Golden Retriever Rescue of Central New York

 

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Dedicated to rescuing and rehoming purebred Golden Retrievers in Central New York.
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FOSTERING

Can You Make The Commitment?
Foster Homes are such an important part of Rescue. We rely on our Foster homes to be that "special place" for a Golden coming from one environment and preparing for that "forever" home. Our foster Fostering Goldensfamilies play a critical role in insuring that their foster Golden finds the perfect new home. Their input during the placement process determines which family will provide the best home and brightest future.

 It takes commitment on the part of the Foster home, as well as love, patience and a bit of training thrown in for good measure.

To get a glimpse of foster life, read the story of one of GRRCNY's foster dogs, Petey.....

What Does Fostering Require?
Our foster home applicants are contacted by the Foster Home Coordinator and a time set up to come to the applicants home and do an evaluation as to what the home is like, and to answer any questions the applicant may have.  This also helps to establish a relationship between the coordinator and the foster home. This relationship is key to the open lines of communication needed during the fostering process.

Some knowledge of basic obedience training is desired, but not required. Some of our dogs just need a warm bed and lots of hugs until they meet the "perfect family." The most important element is patience. Some Goldens come from loving homes where due to circumstances, they can't be kept any longer. Other Goldens come from homes where they were neglected, abused, or just weren't treated as a real part of the family. Patience and understanding is key to helping a Golden become comfortable in its new surroundings.
Most Goldens require a minimum of 2 weeks in foster care, but many require more time so that they may be accessed correctly as to temperament, behavioral, or medical needs.

You may decide how often you want to foster. Many times our foster homes "need a break," or only want to foster once or twice a year. That is why it is important to have enough foster homes so that the rescue program doesn't have to turn down a surrender situation "because there is no room."

Vacations
We all take vacations. If you are fostering and do not have someone to care for the foster dog while you're gone, we make arrangements to take care of the Golden during your absence.

Saying Goodbye
We are continually asked, "How do you say goodbye to a dog that's been a part of your family?"  The answer is, you sometimes cry, it's not always easy - but, you knew in the beginning that this day would come. The up side is:

  • You know that the Golden is going to a home that really wants him/her and is suited for his/her personality.
  • You have that sense of accomplishment in seeing your foster dog have a real second chance at a wonderful life.
  • After the initial parting, you find you "look forward" to the challenge of helping another foster Golden find its "forever" home. Sometimes you get to see your former foster dog during events such as "Golden Fun Day" or at a GRRCNY function, and you feel very rewarded in the fact that you helped in providing that Golden with a loving home.

Sometimes our adopters have started out as Foster Homes for GRRCNY because they just couldn't say "goodbye" to that special Golden. Foster homes do have first refusal of a Golden they may have in their care.  We hope that if a foster home decides to adopt, they might still be willing to foster again later.

The main goal of the foster family is to prepare our orphans for life in new adoptive homes by having the foster dog become "one of the family" for the duration of the fostering period.  Most of our Foster families currently have at least one Golden in the home and many have three or four!  Some have cats and children, too.

If you feel you have enough love, patience and a commitment to help - please download a foster application form and send it to the address/email indicated on the form.

 

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