As a foster, you may be the first person ever—or in a long time-- to show a dog kindness. This is especially the case when you foster a dog coming from an abusive or neglectful situation. How readily and gratefully a dog accepts love is testimony to the resiliency of the specie. This often is the most rewarding aspect of fostering: to see the light once again in the eyes of a forsaken dog.
Fosters provide comfort, safety, and nurturing. Most provide food and bedding. Leash training or house training may be required depending on the dog’s background and age. In order to find your foster’s best home, we need you to tell us about your foster’s development – personality, quirks, and areas needing finessing. We also need good clear photos of your foster and brief videos that show the dog’s personality.
You join our Foster Community linked by Facebook to our 70+ foster homes can provide support and answer your questions, and share anecdotes and the joys of fostering.
Fostering is wonderful for the whole family. Children learn responsibility and selflessness, and they deepen their sense of empathy. Fostering is also a great way to "test out" whether your family is ready for the long-term commitment of adopting.
Fellow fosters in our CrisisDogsNC Foster Facebook Group will help guide you through the experience, offer support, advice, and share stories and the passion for saving dogs.
When the day comes and your foster finds that perfect home, the rewarding feeling you will experience is something very special. It's a mixed sense of emotion. What we hear from our fosters is their sense of pride in a job well done and their joy in seeing their foster move on to a happy life.
DEAR FOSTER MOM:
There I sat, alone and afraid,
You got a call and came right to my aid.
You bundled me up with blankets and love,
And, when I needed it most, you gave me a hug.
I learned that the world was not all that scary and cold,
That sometimes there is someone to have and to hold.
You taught me what love is, you helped me to mend,
You loved me and healed me and became my first friend.
And just when I thought you'd done all you do,
There came along not one new lesson, but two.
First you said, "Sweetheart, you're ready to go,
I've done all I can, and you've learned all I know."
Then you bundled me up with a blanket and kiss,
Along came a new family, they even have kids!
They took me to their home, forever to stay,
At first I thought you sent me away.
Then that second lesson became perfectly clear,
No matter how far, you will always be near.
And so, Foster Mom, you know I've moved on,
I have a new home, with toys and a lawn.
But I'll never forget what I learned that first day,
You never really give your fosters away.
You gave me these thoughts to remember you by,
We may never meet again, and now I know why.
You'll remember I lived with you for a time,
I may not be yours, but you'll always be mine.
