By Janet McAfee
Marie Marcinko, pictured here, has fostered over 160 dogs for Loving All Animals. Many of the animals she fostered were orphan puppies or mothers with young litters. Marie is a huge advocate for pet fostering and hopes to inspire others to join her in this life saving venture. She recently welcomed a homeless mother dog and her litter of 1-week old puppies.
Marie enthusiastically explains, “I love fostering! It fulfills me so much I can’t put it into words. It’s so rewarding to know that I have saved these precious lives. I’m retired and fostering gives me purpose. I wish other seniors would join me in this endeavor. Fostering touches my heart, and I can’t imagine ever giving it up.”
When you open up your heart and home to foster a dog or cat, you are not only saving lives, but you are also providing the love and attention that helps them become adoptable. Fostering “expands the walls of our shelters”. Animals needing fostering come from a variety of situations. Some are in public “open admission” overcrowded shelters. Others need foster homes when their humans become incapacitated or pass away without a plan for them. Some are abandoned strays, starving, thirsty, and frightened.
Pet fostering is the key to the Coachella Valley becoming a “No Kill” community. If you love animals, consider giving fostering a try. What comes to your mind when you consider fostering? Here are some of the myths about fostering, and information about what is actually entailed.
Myth #1: I can’t foster because I already have pets
Fact: While there are a few dogs and cats that don’t care for other animals, most animals do well if provided the proper introduction. Your dog can even help socialize and train the newcomer. Many animals needing fostering have already passed a quarantine period. However, young kittens and puppies may need to be kept separate as they need time to build up their immune systems.
Myth #2: Fostering a pet will cost me money
Fact: The animal welfare organization pays for all veterinary care, including needed vaccinations and spaying or neutering. They will provide you with pet food and needed supplies. Fostering is actually a great way if you want the companionship of a pet but can’t afford the vet bills and other associated costs.
Myth #3: Pets needing foster care are sick or have behavior problems
Fact: While a few need extra nursing care in-home while they recover from illness or injury, the vast majority are healthy animals. They are homeless through no fault of their own. If your foster animal becomes sick, the rescue group or shelter will provide veterinary care. Dogs are assessed before arriving at a foster home. One of the joys of fostering is watching their happy personalities unfold with your loving care. You are not expected to take an animal you cannot handle, and pets needing more training go to experienced fosters. You can specify the size, age, and temperament of the animal you want.
Myth #4: My home or apartment is too small
Fact: It really depends. Some large active dogs may require more space, including a yard. Many small dogs, and all cats, do fine in apartments. For kittens, all you need is an enclosed playpen, or even an extra bathroom.
Myth #5: I don’t have the contacts to get a pet adopted
Fact: While contacts through your friends and family are welcome, the sponsoring organization arranges for adoption “meet and greets”. Through social media websites, a vast number of potential adopters can view the animals.
Myth #6: I can’t commit to months of caring for an animal
Fact: Social media has changed everything. Most rescue animals are adopted very quickly when posted on Petfinder and Adopt-A-Pet, often with multiple individuals wanting them. One woman recently drove across the country to adopt a senior Chihuahua at Loving All Animals after falling in love with her online photo. Fostering typically lasts 1 to 6 weeks. The time is longer for underage puppies and kittens who are nursing or being bottle fed.
Myth #7: Fostering will tie me down
Marie explains, “The first day or two, I stay home to make sure the new dog gets settled and does well with my dogs. After that, I resume my normal activities.” Some foster parents have full time jobs. If another obligation comes up for you, the sponsoring organization can arrange for a substitute foster.
Myth #8: I’m not qualified to foster
Fact: Most foster parents are not skilled animal professionals. They are “regular” people who love animals. Marie states, “There was so much support from the Loving All Animals foster coordinator when I started. I can also consult with an experienced dog trainer when needed”. Most groups provide an orientation and ongoing training.
Myth #9: I will be too sad when they leave to be adopted
Fact: You might be a bit sad to say goodby but think about how sad that animal feels sitting in a shelter kennel after being discarded by its family. Think about how terrified an abandoned animal feels, alone and without food or shelter. Marie explains how she can say goodbye, “I get a little teary, but I know there is another dog waiting that needs me. I get to meet their new family and tell them about their new pet. I get happy updates from the adopters, including Christmas cards. I have photos of over dogs!”
Myth #10: I will want to adopt them all!
Fact: The vast majority of foster parents understand they are part of the animal’s journey, and their role is to prepare it for the forever home. However, it’s happily called a “foster failure” when foster parents adopt their foster pet. After adopting, most continue to foster additional animals because they don’t want to give up this rewarding experience.
If you live in Palm Springs, contact the Palm Springs Animal Shelter at foster@psanimalshelter.org or call (760) 416-5718. The Coachella Valley Animal Campus, our Riverside County shelter in Thousand Palms also needs foster parents, especially for young kittens. To foster for Loving All Animals, contact info@lovingallanimals.org, or call (760) 834-7000. If you take a vacation, we can bring the pup to our Coachella shelter or find another foster home. Thank you for opening up your heart and home to foster a homeless pet. Working together, we can save them all!
