Fostering to mend a broken heart

Ken Ryan of Medina was devastated by the loss of his German shepherd, Tim, who was put to sleep in January after a year-long battle with cancer.

Shortly after Tim’s death, though, Ryan started to research German shepherds.

“I was looking for German shepherds more out of curiosity. I wasn’t really ready for another dog, yet,” Ryan said. “I wanted to see what was out there.”

Ryan’s curiosity led him to a Web site that sparked his interest in the animals even more. The Bright Star German Shepherd Rescue, an organization based in Buffalo, is dedicated to “saving the lives of German shepherd dogs,” according to the group’s Web site. Ryan quickly became involved and is now a German shepherd foster parent.

“I found the Web site, made some phone calls and here I am,” Ryan said.

He is now fostering Sadie, 10, and Lad, who is between 1 and 2 years old.

Since Ryan was not yet ready to own another dog, he said the rescue “is a good way to have another dog, but I wouldn’t be committed.”

Ryan also views his involvement with the rescue as a coping mechanism. Becoming a foster parent was just what he needed to help him get over the loss of Tim, he said.

German shepherd rescue organizations are found across the nation, with the purpose of finding good homes for German shepherds that have been mistreated or abandoned.

“In most cases, there’s really nothing wrong with them. People just don’t want them anymore,” Ryan said. “To me it’s just a wasted life, and some of them are even puppies. It’s a shame they wind up in the situations they’re in, and they don’t have any control over it.”

After growing up with German shepherds and knowing the breed’s strengths, becoming a foster parent to German shepherds was a good fit for Ryan.

“They’re very intelligent and dedicated dogs. They’re loving, caring and they’re a family dog,” he said. “Even the dogs that have had a tough life come around and are very good animals.”

The number of people fostering is growing every day, and with good reason, as there are many advantages to fostering or adopting through the program, Ryan said.

“You get a dog that’s out of its puppy stage, so you already know its issues,” he said. “You really don’t know what you’re getting with a puppy. So there’s a lot of reasons why it’s good to find a dog that’s older and already gone through that puppy stage.”

Fostering or adopting will not only help the dog, but will lead to a positive experience for the owner. “It’s a good thing to know that you’re helping to save a life,” Ryan said.

“It’s really rewarding. I find that people love stories behind their dogs — ‘I rescued it. I saved it."

Reference: www.journal-register.com

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