We want to take the time to appreciate ALL our foster homes who help us care for the Newfies entrusted to SCNR. Many of them, in fact the majority of them, are not members of a club, and may never see this, but they are people who love and have a passion to help care for others. They give of their time, their homes, and their compassion. When introducing a foster dog they also knowingly and temporarily change the dynamics of their own household and dogs. It is a leap of faith that it will work out. It is a commitment. It is a step outside the comfort zone for all beings in the foster home. Not only are the people fostering a “strange” dog but their own dogs are being asked to accept that dog as part of their pack. So often we hear that the foster’s own dogs are really the ones who help nurture the foster dog through transitions and help them work their way through things that are new or fearful to them. Our own dogs are as much a part of the foster process as we are. It is truly an amazing process to watch unfold. It makes us realize what wonderful creatures we live with. It shows us compassion on a whole new level.
On the flip side our fosters show a strength of character because they are moved from what they know (no matter how good or bad a situation) to a totally new place. How many of us would accept, with grace, being moved from our homes into a strange new place with 5 other people we did not know and yet be asked to function as part of that group immediately? Probably to be honest none of us can say we could do that. Yet that is exactly what we ask of a new foster dog, and they cope with the changes presented to them with such amazing adaptability. Some need more time than others, but they cope.
Fostering is a change for both the foster home and the incoming dog. It requires trust and time on both sides. In the process we ask more of our own dogs than the average home does. And when the time comes that a forever home is found for the foster dog there are tears as goodbyes are said. Foster homes understand it will be emotional, yet they put themselves in vulnerable positions to help a dog in need. They have become attached as have their dogs to the new friend in the house. The pack order is shifted once again and the foster family’s household has to adjust to the change. Being a foster home is not easy, but it is gratifying to see how a foster dog blossoms with care and help. Being a foster home is not easy but it is proof that we have room to care for more than our own.
On the flip side our fosters show a strength of character because they are moved from what they know (no matter how good or bad a situation) to a totally new place. How many of us would accept, with grace, being moved from our homes into a strange new place with 5 other people we did not know and yet be asked to function as part of that group immediately? Probably to be honest none of us can say we could do that. Yet that is exactly what we ask of a new foster dog, and they cope with the changes presented to them with such amazing adaptability. Some need more time than others, but they cope.
Fostering is a change for both the foster home and the incoming dog. It requires trust and time on both sides. In the process we ask more of our own dogs than the average home does. And when the time comes that a forever home is found for the foster dog there are tears as goodbyes are said. Foster homes understand it will be emotional, yet they put themselves in vulnerable positions to help a dog in need. They have become attached as have their dogs to the new friend in the house. The pack order is shifted once again and the foster family’s household has to adjust to the change. Being a foster home is not easy, but it is gratifying to see how a foster dog blossoms with care and help. Being a foster home is not easy but it is proof that we have room to care for more than our own.
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