Fostering Dogs

In this episode, Killian and Eileen discuss the journey and challenges of fostering dogs, particularly focusing on Eileen's ambitious goal of fostering 30 dogs in her 30th year. They explore the realities of fostering, including the emotional and practical aspects, the importance of decompression for rescue dogs, and the role of foster homes in the rehoming process. Eileen shares her experiences, insights, and tips for potential foster caregivers, emphasising the need for patience, understanding, and preparation in fostering dogs. In this conversation, Eileen shares her experiences and insights on fostering dogs, discussing the challenges and rewards of the process. She highlights the issue of Black Dog Syndrome, the Lurcher crisis in Ireland, and the importance of understanding individual dog behaviours. Eileen emphasises the need for patience and community support in fostering, as well as the various ways people can help rescue organisations beyond adoption. The conversation concludes with reflections on the lessons learned from fostering and the impact it has on both the dogs and the foster families.

Takeaways

• Fostering dogs can be a life-changing experience.
• Setting ambitious goals can lead to unexpected achievements.
• The transition from rescue to home can be challenging for dogs.
• Decompression is crucial for a successful fostering experience.
• Foster homes play a vital role in the rehoming process.
• Visibility and good photography can save dogs' lives.
• It's okay to feel uncomfortable while fostering.
• Every dog has its own unique needs and challenges.
• Fostering requires a commitment to the dog's well-being.
• There are many resources available for new foster caregivers. Fostering can make a significant difference in a dog's life.
• Black Dog Syndrome leads to black dogs being overlooked in rescues.
• Lurchers face a crisis in Ireland due to unregulated breeding.
• Adoption alone cannot solve the dog overpopulation crisis.
• Fostering allows individuals to learn about different dog breeds and behaviours.
• Patience is essential when fostering dogs with challenging backgrounds.
• Community support is crucial for rescue organisations.
• Visibility through social media can help dogs find homes.
• Not every foster experience will have a happy ending.
• Fostering creates a network of dog lovers and advocates.

Find out more about Eileen and Thoughtful Paws :

Instagram:  @thoughtful__paws

Find out more about Haven Rescue:

Instagram: @thehavenrescue

Facebook: @theHavenRescu

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Please Note: In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs.