I learn something new with every pet, but there are 2 very important things that my first foster dog taught me...
(If you missed the post where I almost failed at fostering, check it out here.)
Tip #1
Taking in dogs that may not be a great long term fit, allows just a tiny bit more room for separation of your feelings. My first two foster experiences were completely different but I am hopeful about learning with each new dog and becoming more experienced for the next. You did a great deed, changed lives and for a brief moment you soak in that feeling of accomplishment and think “ah, return to normalcy.” And then it’s on to the next!
Tip #2
Taking in a more difficult case, such as an animal needing to work on their manners or recovering from a medical procedure allows you to feel a sense of relief once the dog finds their forever home. The relief experienced when you no longer need to be alert and care taking around the clock can negate some of the more difficult emotions.
While there is no way to not fall in love, you can't help but be the slightest bit relieved when you gain that extra hour of sleep back or are doing three less loads of laundry a day.
If you are adamant about your commitment to foster and help as many animals as possible - do not choose your ideal dog to foster. You will fall in love. That’s a great alternative, but if you are limited in space and restricted by HOA’s like I am, it can mean the end of your foster career. It is a personal choice and luckily both of those options result in a forever home for one lucky soul.
I still think about my first foster on an almost daily basis but I cherish the lessons I learned alongside her and am grateful for the time we spent together and joy she brought me.
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