A Fosterer’s Tale, by Bo
The first animal I ever fostered was handed to me at the beginning of my daily hike up a mountain in Hong Kong. I had stopped to say hello to a group of people and dogs without realising that the dogs were living in kennels, in stifling heat with virtually no exercise or socialisation. After a few minutes of conversation, the organiser asked if I could take one. So Striker, a beautiful black collie type boy, joined me on my walk and then came back home. Thus started a series of fosters for that organisation and with it the highs and lows of this vocation. One young cat didn’t make it. One happy little poodle had heartworm and wasn’t allowed to jump or run – that wasn’t easy! But the majority moved on to live a wonderful life in a forever home.
A new chapter in France
Here in France, my motivation was different. I’d just moved out of a house full of dogs, cats and horses and knew I couldn’t live without them. But my situation was precarious. I’d just bought a money-pit, oops, house in the country and I had no job to speak of so I was reluctant to take on the financial commitment of an animal, despite the desire to help the countless numbers in need. Fostering seemed like a logical solution. I’d heard good things about the team at Les Amis and so I approached them. This time I was properly vetted, providing details of my experience with animals, my animal care ethos and even photos of where the animals would sleep. And quite right, too!
The labrador sisters
Soon after, I got a call to see if I could help two labrador types whose owner had died and his widow had put them in a type of cave, giving them food but hardly letting them out. They were going mad and one had badly bitten the other. That’s all we knew about them. The girl who accompanied me was astonished that I would take on two ‘unknowns’. They turned out to be the most wonderful, happy and affectionate girls you could imagine. Joy was jet black and after just a week or so with me, went off to live in the Charente with a Dutch couple who dote on her. Naya was a caramel coloured smudge of a dog. Her injury was serious but within a few weeks she was ready to go. Her adopters – a mother and daughter in the Ariège – had been scouring France for the right dog for them. When they walked into my living room they literally sank to their knees, almost in tears as they realised they had found her. I still get photos and videos and I love to see them all living life to the full at last.
Memorable fosters
In the years since, I have fostered a dozen or so. Special mention must go to little dachshund Petal who was in total shutdown when I collected her from the SPA but who now runs across beaches playing with her new brother; and darling Maxou who had forgotten how to trust people but now enjoys forest walks and sleeping in the sun. I’ve also had an unplanned foster ‘fail’. A young dog called Rox who must have had the most awful early life experience leading to a powerful distrust of men. He needs special care. Luckily for him, he is simply the best dog I’ve ever had: his affection, loyalty and desire to please are off the charts. Les Amis have done so much for him and have given me so much support to allow him to stay with me and enjoy his life. We have even taken on an ESA (emotional support animal) to help him feel safe – Princess Tessa – who hasn’t had a bad day in her entire life! So much for not adopting!
The reality of fostering
But I don’t regret a moment of it. Pets are such gifts to our lives and I feel honoured to be part of the journey between a rocky start and a happy ever after. Fostering is a vital activity and there are never enough of us. I know people who have considered it and rejected the idea because they feel they won’t be able to give the animal up. Yes, it’s difficult sometimes but really it just means there’s another soul that you can help (perhaps after a little break 🙂). Others think it will take up time or they’ll never be able to get away. The first part is TRUE but you can always get respite care by asking the team. The final worry that people tell me is that they might get a dog with behaviour issues. Also true. But the majority of dogs I’ve had just needed to understand what was expected of them and very quickly settle into being delightful and, of course, adoptable. And if it really isn’t working? The team will work something out. This happened to me once – young Thor was very keen to murder sheep and was able to jump fences. He went straight back to refuge until a town based fosterer could be found. Horses for courses!
Just give it a try
So if you are on the fence about becoming a fosterer, all I can say is give it a try. There’s no commitment so you can stop at any time. You will get endless support and most probably an enormous feeling of satisfaction and joy in your life!
Learn more about fostering a dog with Les Amis here https://lesamisdesanimaux.com/fostering-a-dog/
