Can you imagine spending three jam-packed days learning everything from reducing barriers to fostering, to starting a field trip foster program, to marketing foster dogs, to saving long stay dogs by getting them to foster? If you attend Maddie’s® Medium and Large Dog Foster Apprenticeship at Austin Animal Services this summer, you won’t have to imagine it. That’s exactly what you’ll get!
This apprenticeship is one of eight returning favorites for the summer season. The very first one was held earlier this year, with foster coordinators from 14 communities around the United States gathering to learn how to save more medium and large, adult shelter dogs by placing them in foster homes. The 3-day immersion experience taught them the ins and outs of starting and running a successful adult dog foster program that they could replicate in their own communities.
The feedback from both the host shelter and apprentices was overwhelmingly positive.
One apprentice said, “During these three days, I have built some relationships with women who are front runners, game changers, and who will be the face of animal welfare in the future. I’ve learned my challenges can be overcome, with the right mindset. That the sky is the limit! The fight in me is strong and something I can’t wait for others to see. I feel empowered and motivated!”
Said another, “Best three days of my animal welfare career. Can’t wait to implement all of the incredible things I learned with these amazing, inspiring, beautiful, soulful, compassionate women. What a tremendous group of people.”
Program facilitator Kristen Auerbach, Deputy Chief of Austin Animal Center, was thrilled with the outcome. “The apprentices walked away with everything they need to start saving more dogs right away,” she said. “We hope they’ll copy our programs, learn from what we’ve done and that this will have an instant impact on reducing euthanasia. Thanks to Maddie, there will be so many more dogs all over the country spending the night in homes instead of kennels while they wait for their forever families.”
Apprentices represented many types of communities and organizations. “Some participants were from large municipal shelters in major U.S. cities like Detroit, New York City, Chicago, Houston, Orange County, California and Kansas City, while others were from smaller communities,” Auerbach said. “Combined, these animal welfare professionals represent an annual shelter intake of 230,000 pets – which means they have an opportunity to make a huge impact on lifesaving! We can’t wait for the next round!”
Maddie’s Fund® is accepting applications for the Medium and Large Dog Foster Apprenticeship at Austin Animal Services until June 2. Apply today!