Foster Mama's

So a few weeks ago I posted a really long response to a question on the Facebook page, Foster Mamas regarding how foster humans deal with rescue burnout. The woman who runs the page contacted me and asked me if I would mind answering some more questions and writing a bit about myself in hopes that it would help inspire people who are THINKING about fostering to move to ACTUALLY fostering.

Anyway, alright its a tad long....those of you who know me wont be surprised lol But here is the link if you have time. I like this page, I find Foster Mamas helps me see the light at the end of the tunnel some days when I am feeling overwhelmed with hopeless cases.

Thanks! Have a happy monday :)

Erin and NEBTR Foster Dash, BA Foster Sunday, my own pug mix Lola and deaf BT Howie

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=614113571959291&set=a.457844360919547.96756.457834224253894&type=1&theater%C2%A0

Wow - great article Erin! You are famous - especially to all the animals you have saved.

Erin Sullivan on Fostering

Foster Mama Erin in Pennsylvania ~ For as long as I can remember, I have taken in stray animals, sick creatures, and unwanted pets. Even as a small child I brought home birds with broken wings and anything else that needed mending. I spent a lot of time with animals of all kinds, and found I had a fearless connection to all animals big and small, from horses to snakes. If they needed help, I did my best.

When I became old enough to work, I got a job in a pet shop. And another job at a vet where I worked for a few years as an assistant and met Spice, an older pug. The owner wanted to euthanize her because she didn't want to be bothered with her minor medical care. I knew I would never be able to sleep again if I didn't stand up for her, so I asked her to sign her over to me, and we promised to take care of her. She quickly wiggled her way into everyones hearts, and found her permanent home with my good friend and coworker who has her still, 7 years later. She doesn't get around as well any more and needs a cart now, but is happy as a clam and pain free!

I now work as a manager for Petco, and have fostered everything from fish to totortoises and mice. We began officially fostering dogs after my husband and I bought our house two years ago, and have taken in all kinds of dogs, including a diabetic pug, a boston terrier with a broken leg, dogs with various skin conditions, and several with aggression and bite histories. We work mostly with small short faced dogs, but never turn away a needy dog if we can help.

My advice to anyone looking to help out is to simply do what you can. If you have the space and time to foster a pet, it is very rewarding and I promise, it will change your life, but it can also be overwhelming at times. The pet overpopulation problem is huge, and the number of dogs coming into rescue never seems to go down. Some days it will feel like all you're doing is cleaning up messes. Some days you will see things that just break your heart, and you wish you could unsee them. But at least for me, every case is a lesson learned.

I have found that I am forever inspired and awed by dogs' spirits. No matter how miserable the situation is, and no matter how terrible their history is, with patience, any dog can learn to trust again, and to forgive their poor treatment at the hands of our fellow humans. I had a foster that came from a backyard breeder who spent her whole life in an outdoor pen having puppies for profit until she damaged her eye, and was deemed "scary" to potential purchasers of her puppies. She had to learn everything about being a real dog from the beginning. It took months for her to finally understand what toys were for, but when I saw her first pick up a toy, it was a huge moment for us both. No matter how old they get, a happy dog is a happy dog, and that is a beautiful thing that makes all the stress and poo picking up worth it.

I realize not everyone can foster. If you want to but can't, don't forget you can always volunteer in other important ways. Many rescues need volunteers to do home visits and make phone calls to check references, or to help transport animals, or simply just to visit the rescues and help walk the dogs in the kennels or pet and brush the cats. Do what you can, even if it is only a small thing. Don't take on more than you can handle. Pace yourself. Spread the word, support spay and neuter programs in your area, donate if you can!

Don't say "I wish someone would help". YOU ARE SOMEONE! and you can make a difference for a needy dog or cat. Some days it is not easy. But I swear it is worth it to see a dog that has been sick and sad for weeks finally smile and pick up a toy or take a romp around the yard.

Rescue has come a long way over the last several years. Social media has played a huge part in this, allowing people far and wide to connect, share advice and support, and to save more dogs! If you are on the fence about fostering, trust that there is a huge network of people out there willing to support you and help you along the way. You're not alone! Join the rescue army and help us help them! ♥xo...Volunteer, Foster, Donate, Adopt...xo♥

Beautiful words Erin and very inspirational!!
Thank you being such an integral part of our foster team!

Please help Santa out...Adopt, don't shop.

Commitment

Why Foster?

Short Essay on Fostering

Hi Friends, Just thought I'd share this short essay with you.
THANK YOU
[Author Unknown]

Thank You for bringing this foster dog into my life.

Had I not made the decision to participate in rescue, I would never have had the chance to meet him. If I had sat here comfortably in my home and said "I already have four dogs and I know that I couldn't take in another - even on a temporary basis," I would never have met this dog.

Yes, it takes time to rescue and foster... but who gave me Time in the first place? And why or what was the reason I was given Time? To fill my own needs? Or was there another reason ever so small and seemingly insignificant, like rescuing this one dog, that could make a difference in another's life? Perhaps to add joy, hope, help and companionship to another who is in need?

With great sadness, I sat down on a footstool in my kitchen this morning and watched as this foster dog bounced back into the house and skidded across the floor to sit ever so perfectly in front of me. He was the picture of health, finally. He was all smiles for me.... and I smiled back at his happy face. Deep in his eyes, the storm clouds of illness and generalized poor health had blown away, and the clear light of his perfection radiated out from his beautiful soul. He holds no ill will toward man. He forgives us all.

I thought to myself as I impressed this one last long look of him into my heart, what a very fine creature you have created. Tears slowly pooled and spilled over my cheekbones as the deeper realization of how wonderful this dog is sank into my internal file cabinet of Needful Things to Remember. Lord, he's a dog - but he's a better human being than I am.

He forgives quickly. Would I do the same?
He passionately enjoys the simple things in life. And I have often overlooked them.
He accepts change and gets on with his life. I fuss and worry about change.
He lives today and loves today. And I often dwell in the past or worry about the future.
He loves no matter what. I am not that free.

This very lovely dog has gone to his new home today and already I miss him. Thank You for bringing this dog into my life. And thank You for the beautiful and tender lesson on how to be a better human.

-- Contributed by Isabella Marcotrigiano