We had a recent situation where a dog was reactive on transport and due to our lack of the ability to recognize it, she bit twice and lunged after someone in the first week. After decompression she settled down a bit and after fostering in the home environment became a great dog and a rescue favorite. With no applications (she looked like a pit terrier) for a long time, we had her evaluated by a behavioralist who labeled her as trigger stacking and a potential danger which effectively destroyed any chances for adoption (liability in NJ). The rescue had no choice but to return her to the shelter she came from in VA as they had no resources for this type of training. But with education we could have seen it sooner and prevented the initial bites that happened during decompression and with training we feel she could have been someone's wonderful dog. We are hopeful that a rescue with more resources can pick her up and she can have a fresh start. Heart wrenching. There are so many of these types of dogs that don't get a fair chance. And we only really have one foster currently with no other dogs or kids.
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Peggy Schipper
All Fur One
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Original Message:
Sent: 03-28-2023 01:24 PM
From: Sarah Less
Subject: Attracting Fosters for dogs that aren't animal social
Yes, Julielani!! That's us!! I am so thankful for those of you that share your education, experience, AND your valuable time!!
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Sarah Less
Volunteer
Warrior Dog Rescue
Original Message:
Sent: 03-27-2023 11:06 PM
From: Julielani Chang
Subject: Attracting Fosters for dogs that aren't animal social
Sarah,
I love your idea of Unicorn Foster, we sure need them. I am a trainer and I donate behavior services to fosters through different rescues. Before training, I used to volunteer for a shelter for years and did lots of short-term fosters. Wearing both hats allows me to really empathize with the fosters. They are doing the heavy lifting. Anyway, some of the fosters I work with really step up to the plate. I feel that the fosters that enjoy working one on one with a trainer can potentially become Unicorn fosters. Is your rescue based out of Mn? Do you have a dog named Key West? I am not sure if I will end up matching with Key West but I offer my service through HART.
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Julielani Chang
The Life of Kai: Compassion Connections Inc.
Davis CA
Original Message:
Sent: 03-27-2023 07:59 PM
From: Sarah Less
Subject: Attracting Fosters for dogs that aren't animal social
Such a challenge! The Unicorn Foster!! Our rescue has really been focusing on providing training for the dog as well as the fosters. We have reached out to local trainers, created a "training" team, focused some fund raising specifically for the training team, etc. This doesn't immediately help the need for a Unicorn Foster when your no dog homes are filled, but over time I think it will get the word out that our organization is there to support you! You can do a search for "Unicorn Fosters" to get some tips on how to find them!
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Sarah Less
Volunteer
Warrior Dog Rescue
Original Message:
Sent: 03-27-2023 09:29 AM
From: Autumn Gomez-Tagle
Subject: Attracting Fosters for dogs that aren't animal social
Hi folks,
I'm a new foster coordinator at my place of work, and I'm finding it difficult to fill our need for fosters for dogs with behavioral challenges. Most of my preexisting canine foster families have other dogs, and often cats and small children. Does anyone have any tips for finding fosters that don't already have pets but still have some significant animal handling skills?
#FosterPrograms
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Autumn Gomez-Tagle
Volunteer and Foster Coordinator
Fox Valley Humane Association
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