We started fostering with the Calgary humane society last year because we love animals. They are great for animal lovers because you can foster most types of animals. Rabbits, birds, cats, snakes, reptiles, dogs, cats, even fish.
We have done a few but we are onto our 6th foster dog in a year. All had very different reasons for being surrendered or seized from previous owners. Two were strays from the native reserve, these two were the best, easiest to care for but both had mange. Very treatable. We haven't failed yet but very well could have with either of those two. One dog was for behaviour issues, we had to work with her and train her, we had 1 on 1 sessions at the CHS with dog trainers that really helped us. We already have 2 of our own dogs so finding dogs who are compatible is important. We always do a meet and greet before deciding to foster.
Our current foster dog was surrendered because she needed surgery and she is doing awesome now. All vet visits were covered and all toys, beds, food, medicine, etc is all covered. Need to go away for the weekend you just drop them off at the CHS and pick them up on Monday morning.
They really think of everything to make our lives easy in order to provide the best care for their dogs.
This is one of our current fosters (we have 2). She is adorable and her issues are no different than large dogs all work the same, the training is the same, you don't change training because of the size of the dog. All dogs can have the same issues just some dogs are more dangerous than others, hence you need to be more cautious with powerful breeds.
Our two fosters together, I want to keep The black one, lab shepherd mix but if we do we will have 3 dogs which makes things tough to foster more so we aren't, but she is really great. Anime liking for a fun loving, active, family oriented dog, PM me. She should be up for adoption very soon.
Our first foster, Marco. Our good friends adopted him so we get to see him regularly and get to dog sit. He is just adorable.
This is crazy Abby, super high strung and wasn't a great fit for our house. She is the one we had difficulties with but in the end was adopted rather quickly to a nice family. She was a sweetheart too.
And last but not least, her is Lily. Another lovely girl!
Anyway, our experience has been so great, the staff are wonderful, they are understanding and do everything they can to help you. I would highly recommend the Calgary humane society to any potential foster parents.
Be prepared to have a tough time returning your fosters, you will develop a bond no matter what. But as a temporary dog owner you owe it to them to put in 100% effort daily or you will have a bad time. Just like any dog or pet, you are responsible for their well being.
Definitely foster, it is extremely fun!!