Rescue Dog Myths Busted!
Whether you’re a foster, an adopter, or both, we’ve all heard myths about rescue dogs. These myths can be very harmful and even deter potential fosters. Let’s take a look at the most popular myths surrounding rescue dogs—and why they’re simply not true.
Rescue dogs are traumatized. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that all rescue dogs are damaged or come from troubled backgrounds. One photo of a dog behind kennel bars and you can already hear Sarah McLachlan singing in the background. However, it’s important to know that many of the dogs who find themselves in shelters came from loving, happy homes that just hit a snag along the way. Oftentimes, dogs are surrendered to shelters and rescues due to a change in circumstance of their owners: relocation, unemployment, divorce, or any number of factors beyond their control. Assuming the worst of dogs’ backgrounds—of which we often have little to no information—isn’t just inaccurate. Coddling a dog because you imagine they have a bad backstory can even stall their training.
Big dogs can’t be fostered in small living spaces. It’s often thought that you can’t have a large dog in a small NYC apartment, but this is just another myth! Dogs of all sizes can be happy and successful in a smaller space. No matter how big the dog, you should teach your foster early on that indoors is not the place for zoomies. Some indoor play is fun, but pups should be getting the bulk of their exercise in the great outdoors! Size doesn’t always correlate to energy level, either; in fact, some giant breeds like Great Pyrenees tend to be the biggest couch potatoes around. Most importantly, remember that fostering is temporary, and a home of any size is better than the shelter!
I can’t foster, I’ve got pets of my own already. Fostering with resident pets isn’t just possible, it’s fun! Fostering is a great way to entertain and socialize your resident dog. Plus, a built-in playmate will give your pup someone else to turn their attention to, leaving you free to get your work done (or just chill out on the couch, of course!).
I won’t be able to say goodbye; I’ll want to adopt all my fosters. This is the biggest myth we hear about fostering. Saying goodbye can be hard at first, so it’s important to know from the very beginning that goodbye is the goal. Rather than being sad that your foster is gone, try celebrating the fact that they found their forever home instead! We promise it gets easier with time. Remember: letting go of your fosters allows you to save more lives by continuing to foster! In the words of Diane Morgan in “A Poem to my Foster Dog”: “I will let you go—not without a tear, but without regret. For you are safe forever—a new dog needs me now.”
As you can see, there’s certainly false information circling around regarding rescue dogs. But with some research (and a positive mindset!), you can successfully foster a pup despite any reservations you may be having.
Have more questions or concerns about fostering? See our Foster FAQ.
