Dog Fostering: How It Started and How It’s Going
It’s been a while since I wrote much, and I haven’t even mentioned anything about my dog fostering journey. But right now, as I find myself between dogs on a much-deserved break after 6 months of offering, I thought I would fill you all in on how it’s been going.
Dog fostering was honestly something I never thought I’d get into. But then again, I never thought I’d own a dog, but here we are. After losing Tegan so suddenly in February 2023, I knew I wanted another dog, but I didn’t want to commit to owning a dog and going through that kind of heartbreak so soon again.
After a few trips to Dogs Trust Merseyside, I submitted my fostering application, and within 3 weeks of losing Tegan, we had another beagle at home. This past week saw us wave goodbye to our third foster dog after a short 10-day stay precisely 6 months later.
I actually don’t think I covered my foray into dog fostering here, but I did start up a new dog blog, One Frazzled Dog, and changed my IG handle to @onefrazzledfosterdog to account for the change in our dog journey.
Fostering Dogs with Dogs Trust
Dog Fostering with Dogs Trust has undoubtedly been an eye-opening experience. Many highs and many lows and a lot of tears. I didn’t expect it to be plain sailing; after all, there are many reasons why dogs are surrendered and many more why they need to be fostered. But initially, my desire to foster was driven because of one dog in particular, well, two, but a package deal.
I had spotted a pair of beagles on the website, and they had been there for a while. There were a few health issues, common lumps, and bumps, but these two girls sat there. I said to Olivia, I feel like they’re supposed to be living here. And when they were still there when Tegan passed, it made sense to enquire about them. This led me to find out one dog would be going to foster to help her recover, which pushed us to finally go ahead.
Sophie
(Beagle, Aged 10, AKA Sophie Doodles)
We welcomed Sophie home on 15th March 2023, and she instantly settled in really well. She was initially waiting to be rehomed with her daughter Elsa, but it was decided they needed separating; Elsa has since been adopted and hopefully living her best life.
Sophie was full beagle in every sense of the word and was an initiation into everything we thought we would get with teens but didn’t. She needed to be fostered to recover from surgery for cancerous lump removals (mast cell tumours), and she needed to rest after tearing her cruciate.
Right off the bat, she settled well and then began displaying signs of a phantom pregnancy. She was officially adopted during her stay on 15th July 2023. During her stay, we experienced an additional partially torn cruciate, her phantom pregnancy, weight gain, separation anxiety, and recovery from a spay procedure. It was a full-on experience, and she honestly was such a fabulous dog. She was super friendly with people, dogs, kids, and any type of food she could get her paws on. She loved to nap on her back, dig and bury her food, and spend hours rolling in long grass with a smile on her face.
After 4 months, it was pretty hard letting her go, but we knew it was for the best. It was suggested we take a break, but ultimately, we were back at the centre, picking our next dog the next day.
Luna Ft Lilley
(Luna French Bulldog approx 5 years old, AKA Luna Pops or Pup Cup and Lilley, Bulldog, 10 months old, AKA Lills or Lilley Pie and my soul dog).
Ahhh, Luna and Lilley. Where to start? These girls were amazing. We went to see another dog, but it turned out they weren’t suitable, and I spotted these girls in their kennel after boarding. Both needed fostering as they had some pretty severe skin and ear issues. Lunas had a lump, and Lilley needed entropion surgery.
Luna arrived the following Tuesday, 18th July 2023, and Lilley after her op on 19th July 2023. Lunas instantly made herself at home and was a complete baby/snuggle monster from the off. It was hard not to fall in love with her as she was so tiny and so adorable. But I really wanted a bulldog, and when Lilley arrived the next day, I wasn’t disappointed. Sadly, Luna developed a kennel cough and had to go to the vet immediately as Lilley was dropped off. So it worked, but we got some one-on-one time with them both alone before reuniting them.
Later that night, it became apparent that Lilley wasn’t a fan of sharing attention, and sadly, we had to decide to separate them with the support of the foster team. Luna on her own was an absolute dream. She slept with me, on me in my legs, and also on her own in her bed. She was a good eater, the perfect dog for taking on adventures, and boy, did she like to destroy her toys. She was amazing, and if anyone would make us foster fail, it was her…….
Until my mum decided she wanted to adopt her, and on 1st September 2023, Luna officially became the newest member of our family. She fits in so well that everyone is besotted with her and her little wiggly bum.
As we took her up for the official adoption, Olivia and I were introduced to another dog struggling massively in kennels and becoming super stressed. We agreed to take him home two days later, leading to foster number 3!
Mojo
(Staffie, 7 years old, AKA MR Mojo)
Awww, Mojo, our most recent foster, and our first male dog. He was absolutely terrified in kernels, and each day he was, there was another step further away from being unadoptable due to his changing behaviour. If anyone needed jailbreaking, as we call it, it was him. He was a totally different dog within 2 hours of getting him home. And anyone with experience of the breed will know exactly what we encountered next.
It was 10 days full of craziness, kisses, hugs, loving, and generally silliness. This time, however, he didn’t have any health issues. Again, we had a case of kennel cough, but some pain meds and cough medicine sorted him out, and he really came to life after this. He was officially adopted on 15th September 2023, and hopefully, he, too, like Sopihe and Luna, will be living his best life with his forever family.
Our Dog Fostering Future
Dog fostering for us has been a wild experience. We’ve been through a hell of a lot, and right now, we’re taking an extended break with no definite end. We’ve loved all of our dogs and wish them well, and I am torn about taking this break as there are so many dogs I want to, and I know need help and a foster home. But we also have to do what is best for us.
Fostering dogs isn’t like owning them. You need to go through the whole settling-in phase repeatedly, and it can be hard with some dogs. Each dog has different needs and activity levels, so unlike getting to know one dog and knowing where you stand with them, we are adapting our lives to meet the needs of our newest dog, and it does take its toll.
We will be fostering again soon. When, I’m not sure exactly, but I do know we will be going forward and helping those dogs who need it the most. In the meantime, though, My Lilley is still looking for her forever home, and I can guarantee she is the best girl, albeit with some of the common health issues bulldogs are known for.If you would like any more information on fostering dogs with Dogs Trust or, in general, I am happy to answer any questions you might have.
