When coronavirus isolation first began, we all saw one positive thing begin to emerge: an unbelievable interest in fostering shelter dogs. Newly working from home, many people saw an opportunity to do a good deed and get some much-needed companionship. Rescue groups and shelters were flooded with applications, and after a few weeks it seemed like most dogs had been placed. However, we knew that we needed a way to help organize some of this response and help place some of the dogs still left behind, often larger, or behaviorally quirky dogs. So we began a blog page updated daily with dogs in need of foster and we sent it to the unprecedented list of folks who joined our Foster Roster—over 3,000 new applicants in March, to be clear. These are the stories of just some of our successful placements!
JACK
Shelter: Town Of Hempstead Animal Shelter
Foster parents Benji and Autumn said, “We saw ads online early into our time in quarantine from shelters seeking volunteers to help foster dogs. I've been a volunteer at shelters in the past and knew of the relief it provides to shelter staff and to a dog needing space and a home. We both love dogs and loved the idea of helping out while in quarantine to make the best of the situation. Weirdly enough, getting Jack brought us out of the stupor of worry and fear from COVID-19. Being responsible for the dogs happiness and health gave us a reason to remain upbeat and optimistic, and to appreciate the moments of each day. Jack made us a feel like a little family and we totally fell in love with him because of how playful and sweet he can be. We were told when we're signing up to foster Jack that many people end up loving the dogs they foster and we just sort of laughed at the idea of us getting tricked into full adoption like ‘oh wouldn't that just be awful’... Not really thinking too much about it. But as soon as we integrated our lives with the dog, we were hooked also. Jack was so smart and strong-willed, but still sweet and affectionate. It took us a few days to learn how to communicate with each other, but now it's like we've been doing it forever. We are loving our time with him and reached out yesterday to the shelter to officially adopt him.”
MAGIC
Rescue: BARRK LI
Foster mom Jessica says, “I love him so much! Here’s a photo of lazy Magic after a long walk and bubble bath yesterday!”
“I chose to foster because I knew I had the time and energy to give love and care to an animal in need. Being with Magic has been therapeutic for both of us and helps me focus on the simple yet beautiful things in life like a short walk as the sun rises or cuddles before bedtime!”
FELIX
Rescue: Twenty Paws Rescue
His rescue says: “Meet 15 year old Westie Felix! This boy is a true COVID-19 victim. Both of his elderly humans, who loved him beyond words, passed from the virus. So, now he finds himself in rescue.
Felix is sweet and calm. Loves everything and everyone. Will post more updates as we get to know him.
He had an immediate foster because of @fosterdogs foster roster. We were able to preapprove so many homes.”
HOPE
Shelter: Brookhaven Animal Shelter
Her shelter admin says, “I wanted to send my sincere thanks for all you’re doing for the animals and the shelter. You’re making it possible for us to keep pens open as we must accept the homeless, injured, neglected and abused. Because of your help we do not have to for space during this difficult time when we cannot operate as usual. Thank you from the bottom of ours hearts!”
NICO
Shelter: Duchess County SPCA
“I heard there was a need for fosters during this pandemic. When I saw Nico on the Foster Roster, it sounded like the perfect opportunity to help a dog in need and give me someone to hang out with all day as we all self-isolate. I love how sweet Nico has been since I first started fostering him last week. He always wants to be by my side. He definitely has a lot of love to give and I’m happy I’m able to give him a home where he can do that.”
TIFFANY
Rescue: BARRK LI
Foster mom Michelle says, “Tiffany is truly a sweetheart. She really just wants to give and get love. If she’s not cuddling, she is ready to play tug of war or fetch a ball around. She is house trained and has made a lot of progress already on her sits and stays. She never barks and is great with other dogs we meet on our walks.”
KAYLIE
Rescue: BARRK LI
Kaylie moved in to her new foster home during our COVID-19 foster plea and has since been adopted into her forever home!
Fosters Ana and Chris said: “This little lady is with us thanks to the Foster Roster outreach email this week. Thank you for your hard work!!”
LOUIE
Shelter: Brookhaven Animal Shelter
Foster parents say: “Welcome home to our newest friend, Louie! We are fostering him from @brookhaven_shelter and found him on @fosterdogs. From the moment I saw his picture online, his smile really spoke to me, and I knew he deserved a house and a yard to play in. He is so sweet and has made himself quite comfortable at home already.”
He fit in so well that he is now officially a foster fail and forever family member!
ARCHER
Shelter: NYC ACC
Archer is bursting with happiness since he is getting adopted by his new foster mom Jocelyn. Archer found his foster mom during our foster roster plea last month. Says former foster mom / advocate Elizabeth, “Foster Dogs is awesome. It was super easy to navigate and I received over 10 requests to foster the dog I was fostering from the ACC within an hour (and almost all of them seemed like amazing potential foster parents). The team at Foster Dogs was super communicative, checked in to make sure I had found a good fit, and then followed up a week later to make sure everything was going well. And best part - the foster mom I found through Foster Dogs is ADOPTING the dog I connected her with, Archer! So a very very happy story. And we have Foster Dogs in part to thank :).”
Infographics designed by Maria Fernandez-Davila
