog has been brought from somewhere far away. The travel is very stressful on your dog, and then he or she is placed in your home which is another new place. It’s perfectly normal for your dog to whine and not get settled on the first night. We got super lucky with our foster and she slept great in her crate right away. But this is the exception, not the rule.
Expect accidents
Our foster pup was clearly house trained. She peed and pooed outside before we got her into the house. But she still had accidents. Part of it is definitely her new surroundings and getting used to doing her business in a new environment. But it’s also us getting used to her signals and recognizing when she needs to go. On her first full day at home our foster had two accidents. By the second full day, I was determined to get her into a routine. As soon as I woke up, I took her outside for a pee. I waited a few minutes after we came back inside to feed her and then within 15 minutes, took her back outside. She hadn’t done an evening poo so I wanted to make sure she went outside this morning and we were successful. Do not expect perfection right away. You might get lucky but you probably won’t.
It really does interrupt your life
I know, I know. I thought I knew this was going to happen but now know that I didn’t fully appreciate it. No more sleeping in, someone is depending you to get up and let them outside. You can’t just sit quietly on the couch and watch TV or read — someone is probably going to lay her head in your lap and want cuddles. Someone is watching you all the time; while you cook, while you use the bathroom, while you brush your teeth. For me personally, it’s nice to have something in my life to force me into a routine. But if you already have a very set routine in your home, be aware that your dog is likely not going to mesh with it and you will have to change it up.
It’s incredibly rewarding
These dogs have been given a second chance at life and it’s up to us to give them a really positive start to their new life. It’s a bigger responsibility than I initially appreciated but it feels really good to do something positive for someone else. Our foster pup has given us something focus on and mold our routine to, which is surprisingly refreshing in our pandemic life. She is affectionate, eager to please and very cuddly. We are so happy that we can provide her with a safe home until she finds her forever home.
If you’re interested in fostering or adopting a dog and are located in Toronto, please check out Redemption Paws. There are tons of great resources out there if you are interested in fostering or adopting and I encourage you to adopt, not shop!
