Fostering and the Gift of Time
Nova was saved through the foster program. photo: SVVP
For most of us, adopting a pet is a big decision, often with many unknowns. What is the animal’s personality? Will she be an active yard romper or a chillin’ couch potato? Will she like kids and other animals? Will she like us? Luckily, fostering a pet first gives you the time and knowledge to make that decision with your eyes wide open.
Fostering an animal can be life-changing for a person and a pet. It can also be lifesaving, as shelters continue to burst at the seams and scramble to avoid euthanasia. Senior animals, who often make perfect companions for senior humans, are especially at risk when these hard decisions must be made.
Benefits of Fostering
The good news is that fostering a pet is now easier than ever and the benefits are many. Here are just a few:
You and the pet have time and space to acclimate. You can revel in the process of getting to know a cat or dog and imagine your future together without the pressure of a permanent commitment.
Fostering gets a homeless pet out of a cage and out of harm’s way.
Fostering gives you a companion, a sense of purpose, and the time to decide if you want a pet, and specifically that pet.
The organization that arranges your foster will likely provide the animal’s food, medical or behavioral care, education, guidance, and additional support while the pet is in foster care.
In fact, time is truly the biggest gift in the foster scenario. You almost never know a shelter pet’s full history so having the time to build a relationship, establish trust, create routines, and have fun together can help you decide how and whether you want to proceed. That’s the story of Nova, Jean, and Al, just one of many happy “failed foster” tales.
Meeting Nova
After losing their beloved Border Collie Sammy, retirees Jean and Al found themselves lonely without a dog, so they decided to foster a pet through Silicon Valley Pet Project (SVPP), a nonprofit animal rescue group based in San Jose.
Enter Nova, a starving stray turned into the county shelter in San Martin last year. Roughly 7 or 8 years old, she was considered a senior for her breed and had already been in the shelter for 10 months. At 80 pounds (up from a scrawny 53 pounds when she first arrived at the shelter) and with a cherry eye, she couldn’t have been more different than Sammy.
But Jean had always wanted a bully breed and knew that these good-natured, affectionate dogs make devoted companions. She also knew that, like Nova, many of them remain in shelters for far too long. Nova had a sweet face and Jean and Al felt a connection to her so they took the leap to foster her.
New to retired life and with some physical limitations, Jean knew that a senior dog would be a good fit for them. “I can walk her and I can handle her, but I’m not stressing out and causing more medical problems for myself with a dog that’s really active and requires a lot more physical activity than I can give,” says Jean.
With time, patience, love, treats, and a few leash classes, the relationship blossomed. “We got very attached to her. The longer we had her, the more her personality came out. She’s a very funny, sweet, and loving dog. I loved that she would hang out with me and watch Netflix,” Jean says.
After exactly three months, three weeks, and three days, Jean and Al realized they couldn’t imagine life without Nova and decided to formally adopt her. Now a permanent member of the family, Nova enjoys following Al around the house and yard, going on walks, napping in the sun, and tossing around a few stuffed toys.
“She just likes to be with us,” Jean said.
At night, Nova happily lounges on the family couch and sleeps with Jean and Al in their king-sized bed. According to Jean, she always has to be touching one of them. She probably wants to make sure her perfect, happily-ever-after life isn’t a dream.
“We’ve had her for eight or nine months now, and we’re still seeing her personality come out even more. I don’t know if there’s anything else to say other than we absolutely love her, and I’m so glad we fostered her and adopted her,” Jean says.
Now Is The Time!
If you’re interested in fostering or adopting a pet, now is the time. County and city shelters are over capacity and need the community’s help. San Jose Animal Care & Services and County of Santa Clara Animal Services have many adoptable pets and offer foster programs as well. Silicon Valley Pet Project’s foster programs provide extensive support every step of the way.
So foster or adopt a pet today. Save a life. Find a friend. You’ll be glad you did.