Christine's Foster Journey

What I thought I needed to be a foster:

1. A specific house, yard and property.
2. An "unofficial" vet tech degree and dog training credentials.
3. Money to buy all equipment like leashes, collars, dog bowls, dog beds, crates, food, puppy pads, treats, etc.
4. No other pets in the home.
5. Required to be involved in all aspects of the process.
6. Needing to say "yes" all the time.

Christine clearly loves her fosters! She asked to post a “few” pictures - I said send them all!

What I actually need to be a foster parent:

1. Patience. Think: your toddler niece or nephew spending Christmas vacation with you. And prepare accordingly.
2. Unplug. Puppies take time. It's not fair to make them compete with my TV shows or Facebook.
3. Willingness to ask for help. My 2 older pugs have not tolerated all foster dogs. I live next to a fire hall. When something isn't working, I need to speak up.
4. Open to learning. About all things dogs. Consider what has worked and not worked for other fosters. No question is stupid.
5. Saying "I don't know". Every concern is responded to and resolved. I can admit that I don't have all the answers.
6. Responsibility. The week I was to have a foster dog, I broke my hand. I was not available to have a dog at that time. I do my best to respond to messages as soon as I can.
7. Flexibility. Everything is subject to change. Sometimes dogs come in from transport at odd hours. And all kinds of things that aren't expected.
8. A mop and bucket and baby wipes.
9. A tennis ball launcher.
10. Laundry soap for washing dog blankets.
11. Seat covers in the car.
12. Recognize unusual resources. I have no cats. My friends are willing to let me introduce dogs to their cats.
13. A pooper scooper.