Fostering with a Full House!
So you saved a life by adopting, and now you’re thinking of saving another by fostering? I can’t encourage you enough!
When I first started fostering, it was just me and my 6-month-old dog Penny. We were living our best lives, but I knew that I still wanted to help more dogs. When I talked about fostering additional dogs, I could tell from the look on my friends’ and family’s faces that they thought I was crazy. But I knew there were so many other dogs out there that needed me, and that fostering isn’t permanent. I was determined to do what I could for all the dogs who needed a place to rest their paws before they found their forever homes.
Fast forward to today, two adopted dogs (hello Penny and Dolly!) and ten foster dogs later—now my family and friends are always asking when and who my next foster will be!
Saving a life is the obvious benefit of fostering after adoption, but there are even more than you may think!
Benefits for your adopted doggo:
Canine Companionship
Slow intros are a must, but once the dogs are comfortable on both ends, there’s a good chance your dog will love having another dog friend to share their space with! As much as your pup loves you unconditionally, many dogs appreciate a furry friend to keep them company and pounce around with!
Socialization
Like many pups, Penny went to daycare at an early age, and it was a great place to continue her socialization. However, there is a big difference between socializing a dog to get used to a daycare or dog park setting and getting them used to having another dog in their living space. Fostering taught her to share her space with other pups. She has her own toys and crate, but through fostering, Penny has learned that she doesn’t have to claim every toy in the house and has gotten very comfortable sharing her living space with another four-legged friend.
Exercise
This is a BIG benefit. Being mixed with some high energy, athletic breeds, Penny is always on the go, and this was especially true when she was under a year old. Knowing this, I decided to foster younger pups, as there was a good chance they would have a similar energy level. Penny played with our fosters from sun up to sun down. This helped tire both Penny and the foster dog out. Play hard, sleep hard! As they say, a tired puppy is a good puppy!
All of the above are benefits to your resident dog, but there are few additional benefits for your foster pup too:
They learn how to ‘dog’
This might be your foster dog’s first time playing with toys or interacting with dogs for an extended period of time. I can’t tell you how many times I have given a foster dog a toy just to see them look at it with confusion. After Penny and Dolly model how to play with a toy, chew a bone, or even just play in general, our foster pups learn to do the same!
They learn what a home is
Some foster dogs have never been in a home setting before they get to the city. Is the dog super playful with other pups? Can they live in a home with a resident dog? Fostering after adopting and having a resident dog for a foster to live with can teach you a lot about the foster dog, which will set them up for success and help the organization you foster with find the best possible match for their forever family.
They learn training
Since you’ve adopted already, you may have experience with some of the training that the foster dog needs. Things such as crate and potty training are skills you can teach your foster to set them up for success!
Remember, there’s also benefits for you, too!
Remember those warm, fuzzy feelings you got when you adopted your dog? Now picture that every time you send a dog off to their forever family! Knowing that you and your pup(s) were part of that process is such an amazing feeling.
Double the love! Just remember, even though at times it can be tough (extra feedings, extra zoomies, and extra poop), it’s also extra love! Extra kisses, puppy eyes, puppy breath, and snuggles.
Oh, and one last thing—Dolly and Penny wanted me to make sure to tell you that they love their foster brothers and sisters. They are amazing with fostering because they have both been in the same position when they were babies! It’s as if they are saying, “Come stay with us and we will teach you the ropes until you find your ‘fur-ever home!’”
I can’t encourage you enough to foster after you adopt. I promise that it will be equally rewarding for you, your resident pup, and your future fosters!
Tara is a dedicated Muddy Paws foster and volunteer. You can follow her pack’s foster journey on Instagram at @pennylanetherescuepup.
