How to Become a Foster Caretaker

German Shepherd Rescue of Sacramento Valley--as well as most other animal rescue organizations--relies on volunteers to provide temporary foster homes for the animals it rescues. Foster caretakers provide the critical link between the at-risk environment and the permanent home. Without foster caretakers, the best that most rescue groups can do is board a limited number of dogs safely. GSRSV is fortunate to have a large rescue facility to house up to 30 dogs, but there is only one person there, and 30 dogs is really way too much for one person to care for. Without foster caretakers, most dogs in shelters die.

What does it take to become a foster caretaker for GSRSV?
Not much! All I ask is that you provide a safe, loving environment for the dog that you foster, and show the dog to prospective adopters. I do not expect you to train the foster dog or spend hours of time with it. I do not expect you to pay for food or veterinary expenses for the dog--though most foster caretakers do cover the expense of food. I do not expect you to check out the homes of prospective adopters for your foster dog, though you are certainly welcome to do that.

What if my current dog(s) isn't likely to accept another dog into our home?
In all likelihood, your current dog will object somewhat to a new dog entering his or her territory and competing for your attention. Sometimes, that objection is displayed as aggression. This is to be expected, but not tolerated. Just because your dog has shown aggression towards other dogs on his or her turf before does not mean it can't accept another dog into your household. The rule to keep in mind is that YOU determine what dogs do and do not reside in your household, and that overt aggression by any of your dogs towards any new dog will not be tolerated. While some may see this as being unfair to their dog--since he or she was there first--it is no different than expecting a child to share with his or her siblings.

The important thing to remember is that YOU ARE SAVING A LIFE by fostering a dog; isn't this more important than preserving your present dog's rule of his or her roost?

Don't a lot of dogs rescued from shelters exhibit problem behaviors, and isn't that why they were abandoned at the shelter to begin with?
No. You would be amazed at how many dogs abandoned at shelters are very well-behaved and have perfectly even temperaments. It just goes to show that most "problem behavior" in dogs can be traced back to a problem behavior with their owners--lack of time spent playing and training, intolerance with housebreaking, obsession with cleanliness, unrealistic expectations of performance, etc.

Many shelter rescues do show some signs of physical abuse, but it is generally mild "hand-shyness" which can be quickly overcome by treating the dog affectionately and earning its trust.

Isn't it difficult to place a foster dog with a new owner after I've spent a long time with it?
Of course it is difficult to let go of a dog that you've formed a bond with. However, the more important question to ask is "What is more painful--the emotional pain when parting with a foster dog, or the needle slipped into scores of beautiful, loving dogs--including purebred German Shepherds--every single day at animal shelters?" Besides, if you end up falling in love with your foster dog and want to keep it, I have no problem with that, and you've still saved a dog's life.

While being a foster caretaker can have its challenges, the rewards are far greater than the sacrifices. Knowing that you are saving the life of a beautiful, loving animal by providing a foster home for it is an incredible feeling!

If you are interested in becoming a foster caretaker for GSRSV, please contact Brian Foran at 916-655-3125.

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