Fostering is not just for kids!

To find out more about fostering in your state, please visit www.caninefostercare.org.au.

Many larger animal shelters run a foster program, as do smaller groups such as Melbourne Dog Rescue and Rigbys Rescue.

Perhaps you are only in Victoria for six months, intend to travel, have a baby in a year or two, not want a permanant commitment for many years, or are not sure of what kind of dog you would like as a permanant companion.

Or perhaps you're elderly and concerned what may happen to a dog if you move to a different living situation.

Fostering may provide the answer.

Many dogs end up in pounds through no fault of their own. Their owner may not be able to keep them any longer due to changed circumstances; they may have been lost and not located; or they may have simply been not wanted.

Unfortunately many people in our community regard dogs and cats as disposable items. Some of these dogs are happy and friendly and untouched by their experiences. Some become timid and insecure. Most are toilet trained. Some are not.

When you foster for an organisation such as Melbourne Dog Rescue or Rigbys Rescue, they supply 24-hour support and if for any reason their is a problem with that dog not fitting in you household, they will give you complete backup.

All vet bills and extra expenses are paid for by these rescue groups.

Generally fosterers provide food for the dog and give it TLC in a home environment.

They then advise the group on the personality of the dog, the good points and any negative ones; and the rescue group and then match the dog to the right adopter.

Fostering can be an incredibly rewarding experience - to see the look of trust and growing confidence in a dog that has been rescued from death row, and to watch it go to a person who will love and care for it.

An advantage of working with these smaller rescue groups as a fosterer is that they allow you, the fosterer, a large imput into where the dog in your care goes.

There is no pressure on you to hand your foster dog on to the first person who wants the the dog, if they are not the right adopter for that dog.

You know the dog, and your opinion will be respected. These rescue organisations aim to send their dogs to a home for a lifetime.

To contact Melbourne Dog Rescue email  or phone Emma on 0420 945 725.
To contact Rigbys Rescue please email  or phone 0400 590 499.

Reference: www.starnewsgroup.com.au - - - (Information provided by the Victorian Dog Rescue and Resource Group)

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