“How could you?”  “Isn’t it so hard?”  These are common things I hear when I tell people I’m a foster for Tri-State Basset Hound Rescue.  I foster because there’s a need for fosters.   For every foster home found, another dog can be removed from a kill shelter or rescued from an abusive or unsustainable situation.  It feels good to know I’m helping save and improve dog lives.  I know that foster homes are an important part of the dog rescue mission. My own dog spent several months in a foster home before I found her through Wags Rescue in Pennsylvania..  That foster mom inspired me and now, years later, I’m proud to call myself a foster mom.  

And yes, it’s been hard to say goodbye to the hounds I’ve grown fond of during their time with me.  But I know they’ve all moved on to good homes, loved by people who have been vetted by the organization I volunteer for.  It makes me happy to know they’ve moved to their FURever homes.

The pros of fostering definitely outweigh the cons and I’d recommend any dog lover consider doing it.  With my first two, the challenges involved some rambunctious puppy behavior and a lack of house training.  Victor has been a bit stubborn on the leash.  And his snoring…whoa!  It’s louder than any snoring I’ve ever heard but thankfully my VoiceOver recording booth is very soundproof!   Despite these negatives, the rewards have been plentiful.  Every dog has provided lots of joy, laughs and snuggles on the couch. photo of Lisa Leonard with foster dog Victor, a basset and beagle mix.

As I type this, my current foster dog, Victor, is napping next to me.  In the 2+ months he’s been here, we have really bonded.  On Wednesday he’ll be moving to his permanent home with a human who will love him and a beagle who will become his new best friend.  When Victor leaves, I know I’ll shed some tears and will miss him a lot, but it’s what I signed up for.  Fostering is a temporary gig.  And after Wednesday I’ll again have room and time to care for another dog in need.  

Between now and adoption day,  I’m cherishing the time I have with Victor.  I’m enjoying the cuddles and giggles that he provides every day.  In exchange, I feed him, walk him, pet him, and reassure him he’s safe and cared for.  Seems a pretty good deal if you ask me.

Wooden art with silhouette of dog. Text reads "Saving one dog will not change the world, but surely for that one dog, the world will change forever."

“Saving one dog will not change the world, but surely for that one dog, the world will change forever.” That’s a quote from Karen Davison, author of  “A Dog’s Guide To Humans.”  

Have you ever rescued or fostered a dog?  Please share in the Comments section.