Even with the help of local kennels, boarding fees comprise a large part of our running costs.  One of the ways we are trying to ease this is by building a network of foster homes who look after a dog for us until a new home is found   Often it will be someone who already has a dog who wants to help.  However, fostering works well for older people who do not feel a long term commitment is right for them.  Fostering is also appropriate for people whose jobs mean that they may move house frequently, where future living arrangements are uncertain, or even those considering whether dog ownership is for them and who would welcome the opportunity to find  out.                            

Choosing to be a foster parent is a serious undertaking.  But every dog deserves a chance to be happy, healthy and loved and what could possibly be more gratifying than to save a life and create a “happy ever after” ending? 

Fostering gives dogs a second chance at life and they are so thankful for your love they will repay you for your patience and care by giving back ten times more love of their own.  A foster home is valuable because it gives dogs a chance to rebuild self-esteem, helping to rehabilitate, gain hope and feel better about themselves again.  It is very rewarding when you take in a sad, rejected dog and gain his trust, and make him well again both physically and mentally. 

The length of the fostering experience depends on the circumstances.  You can ask for a dog who fits in with your lifestyle, for example an older animal with lower energy levels.  In most cases it’s fine if you already have a dog, as long as your dog and the foster dog are both healthy and well behaved around other dogs.  Three Counties Dog Rescue will cover the costs of veterinary fees for your foster dog if required. 

Most carers do get attached to their foster dogs and letting go can be very hard.  But the simple fact is that if the dog does not go to a new home, another one cannot be saved.  The fulfilment, joy and sense of purpose you experience in knowing that you helped one more dog find his way into the safe, happy home he deserves is overwhelming and comforting.  It is a very precious and worthwhile gift to both the dog and his new forever family.

Fostering is the ultimate expression of our love for dogs.  If you want to make a difference in the life of an innocent soul, and have the space and time to open your heart to a foster animal, you will find it immeasurably rewarding. 

 Some facts about fostering:

 ·        Dogs are more comfortable in a home than in kennels.

·        We can judge a dog’s suitability more easily for different situations (e.g. children, cats etc.). 

·        It’s a good way to find out if you want to take on a dog permanently. 

·        We will pay any vet bills while you are fostering for us. 

·        Our foster homes get used to short term ownership because of the benefit to Three Counties but if you decided you wanted to keep a foster dog, this could be arranged. 

·        You will be helping us to save money on kennelling which we can use to re-home more dogs. 

·        Our normal criteria for homing dogs permanently also applies to fostering (fenced gardens, living indoors, not left for long periods etc).

·        It can be a good way to have the benefit of a companion dog for people whose circumstances do not allow permanent ownership.

If you or your friends think you could help us with fostering then please phone Gyll on: 01778 440318 or 07708 589792