We all make some bad decisions in life, hopefully learn from them, and move on. However, when a decision impacts another living creature, we have to be far more careful. Animal adoption is a lifetime decision that will impact the future for everyone involved.
The outrageous number of dogs and cats in shelters and in the rescue system is, in part, because people don’t think things through or take advantage of opportunities to pre-test their decisions.
Try Before You Buy or Adopt
September is a big move-in month in Boston. We have students settling into their first homes-away-from-home and young professionals moving into their first post-grad apartments. For some, it’s their first opportunity to have a companion animal. A few may have carefully selected a building and/or landlord where dogs and cats are allowed.
My suggestion to anyone embarking on a new life as an animal guardian is to test the waters first by sharing responsibility with a friend or family member who has a dog or cat. Even taking care of an animal for one or two weeks will give you a better idea of how guardianship affects your life.
Tricky was fortunate to be living in a foster home when the prince of a man (she is now totally devoted to) visited. Here she sits and waits by a door for his return.
Become a Foster Home
You could also sign up with a rescue agency or shelter as a foster home. I’ve also suggested this to people who ask me about adding a second or third animal to their family. Try it first.
Both the MSPCA and Animal Rescue League of Boston have foster home programs (these links will take you directly to the foster program pages). My husband and I have done home visits to review foster homes for specific rescue groups where we are volunteers. If you are interested in a specific type or size of dog or cat, contact the appropriate rescue group and ask about fostering opportunities.
You could be the one getting kisses like the woman in the MSPCA photo below.
There have been times when we're doing a home visit for someone who would like to adopt a dog, when we suggest they consider fostering first. It might be that they have too little experience with dogs or that they have unrealistic expectations for a rescued animal.
On the page for the MSPCA Boston Foster Program, they have good information to consider when planning to foster.
“Fostering is an incredibly rewarding experience that requires a real commitment. The emotional aspects of fostering are difficult and should be discussed with all family members. It is easy to fall in love with any animal especially one that has depended on you. Oftentimes it can be difficult to see them leave your home for their new forever home. The wonderful part of fostering is knowing that you played a tremendous and extremely crucial role in getting them there!”
There is a lot to consider. In rescue circles, we talk about flunking fostering. That happens when you decide to keep the animal you set out to foster. Sometimes this is possible, but not always.
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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: Top photo, iStockPhoto Tricky photo ©2016 Penny Cherubino bottom photo courtesy of the MSPCA site.