YTNR - needs fosters!

[SassyAnn101]

They are so precious, I live in a house with a large fenced in back yard. Does the foster familys need to have certian types of homes? I do have 5 other Yorkies that are mine. They are all spoiled rotten and well socialized. Are the foster families allowed to have other Yorkies? Thanks for all the info so far

[jencar98]

Originally Posted by SassyAnn101

They are so precious, I live in a house with a large fenced in back yard. Does the foster familys need to have certian types of homes? I do have 5 other Yorkies that are mine. They are all spoiled rotten and well socialized. Are the foster families allowed to have other Yorkies? Thanks for all the info so far

Sounds like your home would be a perfect foster home. I believe most rescues would prefer you have yorkies already, experience with the breed has to be a big plus. Also, it helps with socializing fosters to be around other well-socialized dogs.

The YTNR website mentions a few States as being in great need of fosters, one of them is Georgia. With you being in Tennessee , a State close to Georgia, they could probably really use you!

[SassyAnn101]

I am going to fill out the application, and see if I can help.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by SassyAnn101

I have been thinking about maybe fostering, but I dont know any details about the process. I would really like to learn more if someone can give me info.

Every rescue has different policies and procedures. Be sure you understand them all before you join any particular group. Ask lots of questions!
Some do not pay vet bills on their fosters until the pup is adopted, some pay right away and some ask that you hold for a period of time while they fund raise. Some do a bare minimum of lab testing and vetting and some will do everything needed from the start. Some euthanize older pups and some care for them no matter the age. So, make sure you are ok with whatever the group's individual policies are.
I think it is very important that people understand that not all rescues are quite the same.
I have seen some rescues do things to volunteers that spoil them for rescue altogether. It really makes me sad because the need for volunteers is great.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by zoeybear

How long is the average stay with a foster family?

It can vary. One thing that I believe is of utmost importance is that a foster home keep a pup for a minimum of two weeks, preferably about four for strictly an evaluation period.
If it takes a year....(that may sound crazy to some)...then it takes a year!
They do not show their true personalities in the first few weeks, so it is difficult to determine what home would best suit their needs.
My rule of thumb when I foster is that I will be willing to keep the pup forever if I cannot find his perfect home. I do not take in more than I can handle just to get them out of shelters. I will not adopt to any home that cannot give more than I can. I often see people feeling badly about pups that are in foster care. I cannot speak for every foster home, but most that I know give their fosters the same care they give their own pups; and the goal should not be in quantity of pups saved, but quality. Rescues should be going beyond what shelters do...the ultimate goal should be to find the perfect home for each pups needs. That, in turn, will also be the perfect pup for that home. This, in my opinion, is the best way to keep these babies out of the system.

[monarchmom]

I fall in love hard! How can you give them away? I mean logically speaking I understand they must go to their new loving forever home but your hearts must break in a million pieces. I just don't think I could foster, and that makes me feel like a terrible human being. I am going to have to really think about this some more. Do the foster moms pay for everything themselves? Oh .........I want to help but how could I part with the babies???????????????????

[Rosiegirl]

I just checked out the site and it just brang tears to my eyes! If you look at the picture page of the ones that have been adopted with their new families it is so adorable. The yorkies have big smiles and so do the new 'parents'. I would love to foster, I think I will have enough time as soon as I graduate in another year and a half. I would also have to fence in my yard better. Thanks for the link, it made my day!

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by monarchmom

I fall in love hard! How can you give them away? I mean logically speaking I understand they must go to their new loving forever home but your hearts must break in a million pieces. I just don't think I could foster, and that makes me feel like a terrible human being. I am going to have to really think about this some more. Do the foster moms pay for everything themselves? Oh .........I want to help but how could I part with the babies???????????????????

It is not always easy and sometimes foster homes do adopt their foster pups!
You can only keep so many...and when you see them in a home that perfectly fits them and they blossom it makes it all so worthwhile! But, even at that, I cry over every single one and swear I will never do it again. Keeping in touch with the adoptive homes makes it easier...I warn all adoptive parents that I will call them every day until I know the pup is fine! I have never had a complaint. Most people do understand...and I have made some great friends of people who have adopted pups I have fostered.
As for who pays for what and how, it depends on the group policies. All are different.

[TresCutePiggies]

How do your dogs react to having new members brought in and out?

Rory was WONDERFUL when we brought Lane in (puppymill rescue from just before Christmas). I was pleasantly surprised since she was a bit of a spoiled princess, but she is very well socialized - attending doggie daycare everyday...

I'm not sure how well Lane would do - she has come so far since we first brought her home, but I'm not sure how it would affect her to have another dog brought in. When my sister's (much bigger) dog comes over, Lane seems to have more accidents, etc.

I would love to do this, but I live in a 2 bedroom apartment (rent) and of course, I'd have to check with my boyfriend, who lives with us.

[drabinowitz43]

I just applied to foster a Yorkie. I think it would be very rewarding and I am not allowed to own more than the two I already have in my condo, but there's no rule that another can't stay with me. When my boyfriend goes away, I bring his two little dogs to my home and the four of them have a ball together. I just don't know if I will be considered because I do not have a yard and I do work during the day (but it is close to home and someone is home midday to walk and play with them). I feel a need to reach out and help these little guys get a good start on their new lives.

[Rusty's Momma]

Originally Posted by Hotel4Yorkies

I also foster for OK Yorkie Rescue and have been since July. I absolutely love it and would encourage everyone to give it a try if you possibly can. It is one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. To see them blossom from terrified to social, loving little babies lets me know I have done my job as a foster mom. Yes, I cry every time I place one in their forever home but know that I have saved one more precious yorkie! I adopted my first foster also. And have been tempted to keep others so many times but know that I need to help another. But when that small little female comes for me to foster I just might have to keep her.
There is never enough foster homes and with all the puppy mill busts foster homes are needed now more than ever.

Like Kathy... I also volunteer for OK Yorkie Rescue & it is VERY rewarding. I do encourage everyone to get in touch with yourl local yorkie rescue if there is one in your area... volunteers of all types are needed so even if you cant foster... there is room for all kinds of help. If you dont have a local rescue then definately give the national a try !! If you are located in our area.. we are definately in need of fosters as well. We have alot of owner surrendering going on right now...

[ladyjane]

We also are getting more surrenders....and people are finding them on the streets. I picked up two this past week.
Very sad.

[Rusty's Momma]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

We also are getting more surrenders....and people are finding them on the streets. I picked up two this past week.
Very sad.

yah... here too.. owner surrenders & strays.

[mrspinky]

There is a great website called Foster Care for Dogs at Foster Care For Dogs . It's tells you everything you need to know about fostering. I'm thinking about it too.

[Fashionlady]

While i can't foster at this time i do have some dog food that my dog can't or won't eat i would like to offer it to the rescue i have some cans that are unopened. the dry as been open.