Training Tales - Help Wanted

by Tim Wheeler, LDDR volunteer

Upton

While it is true that there are all kinds of volunteers with varied skill sets needed in any rescue group or organization, it is more than likely the most significant need will be for fosters. What becomes apparent, even to beginning volunteers, is that each animal that comes to us may have multiple issues to manage. There are issues like a lack of socialization, reactivity to other dogs, people or environments, and a lack of basic manners. It is noteworthy that humans are the ones who assign the value of 'good' or 'bad' to health or behavioral issues. Depending on the volunteer, the determination of how best to help a foster could very well be a life-defining event.

So what makes the difference in getting animals adopted into permanent homes? Here it is — experience. For the successful foster, they are expected to provide a routine, give constant direction, and offer enormous amounts of love. For rescuers, especially the ones who have housed dogs of multiple breeds and needs, it becomes second nature. Protocols are employed, body language and training needs are noted, problem behaviors are addressed, and, voila! The foster dog gets adopted into a permanent home with issues identified and a plan for success.

For some fosters, it is often the case that one problem or another has them unsure of how to move forward and be an effective advocate for their foster. There are the immediate needs like establishing a potty routine, redirecting inappropriate mouthing or chewing, and crate training. Because of incorrect or outdated information, it sometimes happens that, due to no fault of their own, dogs and cats have been given confusing messages about appropriate behaviors for living with humans. For those animals, the longer those behaviors have been allowed to take place, the longer the road to improvement.

In some cases, the experience level of volunteers is crucial. Some fosters may like the idea of helping out and bringing an animal into their home. Predictably along come real-life issues crashing down which will need continuous monitoring. Fosters may become overwhelmed and not have the experience or persistence to handle problems despite good intentions. Fortunately, within our rescue we have an abundance of experience and willingness to accept even the most difficult cases. We have a precious few fosters who resolve to provide all possible support going forward, up to and including taking an animal back at any reasonable point in the future.

Can you imagine the level of commitment required? If your answer is yes, we need your help with our foster program! If your answer is no, we still need your help. We recognize there are different levels of commitment and ability. Fosters have the potential to lift and honor a life. When the adoption process gets followed, and the requirements are met, finding a permanent home is a great feeling. Knowing you have been instrumental in finding the best possible life for one of our animals is especially fulfilling.

For some strange reason, some of our very best fosters already have several resident animals in their homes, each having a unique set of behavioral quirks. Because the foster situation in these homes is challenging, the foster comes to a realization, something like "I know I will never be able to provide you with the kind of life you deserve." Even though it is hard to let go, they learn all they can about their foster and prepare them for that perfect home. It only takes that one adopter to make all the difference. There is no quit in these volunteers; they keep giving it their best effort.

Our rescuers, they keep chugging along, taking in foster after foster and somehow managing to find permanent homes. It is a fantastic thing to witness. They work through the issues, and the results are not by accident. Everyone who knows the personal level of commitment required for success is not surprised by the outcome; another life saved.

If you are interested in rolling up your sleeves, there are multiple ways you can get involved by filling out a volunteer application today. You can also come by one of our many adoption events and come check us out. It will take all of us to get this done!

You can check out our volunteer opportunities here: Volunteer Opportunities

Back to Main Blog