Fostering for GSGSR

GSGSR does not have a kennel or a central location where we can house dogs until we find their new forever homes. Instead, we have foster families who are an integral part of our organization. Foster homes are individuals or families who have agreed to open their hearts and their home to provide a safe and loving environment for these dogs until a permanent home can be found. Some of our foster homes have children; most have other dogs or pets. If you love dogs, fostering is one of the most satisfying and rewarding experiences you can have as it enables you to directly impact a homeless dog's life. While your foster German Shepherd is living with you, you are their family and they are your pet. Please consider opening your home to a needy German Shepherd. Fostering is a wonderful opportunity for you to make a difference in the lives of these homeless dog! Please read through the following section for more information about Fostering: Where do homeless German Shepherds come from? Most German Shepherds in our rescue come from shelters. They may be strays whose owners can't be found, or they have been relinquished by owners. Changing lifestyles and lack of responsibility are just a couple of the countless reasons German Shepherds end up in shelters. On very rare occasions, we will also take a dog into rescue directly from an owner. Why do German Shepherds need foster care? German Shepherds usually do not do well in shelter environments. Having them come into foster care, where they can be assessed and receive love and care while waiting for their forever home improves the chances for a successful adoption. What is expected to happen during fostering? Foster homes provide food, treats, love and attention for homeless German Shepherds. The foster parent evaluates the emotional stability, attitude towards adults and children and other animals. They provide socialization and basic training, and take note of any issues that arise. We expect that foster dogs be treated as part of your family. Safe places to sleep, eat, rest and play are essential. What is the foster process? After the dog has passed our temperament evaluation, the Intake Coordinator will schedule a time for the foster dog to meet the foster family's dogs. This will most likely take place at the shelter. Foster parents then take the dog to a GSGSR designated veterinarian where they will receive an exam as well as any needed vaccinations and medications. An appointment for the dogs spay/neuter will be made at that time if it is needed. We require that all dogs stay in foster care for a minimum of 3 weeks. During that time the foster parents are expected to assess the dog and submit a foster home report. Foster parents work with the Adoption Coordinator to recommend appropriate placement in permanent homes. When a match has been made with potential adopters, the foster parents have the adopters complete the appropriate paperwork prior to taking the dog home. How much notice will I receive when a foster home is needed? Rescue can be unpredictable so it is helpful for foster families to be flexible and available as much as possible. The foster family will be contacted when we receive word of a homeless GSD in need of foster care that will be a good fit in their home. What are the costs associated with fostering? GSGSR pays for all approved veterinary expenses, including vaccinations, spay/neuter, heartworm and flea preventative. We work with vets who offer reduced rates. We will provide a good quality dry dog food and will loan foster families a crate if necessary. The most important thing a foster family provides is LOVE! What kind of problems can I expect? In most cases, the dogs that come in are happy and healthy. These dogs generally do not present any problems. They will many times be nervous or a bit restless for the first few days/nights, as they do not understand what is happening. They usually settle in within the first few nights. Some dogs take a little longer. An occasional accident can occur during the first few days. This may happen until you are able to understand that particular dog's signs that they need to relieve themselves, and until they get used to the routine in your home. These initial accidents do not indicate a lack of housetraining, but are a clear reminder of how confused and/or stressful these dogs can be during this transition. In some cases, maybe they are not sure what door to go to, or even where the door is. A crate can be a welcome and safe place for all parties involved. What about problem dogs? We occasionally get in a dog that needs some very special help. He/she may have been living outside or have spent too much time in a crate and haven't yet learned the house rules. Sometimes we will get in a dog that has not been trained properly. Some dogs have never been socialized properly, and are shy or fearful of objects or strangers. All of these problems are directly related to their prior lifestyle, and not the fault of the dog. We need foster homes for these dogs too. We have resources to help you help these dogs as well. With your help, and with gentle and loving guidance, these dogs can go on to live normal well-adjusted lives. If you feel that you are prepared to take on one of these bigger challenges, please talk to our Foster Home Coordinator. What if I love my foster dog too much to allow his/her adoption? Foster families are given first priority for adoption of their foster dog. What happens if I go on vacation while I have a foster GSD? If you will be away from home while you are fostering, we will make arrangements to have your foster cared for in an alternate foster home while you are away. How long will my foster dog be in foster care? Every GSD is different and many factors affect a dog's adoptability, including: age, temperament, appearance and time of year. We require that dogs stay in foster care for a minimum of 3 weeks. What if problems occur with the foster dog? GSGSR does not abandon its foster families and is committed to providing guidance throughout fostering experiences. I'm interested in being a foster parent. What do I do next? Complete and submit our volunteer application including the Foster Home section. After you submit your completed application, our Volunteer Coordinator will contact your veterinary and personal references and when that has been completed, you will be contacted for a home visit. If everything works out, you will be required to sign our Foster Home Agreement. You are then ready for your first foster experience. If you have additional questions about fostering with GSGSR, contact our volunteer coordinators at volunteer@gsgsr.org

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