My camera roll is full of videos and pictures of many puppies and dogs who have visited my life. These dogs may be in my backyard or in the den. They might be chasing a ball, or squeaking a toy, or finding the perfect patch of sun to lie down. The puppies are probably rolling all over each other or nipping each other’s ears. There are pictures of sleeping pups and videos of snoring ones.
I cannot adopt another dog right now despite the fact the shelter is overloaded with so many animals. But, I can do the next best thing and foster one! The Aiken County Animal Shelter’s fostering program gives me the benefits of having another dog (loud tail, cute ears, funny noises) without the physical and financial burden.
I have enjoyed fostering for years. It is so rewarding, but on occasion, I may need some help logistically. I recently unlocked the game changer- becoming a “co-foster!” My mother and I both enjoy fostering puppies and dogs, but our schedules may have conflicts with the foster needs. Multiple friends also want to foster, but only for a night or two.
Now, with this setup, we communicate with each other about our available days and nights. The dog may start their week with me. When planned, I drive the dog (and their stuff!) to my mother’s or friend’s. The foster ends their week in another safe home.
Since I have heard many of the same fostering questions, I want to share the basics:
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- All fostering supplies are provided: crate, food, bed, and toys.
- Fostering is short term. You’ll receive a text or email asking for available fosters. Look at your calendar. Can you fit it in for the next 3 nights? A week? Great! No pressure if you are busy – maybe next time?!
- Having a foster is low key. You do not need to implement a training regime. These animals need a safe, soft place to land. Their crate in your quiet(ish) home is perfect.
- When an animal is in your care, you have support of the shelter staff and foster coordinator. I have texted with questions or concerns many, many times.
- You may fall in love. It happens. I remind myself: The foster pups are here to learn about a safe home and build confidence. I am here to love them temporarily, so they can find forever love next.
Co-fostering is win-win for the dog and for both of us fostering. The dog continues to get more comfortable (and, thereby, more adoptable) in a home environment. And, we are both able to enjoy time with a foster dog without changing any of our plans.
Find a friend or a family and say, “let’s try it”. You can share the scheduling load.
Then, at the end of the week, y’all can share loads of sweet pictures and funny videos.
Chat about fostering. Sharing a volunteer task with a friend can be so much fun. These animals desperately need us to work together. Their lives are in our hands
By Shana K Ryberg, Foster Volunteer
