Foster parents are an integral part of successful rescues, especially dog rescue organizations dealing mainly with bully breed dogs like Pit Bulls, American Bulldogs and Mastiffs. Many first-time dog owners are weary of adopting Pitbulls and bully breed dogs directly from shelters, so foster programs can be a great way for potential owners to get to know a dog before adopting. Foster parents know the ins-and-outs of each and every dog and are able to give prospective owners a good idea of what to expect with regard to personality, activity level, play style and compatibility with other animals. Without the support and presence of foster parents, most of the dogs that would otherwise find homes will end up stuck in a shelter, or not finding a home at all. [Read more…]
Things to Consider Before You Adopt a Dog
Many dogs in shelters and foster care have ended up there because of ill-prepared owners that did not take into account the financial and time considerations that need to be made when bringing a dog into the family; this is especially true with puppies. While no one wants to think about the not-so-pleasing qualities that come along with dog ownership such as destroyed furniture, fleas, medical emergencies, allergies and illness, they are common setbacks experienced by pet owners. As someone that is thinking about bringing a new pet into your home, you need to carefully weigh out the pros and cons as to whether or not you, and your family, is ready for the increased responsibility that goes along with dog ownership. Below are a few topics to discuss before taking the final step in finding a new family member. [Read more…]