I'm curious about fostering. While it's not something that we could consider doing in the near future as we have our hands full enough with an infant, a pre-schooler, and a kindergartener, in addition to the 2 dogs, I'm thinking ahead and wondering if it could be for us. I don't want to horror stores, since worst-case scenarios are always possible, but tend to be few and far between. I'm looking for experiences of what it's like to take a dog into your home, and then help it find a new family.

Inspiration? This lovely lady that I found on petfinder. http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/22248318?rvp=1

Oooh she is a beautiful dog!

Fostering has its pros and cons. If a family/individual can do it, thank goodness! Lord knows there are zillions of rescues out there that desperately need foster homes.

We became fosters because we specifically love Siberians. I don't consider myself much of a "dog" person, I like all animals, but I'm more of a big cat/exotic cat person. For whatever reason, I have a particular fondness for Siberians. And only Siberians. I wouldn't own any other dog. Sounds closed-minded? Not really...I just know where my heart is. That being said, I think that is one of the most important factors in deciding to be a foster. If you are PASSIONATE about a specific breed, or all dogs in general, I think you will be a better foster parent. I could never be a foster for small dogs, for example. My heart wouldn't fully be into it, and I don't think the dog would thrive as much as it would in a home where the foster is passionate about small dogs. (Errr...hate to admit it, but I'm one of those people that shudders when we pass the "small" dog area at the dog park and they yipe at us)

Another step in fostering, is setting and knowing your boundaries. You have a family too...so always keep in mind how much time you could devote to another furry friend. I have two boys myself, ages 3 and 5. I'm fortunate to be a SAHM (for the most part), and have a hubby who is always here when he isn't working. Since the boys are so small, I know I couldn't consider taking in a dog with aggressive issues, medical issues, or anything requiring over the top care. When my significant other goes to work (offshore diving, usually March-Sept.), then I know my fostering days will have to be put on hold. I know taking care of two boys, a home, and our two puppies is enough work for me. Having a foster wouldn't be advantageous for the dog...so then I just volunteer and help to do other things. Like recruit other fosters, volunteers, and promote adoptions.

I think it is always a good idea to find a rescue near and dear to your heart, and start off by volunteering. Gives you a chance to get to know the other volunteers, how the rescue operates, and familiarizes you with the politics of it all. (And there is much of it!)

It's like the story of the starfish. One person might not be able to throw thousands of them back out to sea, but saving one at a time is better than none! Here is a great website I found about fostering:

http://www.fosterdogs.com/

I've never been a foster, but I do a lot with the rescue (from serving as one of the board members, and being one of the officers, to working adoptions, events, and being aware of the happenings with foster homes, adoptable huskies, surrenders and adoptions that I do not handle).

You've already gotten excellent advice from Brian and Nikki, but wanted to add what some of the things are that may be expected from you as a foster home. This can all vary depending on how the rescue runs.

Our foster homes are subject to application approval which will tell us if you have breed experience, and what are your specific experiences (have you dealt with aggression? seperation anxiety? food aggression? etc.) Do you have a safe and secure yard? Do you have small children or small animals? How long will you be away for work? etc. This is so that we know what kind of temperments in a husky we can place with you to ensure success for both you and the husky.

We try to reimburse food expenses back to the foster homes but this depends on how much funds are available in the rescue's account. So be prepared to have that expense possibly come out of your own pocket. Routine vet check ups and expenses should be covered by the rescue.

We ask foster homes to be part of the meet and greet if there is a potential adoption application for the foster you have. You know the husky best. For our rescue, when I work an adoption application, and I think a certain husky is a good match, I coordinate the meet and greet and almost expect for the foster parents to be there so they can help me decide if it is really a good match especially when there is an existing dog in the home. I will also give the final say to the foster home whether or not it is a good match. So we do expect our foster homes to get to know the husky as well as they can. This is all to make sure it is a successful and permanent adoption.

Wait, Claudia - didn't you foster Sully? Even if it was just short-term?

We haven't fostered but I find, evaluate and drop off dogs with fosters for our rescue. I know you're going through issues with your own dog - and once those are resolved, you'll be that much better at fostering and helping dogs transition to their forever home!

I fall in love with some of the dogs I help rescue, but I know that I'll feel that much better finding them their forever home and making their new parents as happy as our 2 have made us!

I've fostered kittens for a shelter and a rescue. Both paid for all the expenses. I find it very rewarding and fun. With kittens they usually come to you sick and the first couple of weeks is really messy as they learn to use the litter box and get over their sickness. But after that it's smooth sailing! I'm lucky enough to be able to post my kittens on petfinder and I usually find them homes before they need to go back to the shelter (after they reach 2.5lbs).

As for dogs, I've grown up with rescues coming and going since my mom does all breed rescue. I more blame who my mom chooses to bring home (she likes the tough cases for some reason. Dog brought in cause it was a biter? Oh she'll take it!) than the dogs at the shelter, but she gets some real cases. But if I were to foster dogs, I would make sure I met the dog first and make sure it would be fine in my house. At least for kittens, you can choose which ones you take home (but that's partially cause there are so many of them that they really don't care which ones you take home, they're just glad they're in a foster home). If you think you can care for another dog and not get too attached, then go for it. We always end up liking one kitten the best and wish we could keep it, but if we did that we'd have like 11 cats by now! lol.

The issues we're dealing with are a big reason I'm interested in fostering. Unfortunately, there are only 2 rescues in our area, and I don't think they have the best reputations with the vet clinics, etc. as far as making payments. I understand the difficulty to have funds, but from talking to our vet a in the past, they've basically done the iou thing and then moved to a different clinic.

I can definately see myself getting really attached though.....

Probably would be a long shot, but ask your local shelters if they have a foster program. Many don't, but a few good ones do. A shelter is usually more set up to pay for everything than a lot of rescues.