If you have always
wanted to do something about the horrific euthanasia rate at the shelters,
but have not felt you were ready for a dog full time, fostering presents
an opportunity to save lives on an ongoing basis.
The Commitment
Emotional:
It takes a very special person to open their hearts to one of these
dogs, to love and nurture them for a period of time, and then give them
up when their new permanent home is found.
Financial: When
needed HAPPE will continue to provide for the dog’s expenses, including
medical, food, grooming and supplies.
Time: We
ask for a minimum of a two week period. Are you a teacher, a studio
employee, an actor or someone who has time available occasionally? If
you can handle the responsibility of a dog, a few weeks makes a huge
difference.
Foster to Adopt:
If you are a prospective first time dog owner and are not really sure
you’re ready for the responsibility, or have other pets and want
to make sure that the new dog is compatible, a “foster to adopt”
is a great opportunity to share your home without the long term commitment
of a permanent adoption.
Home Check
As with our adoption
process, we also do a home check. If it is a house, we look for a safe
environment such as a fenced yard free of debris and harmful areas.
If you live in an apartment, please remember many dogs, and not just
small ones, do very well in an apartment. However, time does become
a factor for apartment dwellers and fostering should only be considered
if your schedule allows enough time to take the dog out on a regular
schedule.
Emotional Support
& Socialization
We ask that you
give your foster the emotional support necessary to help them transition
through this phase. Often this involves helping to socialize them, making
them feel more secure and good about themselves. In short, we ask that
your foster becomes part of your family.
Personality Observations/Medical
Issues information to us
Help us update your
foster dog’s bib with information such as: Are they housebroken?
OK with cats? Likes other dogs or prefers to be an only dog? The more
we get to know about the rescue through the observations of the foster
parent, the better the chance of a successful forever home.
Help, I’ve
fallen in love!
Fosters have the
“first right of refusal.” We would never accept an application
for a dog who is fostered without first discussing the placement with
their foster.
Congratulate
yourself
It is easy to say
“I want to help” or “I’d like to take them all”
but by taking ONE needy dog into your home, you are making the difference
between life and death. Your commitment creates a space for us to take
another dog out of the shelter. Thank you.
