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THINKING OF FOSTERING?
Fostering is a wonderful and rewarding experience!
The Reason
(to you from all your rescue dogs)
I would've died that day if not for you.
I would've given up on life if not for your kind eyes.
I would've used my teeth in fear if not for your gentle hands.
I would have left this life believing that all humans don't care
Believing there is no such thing as fur that isn't matted
skin that isn't flea bitten
good food and enough of it
beds to sleep on
someone to love me
to show me I deserve love just because I exist.
Your kind eyes, your loving smile, your gentle hands
Your big heart saved me...
You saved me from the terror of the pound,
Soothing away the memories of my old life.
You have taught me what it means to be loved.
I have seen you do the same for other dogs like me.
I have heard you ask yourself in times of despair
Why you do it
When there is no more money, no more room, no more homes
You open your heart a little bigger, stretch the money a little tighter
Make just a little more room...to save one more like me.
I tell you with the gratitude and love that shines in my eyes
In the best way I know how
Reminding you why you go on trying.
What is a foster parent?
A pet foster parent provides in-home care for a dog or cat until they can be adopted. Fostering requires someone who can provide a nurturing home for dog or cat, bond with them, and help socialize them until a permanent, loving, home can be found. Sometimes the foster home is the first stable and loving environment the dogs have ever experienced. The foster home also helps us evaluate the animal so we can provide as much information as possible to help us place them in the right adoptive home. The time involved is usually between 2 weeks and two months.
What does it cost me?
All you need to provide is love, safety, and security! TreeTops covers all the dog/pups medical care and will pay for food, toys, crates, and leashes as needed. Everything is provided.
I already own a dog and/or a cat. Can I still foster? It is actually helpful if you have other pets since we can evaluate the foster animal with other animals. In addition, many animals enjoy the company of a foster pet, and having a "pack" to belong to, often helps the rescue animal adjust faster. But before you bring a foster animal home, consult with your veterinarian to make sure your own pets are up-to-date on their vaccinations.
We know what you are thinking ....
Oh, I could NEVER do that! I could NEVER give up a cat or dog! Well, we know how you feel, because we all felt the same. Yes, we want to keep them all, and some are harder to give up then others. But the joy of helping a neglected, abused, or simply unwanted animal turn into a happy and healthy one, and watching when they find that special someone who will love and adore them for the rest of their life, is priceless. Admittedly, it is not painless, you do cry, and you miss them. Then the pain fades because your new dog or cat arrives from the shelter and it needs YOU!. The pain is fleeting compared to the wonderful feeling of knowing that YOU truly helped save a wonderful animal's life. We keep in mind that adopting an animal saves only one life- but fostering saves many, one at a time, over and over and over again, with every one taken in. And as long as we're able to, we'll keep doing it, helping save one at a time.
A Poem to My Foster Dog
A POEM TO MY FOSTER DOG
BY Diane Morgan
I am the bridge,
Between what was and what can be.
I am the pathway to a new life.
I am made of mush,
Because my heart melted when I saw you,
Matted and sore, limping, depressed
Lonely, unwanted, afraid to love.
For one little time you are mine.
I will feed you with my own hand.
I will love you with my whole heart.
I will make you whole.
I am made of steel.
Because when the time comes,
When you are well, and sleek,
when your eyes shine,
And your tail wags with joy
Then comes the hard part.
I will let you go-not without a tear,
But without a regret.
For you are safe forever--
A new dog needs me now.
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