Woody and I have been fosterers for Spaniel Aid UK since the beginning of the year. In fact, it was one of my biggest New Year’s Resolutions for 2019 and I’m so glad we’ve done it! Since signing up, we’ve had the pleasure of fostering two dogs; Jasper the Springador (Springer Spaniel cross Labrador) and Storm the Springer Spaniel.
There’s a certain stigma associated with rescue dogs, that they’re damaged beyond repair. This just isn’t the case! I thought about fostering dogs shortly after adopting Woody from a local family in 2017. He was your regular, happy, ‘normal’ spaniel (is that even possible, I swear they’re all crazy!) looking for a fresh start. Since becoming a fosterer for Spaniel Aid UK in February 2019, I’ve gotten to know plenty of other lovely dogs who were down on their luck just like Woody once was. There’s so much joy in watching their quirky personalities unfold and their confidence flourish in foster!
Companionship
There were a few reasons behind choosing to foster dogs for Spaniel Aid UK. I’ve always thought Woody would benefit from a canine companion. He’s a very independent dog but is partial to a game of chase or bitey-face every so often. I wasn’t sure if I could handle two dogs full-time, so fostering provided the best of both worlds.
The flexibility of fostering is a great bonus. It enables Woody to have alone time when he needs it, as well as living with foster dogs when they come to stay. Woody loves having new friends to play with in the house and has enjoyed getting up to mischief with both our foster dogs on walks. It’s been a great experience for him so far and he loves setting a good example and showing our foster dogs what it really means to be a spaniel!
Finding Forever Homes
I’ve always been aware of the devastating situations and mistreatment dogs can suffer before being rescued. Since fostering for Spaniel Aid UK, I’ve come to realise just how widespread these circumstances can be. Nevertheless, I’m an optimist at heart and prefer looking on the good side of life!
Helping dogs find their forever homes is incredibly rewarding. Our first foster dog, Jasper is being trained as a drugs dog, while our second Storm is happily settling in with his new family. Knowing I have played my part in both their journeys is so humbling and I love receiving updates from their new owners. Nothing quite beats knowing you’ve helped a foster dog find their happily ever after!
Gaining Experience
Woody is the first dog I’ve ever owned. I’ve grown up with spaniels but they were definitely my parents’ responsibility. Fostering helps me build my experience as a dog owner, particularly if dogs have additional needs. So far I’ve helped with nervousness, guarding and intense fear with Jasper, as well as administering medication and caring for Storm after an operation on his tail.
All of these were new experiences for me. Learning to handle them has equipped me with the skills I need to help Woody and our future foster dogs too. I’m so grateful for all the support I receive from Spaniel Aid UK when we’re fostering. Someone is always on hand to help me when I feel out of my depth. Fostering is definitely helping me feel more confident as an owner and my abilities.
Giving Back
I have always been interested in supporting animal charities and causes. So many organisations go above and beyond for dogs and their welfare each day. Fostering helps me give back to the wider dog community, through donating my time to help others.
I’ve contemplated monetary donations to charities each month, however I much prefer the active involvement of fostering. I can see, day-to-day, how my actions are benefitting and helping the dog find his or her forever home. The transformation from when they arrive to when they leave is staggering, all because I’ve provided food, shelter, love and time for them. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch them flourish and I’m so grateful to be in the position where I can care for our foster dogs for as long as they need me.
Do you foster dogs? Have you thought about fostering before? I’d love to hear your thoughts and stories in the comments!
