Whenever I talk to someone about my experiences fostering dogs, there's one inevitable question that's sure to follow; "Isn't it hard to give up your dog?" The corollary is the statement, "Once I brought a dog into my home, I could never give him up!" The answer is - of course it's hard. The reason I take on these fosters is because I love dogs. Each dog I've fostered has touched my heart in his or her own way. When I am successful in placing them in their forever home, it's a very bittersweet experience. I'm truly glad that my dog has found a good home, I'm happy the new owner is getting such a terrific pet, and I'm sad that this dog will no longer be a part of my life and our family. I cry every single time I have to say goodbye, but the rewards of fostering truly outweigh these pangs of sadness.
One of my friends in reTails described the foster experience as finding "diamond-in-the-rough dogs" and transforming them into wonderful pets. These are the dogs who aren't likely to be adopted from a shelter. They're frightened, confused, overwhelmed, cooped up, and their reaction to this bewildering environment may cause potential adoptive families to shy away from them. And animals who have trouble finding homes don't usually have a very bright future. Eash foster dog requires a substantial investment of time and attention. In many cases they need to learn basic obedience skills. They often have some behavioral problems due to their past experience that would hinder their ability to be adopted. After sometimes spending weeks in a shelter, they crave attention. Most of all, they just need love.
It is immensely gratifying to see their transformation over the weeks we're together. To see the shy little dog who was afraid of people begin to approach people at the park and eventually allow strangers to pet him. To see the dog labeled as "too hyper" become calm and attentive once given regular exercise. Watching a dog that had been totally undisciplined sit calmly and wait to be released before diving into her food bowl. Seeing a dog learn how to enjoy playing and socializing with other dogs. The fulfillment in see that spark of understanding flicker in their eyes when they learn a new command. There's so much joy in watching them blossom into a great pet!
The easiest thing in the world for me to do would be keep my foster dog. We develop a close bond during our time together. You have only to look into the eyes of your dog to understand complete and utter adoration and devotion. Every time I watch my foster dog looking back at me as he's being led away by his new owner, I want nothing more than to rush after them and say I've changed my mind. However, my situation is such that I can't have more than 2 dogs and be a responsible pet owner. I already have one dog and trust me, I'd give up a limb before I gave up Bubba. So, if I were to keep my foster dog, then I would have been able to save one dog in need. And that's a noble thing. But by placing my foster dog into a loving adoptive home, I have the opportunity to make a difference in the life of another dog and another family.
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