Could you be a dog fosterer like Sue and Ray?
DOGS Trust Bridgend is celebrating the dogged devotion of dedicated foster carer Sue Nash from Cardiff, who has given five years of her time to care for dogs whilst they wait to be adopted.
Sue started fostering dogs in 2013, not long after the charity set up the Home From Home fostering scheme.
In the last five years, she has cared for 23 dogs, mainly puppies, of all shapes and sizes including Charlie, a blind Terrier cross, Lola the Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross who was recovering from an operation for a broken leg and needed to be walked in a doggie pushchair so she could still get out and about; and a deaf Boxer called Maddie.
Sue has just waved goodbye to her 23rd foster pup, four-month-old Maltese cross, Coconut.
Sue and her husband, Ray, also have two rescue dogs of their own, 12-yearold Collie cross Teg who has epilepsy and has lived with them for 10 years, and Misty, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross who is nine. She also owns three rescue cats.
The Dogs Trust Home from Home scheme focuses on finding temporary foster homes for some of the dogs that need a little extra TLC and time out from the hustle and bustle of the rehoming centre.
In particular, it benefits puppies, older dogs who are missing their home comforts, or dogs who have been poorly and recovering from surgery.
Foster carers like Sue can give these dogs a home-away-from home, allowing them time to relax and settle into home life until a loving new family comes forward to adopt them.
Sue says: “I originally got into fostering dogs as I was helping with some training classes at the rehoming centre and one of the staff members told me how they were desperate for temporary homes. Once we started, we didn’t stop! Except for when I had some time off when I was recovering from a broken ankle and when my husband, Ray had a back operation.
“The thing I love most about fostering is that no two dogs are the same. Every single one is different and I could go on all day listing the individual personalities and quirks of each dog.
“It is really lovely to see them go off to their new homes and many new owners stay in touch and it is lovely to see photos and to hear how they are getting on. We have made many new friends from fostering. The great thing about being a foster carer is that it gives you the chance to help lots of dogs and you have the full backing of Dogs Trust who give you everything you need to look after the dogs. Even though it can be hard to part with the dogs when they find their new family, it is so worth it knowing you’ve helped them find their perfect home.”
There are currently 25 foster families on board helping to take dogs in from Dogs Trust Bridgend but the team says they are always looking for more foster carers to call upon.
Mandy Grant, co-ordinator of the Home from Home fostering scheme at Dogs Trust Bridgend, said: “Our foster scheme means some of the dogs who have found themselves in our care can continue to enjoy the home comforts which come as part of a loving family. Our team of volunteer foster carers are amazing and allow us to look after even more dogs, every dog in foster care frees up a kennel for another dog in need.
“We believe a dog is for life and our fantastic foster carers really do show our dogs the love behind this statement; encouraging them to reach their full potential and giving them a safe and loving environment to enjoy whilst they wait for their new families. For anyone who is a dog lover and wants a fourlegged friend in their life but can’t commit to having a dog long-term, fostering could be the ideal solution!
“Dogs Trust covers all fees and it is a fantastic way to help us do as much as we possibly can for dogs in the region that have found themselves without a home to call their own.”
If you would like to find out more about becoming a volunteer foster carer please call Mandy Grant at Dogs Trust Bridgend on 01656 725 219 or email hfhbridgend@ dogstrust. org.uk or visit www.dog strust.org.uk/fostering