Let Him Live: Why Foster?

The dog pictured above is doing his favorite thing in the world - swimming. He is an awesome dog who goes on adventures with his now furever family and has his very own swimming pool. He is beautifully obedient, remarkably loving, and loves to play fetch with his children. He came to us after we got a call about an aggressive dog who'd been in the shelter for four months. The shelter employees wouldn't even let us see him in his kennel because they did not want to scare us off, so the first time any of us saw him was in a kennel yard.

It was clear from the start that he'd had poor socialization and suffered from anxiety. After having him going for a week without lying down - not once - we decided to get him some medications. With the medication helping to stabilize him, we started his training. He loves to work and learns quickly. It quickly became apparent he just needed guidance and obedience work. After a few months of that guidance, he no longer needed medications and has significantly less anxiety. For those who follow us, you'll know him as Shilo.

Approximately 60% of shelter dogs are euthanized each year. The number one reason we hear for why people can't foster is that they would not be able to let the dogs go. To dispute that, not all dogs will be a good fit for your household - and it is never harder to let a dog go to a home that you know is a good home than to know that a different shelter dog died with no people to hold him because you couldn't let a dog go.

Not everyone can foster, but if you have the room and the chance to help save lives, why wouldn't you? Pick your breed, or an all breed rescue, and make the offer even if you have no dog experience. There are always amazing dogs out there who just need a foster home to help them blossom. Knowing you helped an insecure pup gain confidence and gave him the ability to thrive in a furever home is one of the best feelings out there. Especially when you receive updates from his family about his adventures. We've fostered 47 dogs to date, and we don't regret a single one.