As I promised, or some of you may say threatened, I’m writing again. Here is the list I came up with as to why fostering animals helps the humans in the family as well as the pets:

1. Are you or someone you know looking for a dog or puppy, but you aren’t sure you have the time? Maybe what appeals about renting a dog is that it is only for a day or two at a time.

Why don’t you foster for a foster family? Take a rescue dog for a day or a weekend when a regular foster family needs to go out of town for a couple of days?

2. Will the kids be able to give up a dog once we’ve had it in the family?

Okay, anyone can put anything in a positive light – if they try hard enough or get corny enough. But this isn’t one of those “anythings”. Fostering helps the pet and the family. You can educate yourselves on the different breeds or mixed breed traits as you foster different dogs. It will help you discover the right dog for you when the time comes. You can test the waters to see if the kids are responsible enough for a pet. You can see if there is time in your routine for a dog – you may think there is but this gives you the chance to be sure. You may be surprised to find out you are much happier with a one or two year old dog that is housebroken, knows a few commands and has calmed down from it’s puppy stage. And the kids get to learn so many layers of kindness – taking care of an orphan dog or puppy, responsibility, and even giving up their new friend to make another family happy.

When you give a puppy or dog to a new home, you make new friends. You can stay in touch and watch the successful adoption grow.

3. “What if we get a dog that doesn’t fit with our family?”

If you’re working with a responsible rescue group, they will unhesitatingly take back any pet that doesn’t work out in a foster family, document what didn’t work (maybe that particular dog doesn’t like cats) , and find another foster family (one without cats).

4. What if we get stuck with a dog no one wants to adopt?

You’re never “stuck with a dog” from a responsible rescue group. But most of the dogs find homes surprisingly fast. Often that is thanks to the foster family who helps socialize them, plays with them and teaches them to trust people.

5. “I don’t know these dogs – what if they’re dangerous?”

There are so many wonderful, gentle, playful dogs and puppies that need foster families and forever homes, you can always get the pet that fits best with you as the foster family. Temperment testing is done when dogs and puppies are taken from the shelters. And there are foster families that have experience with the shier, fearful, etc. dogs and they are the families that will take those dogs and socialize them for new homes.

So, if you’re thinking about renting a dog or bringing a dog into your family, why not consider fostering? The important thing is to choose a responsible rescue group to associate yourself with. PAWS is a responsible, realistic, non-profit group. There are lots of them out there. The bus is still on the job. So come along for the ride and bring your friends.