How much of the “conventional wisdom” about adoption and foster programs makes sense, and how much of it just keeps your organization from saving as many animals as it could? That was the question on Sherri Franklin’s mind as she first created Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, a San Francisco organization that has saved thousands of… Learn More
A strong foster program can be the single factor that finally brings a community to no-kill. Just ask Ann Lindholm of Austin Pets Alive!, who took their foster program from a one-person operation to a team of more than 35 volunteers. In only three years they were supporting a network of over 1,200 foster parents… Learn More
Who is in the best position to know what type of home would be best for a pet in a foster home: the adoption organization, or the foster caregiver? It’s a question that might not have a single answer. Some foster caregivers may prefer to be involved with pets but not be comfortable working directly… Learn More
Can you think of anything that would make you look forward to getting up every 2-3 hours in the middle of the night? Neither could Dr. Laurie Peek, until she experienced orphaned kitten fostering. “It’s one of my favorite things in the whole wide world!” she said. A Maddie’s Fund® Executive Leadership Team member, Dr.… Learn More
Want a dog’s-eye view of why they call it Leap Day and not extra day or something like that? I have a theory. As three-legged dog, I’m familiar with the physical act of leaping. But after the past six months, I also know a thing or two about metaphoric leaping. See, I think Leap Day… Learn More
Foster homes can provide a valuable safe harbor for stressed, fearful, or anxious shelter pets, as well as a place where they can learn behaviors that will maximize their chances for successful adoption into a permanent home. For that to happen, however, the foster family must also provide appropriate support for the easing of fears… Learn More
What do Popeye, Cosmo Kramer, Rocky and Yoda all have in common? Yes, they’re all famous movie and TV characters, but that’s not all. They’re also pets who left a footprint on the hearts of their fosters. In the spirit of #FalalaFoster, we’re sharing some of our favorite foster flashbacks. Kramer. Sara Radak and her… Learn More
Is it time to put the term ‘foster failure’ to rest forever, and call the adoption of pets by their foster homes what it really is, a ‘foster win’? You bet, say experts at two of the country’s most successful pet foster programs. The dog foster program at Austin Pets Alive! is the largest in… Learn More
Do you ever wonder why people foster pets? Sure, it’s because they want to help save a life, but there’s more. A lot more, as anyone who’s actually done it can tell you. And you can sum it up with a three-letter word you’ll hear a lot this time of year: joy. Topping the list… Learn More
Do you want to bring home some magic this holiday season? Want to experience the joy you remember from your childhood — and save a pet’s life at the same time? Here’s how: Foster a homeless pet! Fostering doesn’t just give pets a place to lay their heads. Spending time in a home, with a… Learn More