Get a Free Pet with Food & Vet Care for Christmas!

OK, so, I was talking to a friend, and her kids really, really want a puppy. To the point of making her crazy over wanting a puppy. And, of course, they will feed it, walk it, play with it, and love it! So, while there is really no doubt in her mind that her kids really will do all of the above, she has our standard single mom point of view. And what I mean by that is this: she’s a single mom, money is super tight, and she had absolutely no idea how she could afford to feed an extra mouth, much less take care of all the yearly vaccinations, not to mention that dogs sometimes get sick, too. And then there is paying for spaying or neutering…

So, as much as she wants to please her children, especially since she can’t afford much at Chrismas, anyway, she was looking at this as an impossibility. So, of course, I have to offer my two cents worth. For several years now, my daughter and I have fostered dogs for a local rescue group. And I have to hand it to them, these guys are GREAT to work with! Not only are we doing a good deed (we all know how much I love to do good for others when I can) but, somebody else is paying the bills!

How it works is this: go to petfinder.com and look for a shelter in your area. I know that here, we have a city shelter, as well as local rescue groups, and they are all listed on petfinder.com. Most of them you can contact about fostering via email. So, shoot them an email, and ask if they are in need of foster homes for any animals. Most of them will reply with an enthusiastic “YES!” You may have to fill out a form or two, and they will more than likely visit your home or apartment, just to be sure that you really live there. Then, you take in a cute dog or cat, the rescue group has paid for all vetting, and usually will supply you with pet food, as well! Not bad…and you save a cute little animal’s life

My daughter and I have been doing this for several years now. We have thoroughly enjoyed it. At first, I was a little worried that she would be upset when our foster pet was adopted out. I solved that by making her very much a part of the adoption process, as well as letting her know on the front end that this dog was here for just a little while. She handled it really well. And, since the last few we have taken in have been puppies, she always has the benefit of having a cute puppy, instead of a full grown dog. And, since little girls love puppies, it’s kind of like having an endless supply of them! 

Realistically, you could have your foster pet for a while, so you should be prepared for that. I have one right beside me right now that is incredibly well behaved, (ok, one of the best dogs ever!) and she has been with us for almost 2 years. Doesn’t look like she’s going anywhere anytime soon, either. Some of the puppies have been here for just a couple of months, because people looking for a pet seem to want them as young as they can get them sometimes. 

But, if you are thinking of fostering, don’t rule out the older dogs, by any means! Mine, for instance, is about 3 years old, has incredible house manners, and is great with kids. And, she came to me already housebroken and well past the puppy chewing stage. She is absolutely no trouble at all to take care of. And, if we decide at some point in time that we just can’t bear to let her go, the rescue will give us a discount off the already reasonable adoption fee.

Maybe dogs aren’t your thing…no problem. Animal Rescue groups take in all kinds of animals. Mostly dogs & cats, but, there are some that have hamsters, guinea pigs, and ferrets. And, some will get breed specific, too, so if you just love Labradors, chances are, there is a Labrador Rescue near you that you can check with. 

With times being so hard economically, there is no shortage of abandoned pets that need homes right now. They are being turned in to shelters faster than ever. I know of 2 rescues here that turn away at least 50, every day, before lunch. Simply because many people can’t afford to pay for their own pets right now. So, let’s see, you do a good deed, save a life, make your kids happy, and somebody else pays for it all. So, not only do you get all this really good karma going, you get to sav a little cash while you’re at it. Good stuff all around!