Mary’s Foster Story
Bosco: The Ragamuffin Who Changed Everything ...
Bosco, my first foster, was a scruffy black-and-white mongrel who quickly stole my heart. I meant to foster him—but after watching him transform into a joyful, food-loving companion, I couldn’t let go. Fostering showed me just how much love, patience, and a second chance can completely change a dog’s life.
Can you tell us about the first animal you ever fostered, and what that experience was like?
I first adopted a little smelly ragamuffin black and white mongrel. I called him Bosco. He became quite a nice little dog once washed! He got on well with the border collies I had – but was very different from them as far as intelligence and training ability were concerned! I remember having to rugby-tackle him when he decided to charge off down the road.
He repaid my care and affection by turning from an uninterested little scruff to a happy dog who raced after the collies and loved his food! I’d intended only to foster him – but he became a fixture!
Was there a certain moment when you realised how much of a difference you were making?
Yes. I distinctly remember the moment he broke into a run to catch up with me.
From then on he began to be interested in everything!
Has fostering changed your life or perspective in any way?
I’m perhaps not typical. The first foster from Les Amis I took on I couldn’t bear to part with so he was adopted by me. The second became a permanent foster because he was dependent on my care and medical help. I couldn’t think of handing him on – and Les Amis are always there for him and pay for food and vet bills since he is needy. But so worth it!
Anything else you think people might be surprised to know about fostering?
It’s important to remember what dogs in refuges go through if circumstances have snatched them away from the lives they knew. Fosterers give them a loving halfway house to a new life.
