Consider Fostering A Dog – Listen To An Expert!

Petplaces.net interviewed Shawn Robles, a Carlsbad, California residence, who has been fostering dogs for almost a year. He grew up with Labrador Retrievers and loves the breed. When asked why he fosters dogs he said “when my last lab, Mia, passed away, a friend asked if I’d consider fostering a dog. I wasn’t really even thinking about it.”
But when Shawn brought his first lab home, he couldn’t say enough good things about it. “It’s been an enlightening experience.” He said. “Labs have such different personalities. Even though they are all happy-go-lucky and get along with everyone, they definitely have different personalities. Some are much more active and playful while others are more laid back. It’s interesting to watch.”
“I didn’t realize how extensive the process of fostering a dog is.” Shawn tells us. “You have to sign a contract, have a certified home inspector come to your house and you may even be required to take a training class. It was a lot more detailed then I expected.”
But when asked what he suggests to folks who are considering fostering a dog, Shawn enthusiastically says “Do it! It’s such a rewarding experience. Whether you want to become familiar with a breed you’re thinking about getting or you just want to help out a dog in need, it will be totally worth it. Check your local dog rescue groups, animal shelters or local vets. There are so many great dogs that need a home, chances are you’ll fall in love with the dog and want to keep him – that’s what happened to me.”
After fostering several labs, Shawn finally met Winston, a 1 year old black lab. “He’s a really special dog and has such a great personality. He gets along great with my Golden Retriever, Bailey. I think he’s a keeper!”

Petplaces.net interviewed several other dog owners who already have a dog and are considering fostering another one. Fostering is a great way to “test the waters” to see if a second dog would fit into the family’s lifestyle and be compatible with the current household pets. Usually it’s apparent quickly if the dogs get along. When speaking to owners who have more than one dog, most of them agree that it’s not any more difficult taking care of two, versus just one. As a matter of fact, they all say that because the dogs have each other, they seem to be happier and more content, especially when owners are at work during the day or gone for long periods of time. Owners of multiple dogs also say that they don’t feel guilty about being away since the dogs have each other. It’s definitely more expensive to have multiple dogs because you have additional vet bills and food costs. There’s also more clean-up involved. But the majority of owners say that the pros definitely outway the cons. And most would always have a two-dog household.

Owning pets in general is a healthy thing to do! They love you unconditionally, protect you from intruders and help you to make more human friends. Several studies have shown that walking with a dog leads to more conversations and helps you stay socially connected. And studies have clearly shown that people who have more social relationships tend to live longer and are less likely to show mental and physical declines as they grow older. Another study shows that those who own pets were found to have lower heart rates and blood pressure, whether at rest or when undergoing stressful tests, than those without pets. Pet owners also seem to have milder responses and quicker recovery from stress when they are with their pets than with a spouse or friend.

Other studies show that children who grow up with pets have less risk of allergies and asthma. They learn responsibility, compassion, and empathy from having pets. Pets are always loving,non-judgemental and their mere presence at home can help provide a sense of security in children. Pets can help ease separation anxiety in children when parents aren’t around. Studies have also shown that pets can help calm hyperactive or overly aggressive kids. Of course, both the pet and the child need to be trained to behave appropriately with each other.

There are so many great reasons to get a dog -FOSTER A DOG TODAY!