[baffico]

I understand that there are some charities/shelters in HK that seek foster dog owners. My own dog died this year and I've been giving this some thought. I'm in absolutely no position to commit to owning a dog, as my future whereabouts and obligations are quite uncertain. But in the near-term, I have plenty of space and would love to have a dog for companionship.

My concern is that once I take in a dog, it will become a low priority for adoption (after all, don't these charities have far more dogs than potential owners?) and I'll be stuck with the choice of keeping the dog forever or cold-heartedly returning it to a bleak future. Has anyone gone through this experience?

[twinkle28874]

Hi,
I volunteer at Hong Kong Dog Rescue, they often need people to foster a Dog on short term basis. They need people to foster Dogs that are perhaps, sick, old or just not coping well in kennels for whatever reason- some dogs get really stressed or depresssed when in kennel conditions. They are usually only put with people as a temporary measure, if they are in foster homes then they are not being seen by potential adopters. It is a very valid and rewarding thing to do though, especially if you love having a Dog around but can't commit to having one full time. You could contact
HKDR or SPCA who both offer foster programmes.
www.hongkongdogrescue.com

good luck, hope you can help out one of the many needy Hong Kong Dogs!

[jen24]

Heya,

I've fostered 3 dogs from Hong Kong Dog Rescue and i've actually adopted 2 of them. The 3rd was a temp basis (it's original foster was on holiday) of only 2 weeks and afterwards was soon adopted.
It's exetremely rewarding and as mentioned some dogs find the kennels very stressful. fostering takes them out of this situation and allows them to adapt to a family home / social situation making it easier to find them loving homes later on.

HKDR have all the dogs on their website even if you're fostering, which means ppl write in, enquire and can adopt your charge.

The only catch is a lot of people do get emotionally attached (like i did)! It's amazing to see a nervous, timid or even a dog with behaviour problems change before your eyes in a loving home.

If you do request to foster just explain your situation that it needs to be for the short term. just bear in mind that some foster dogs do come with problems, some aren't trained, some are aggressive, nervous etc..

[phooey]

Do you know if there is a minimum period of time that you have to foster the dog for?

[goodkarma]

Willl I see any of you at the HKDRescue walk this Sunday? IF you don't do the walk, you can just come to the brunch and lucky draw/action at Club 97 starting at 11:30 am. Fun event, bring your pet.

[baffico]

My fear is precisely that I would get too attached once I foster the dog and end up adopting it...and this would really complicate my future plans. The dogs without foster care would be higher priority adoption candidates, wouldn't they?

[jen24]

Can't be sure about the period of time. although when i first agreed to foster i was asked for how long whether i wanted a short term charge or a long term. i chose for the long term.

The volunteers at HKDR will then do their best to find the right foster for you.

Yes there's always a risk about becoming emotionally attached. But i guess you just have to keep reminding yourself that you can't keep your charge and that you're only doing it until they can find a better home.

I do think if you fostered say a new puppy without the 'behaviour problems' some dogs have, then there is a far greater chance of them being adopted very quickly and thus you wouldn't get too attached...

my first one had so many problems and it took about 3 months before he really started to trust me. Even now he doesn't trust anyone and growls when a stranger is near him. (so figured his chance of adoption was pretty slim and may as well keep him where he's familiar) but not all cases are like this!

anyway if anyone's off to the dog walk see you on sunday! (leaving the aggressive pooch at home, so will only have my timid scruffy little terrier!)

[nina_70]

Of course you always run the risk of getting attached when you foster, but if you choose short-term foster as some of the other posters suggest then your attachment should be less. The dogs are not a lower priority once they foster. Sometimes it's just a v.short thing...for example one of dogs at HKDR last week came back from an operation at the vet and needed temp. foster for ~1 week while dressings healed so that they wouldn't get infected at the kennel. Other times it can be to raise puppies or socialize the dog. It should not lower chances of adoption in any of the cases.

Another idea for you...I don't personally foster dogs (since I have cats at home which complicate things), but I get my weekly "dog-fix" by walking dogs at the shelters. So, that's another idea for you if you're missing your dog. Sign-up as a kennel or dog-walker at the rescue centers.

[goodkarma]

Originally Posted by jen24

Can't be sure about the period of time. although when i first agreed to foster i was asked for how long whether i wanted a short term charge or a long term. i chose for the long term.

The volunteers at HKDR will then do their best to find the right foster for you.

Yes there's always a risk about becoming emotionally attached. But i guess you just have to keep reminding yourself that you can't keep your charge and that you're only doing it until they can find a better home.

I do think if you fostered say a new puppy without the 'behaviour problems' some dogs have, then there is a far greater chance of them being adopted very quickly and thus you wouldn't get too attached...

my first one had so many problems and it took about 3 months before he really started to trust me. Even now he doesn't trust anyone and growls when a stranger is near him. (so figured his chance of adoption was pretty slim and may as well keep him where he's familiar) but not all cases are like this!

anyway if anyone's off to the dog walk see you on sunday! (leaving the aggressive pooch at home, so will only have my timid scruffy little terrier!)

Hi Jen
I was the brunette working the lucky draw booth.
It was such fun Sunday.

Hope you enjoyed it. Did you win anything?

[jen24]

heya goodkarma!

yea of course i saw you! you prob didn't see me cos it was so busy (amazing tunrout huh?) but only had my tiny terrier who looks a bit like a mini version of Benjy the dog! ;o)

We had a great time but didn't win anything though!
next year i'll have to buy a book of tickets or something will stand better odds then heh heh

- some great prizes - loved the doggy bean bag (do you know where it was from? does HKDR have them at the shop?)