Tails from the Shelter 2024

Learn More about Stray Heart’s 2024 Foster Program!

Our 2024 Foster Program.

It’s undeniably hard to resist a puppy.

Their wet noses, wide eyes, and big paws are enough to melt even the most stony of hearts. Puppies are often the first to be adopted from the shelter, and the easiest to place in foster homes. It’s easy to open your heart to these adorable, vulnerable creatures.

Foster homes are very important for puppy development - but what about the many adult dogs that are still waiting for their forever homes in our shelter?

Adult dogs are much more averse to the stressors of shelter life.

They become withdrawn, fearful, reluctant to interact with strangers. Dogs that do not “show well” are repeatedly passed up for adoption. As their length of stay increases, it becomes increasingly difficult to find them a home.

Pitbull or rottweiler mix dogs, those with black fur, or those that look “aggressive” face steep barriers to adoption.

The consequences of extended length of stay affects shelter staff members as well.

Emotional burnout and low morale may result in higher staff turnover - which ultimately creates another obstacle for long-term canine residents to overcome.

The good news is that caring members of the community can take these dogs into their homes for a temporary stay, known as foster care.

Adult dogs are much easier to foster than puppies - they’re more calm, often potty trained, and are much less likely to wake you up at 2 o’clock in the morning.

An adult dog may be fostered for a few weeks, a few days, or a few hours. The stability, safety, and love provided by a foster parent significantly reduces a dog’s stress levels.

Unresolved appetite issues in the shelter often clear up. More opportunities for exercise and play along with lower noise levels lead to improved sleep quality. And happier, healthier dogs are much more likely to be adopted.

I’ve heard of fostering and am interested, but I have some questions.

We are happy to answer any questions you may have about the program!

Our staff want to match you with the best dog for your circumstances. The foster relationship should enrich the lives of volunteer foster parents as well as the lives of our pups.

I’d like to foster a dog, but I just don’t have the time or space.

You can still get your fix, with a foster field trip!

These trips can last up to 5 hours, or can be as little as 45 minutes. The dogs may go on a drive with you, may visit a dog friendly store, may go for a walk or even a hike. Not only is this a great decompression for the dogs, it also provides an opportunity for folks in the community to meet our dogs outside of the shelter setting.

Whether you’ve fostered animals before, are a first time applicant, or would like to learn more about the foster program here at Stray Hearts, please reach out to us at fostercoordinator@strayhearts.org