Dogs Trust Newbury is calling on local dog lovers to consider volunteering to foster a dog whilst they wait to be adopted.
Dogs Trust Home from Home scheme was launched in 2015 and finds foster homes for dogs that need a little extra TLC and time out from the hustle and bustle of the rehoming centre, such as young puppies, older dogs and those who have lived in a home all their life.
There are currently 10 dogs living in foster homes, with 16 being rehomed through the scheme this year already.
The foster care team are particularly looking for adult-only homes, as well as homes with a dog already living there for the foster dogs who prefer to be in the company of other four-legged friends.
Dogs Trust Newbury’s Home from Home Coordinator, Shannon Rawlings, said: “Young puppies, nervous dogs and those who have spent the majority of their lives in a home often struggle to adjust to life in the rehoming centre.
“Young dogs born at the rehoming centre often need around-the-clock care, while some older dogs just find life at the rehoming centre confusing after a long time in a home. Living with a foster carer allows dogs to get that bit of extra care in a loving environment whilst they wait for their forever home.
“Our foster scheme means some of the dogs who have found themselves in our care can enjoy the home comforts which come as part of a loving family. Our team of volunteer foster carers are amazing and allow us to look after even more dogs – with every dog in foster care allowing us to take in another dog in need.”
Shannon says there are a number of active foster families who help to take in dogs in need, but she is always looking for more foster carers to call upon, especially adult-only homes and those who already own a dog.
Shannon adds: “We believe a dog is for life and our fantastic foster carers really do show our dogs the love behind this statement; encouraging them to reach their full potential and giving them a safe and loving environment to enjoy whilst they wait for their new families.
“For everyone who is a dog lover and wants a four-legged friend in their life but can’t commit to having a dog long-term, fostering could be the ideal solution. Fostering is completely free, and Dogs Trust provides essentials such as food and bedding and are on hand to provide 24-hour guidance and training advice. It is a fantastic way to help us do as much as we possibly can for dogs in the region that have found themselves without a home to call their own.”
If you would like to offer a foster home to some of the dogs at Dogs Trust Newbury you can call the rehoming centre on 01488 505157 or visit www.dogstrust.org.uk for more information.
