Dog lovers needed to foster homeless hounds

DOGS Trust West London, based in Harefield, is calling on local dog lovers to consider opening their homes and hearts by volunteering to foster a dog while they wait to be adopted.

Dogs Trust’s Home From Home fostering scheme was launched in 2015 and finds foster homes for dogs that need a little extra TLC and time out from the hustle and bustle of the rehoming centre, such as young puppies, older dogs, dogs with medical conditions and those who have previously lived in a home all their lives. The dogs that arrive at Dogs

Trust come in all shapes, sizes and with different personalities, so the charity works closely with foster carers to make sure they place the most appropriate dog into the right home.

Local couple, Storm and Shane from Uxbridge, first joined the Dogs Trust West London Home From Home fostering scheme in December 2019 and, among others, helped Ollie the eightyear-old pug to find his forever home.

Speaking about their experience, Storm said: “Ollie hadn’t spent long at Dogs Trust when we got him last December. Being an older chap, he needed that little bit of extra love and attention.

“Fostering at Dogs Trust has been the best decision we have made. Our house feels more like a home since having Ollie and the other dogs. Giving them the love and care they deserve for as long as they need, it is a wonderful experience. It has opened our eyes to how much the dogs really benefit from being in a foster home and seeing them come out of their shell is rewarding.”

Dogs Trust Harefield’s Home

From Home co-ordinator Zena Tredell said: “When incredible people like Storm and Shane open their home to our dogs, they play a significant role in giving a rescue dog a second chance at life. All of our foster carers receive full support and advice regarding the dog in their care. A home environment gives our dogs a chance to shine and shows prospective new owners their real personality; it’s a wonderful way to help our furry friends and support the work of Dogs Trust.

“Fostering is completely free and Dogs Trust provides everything you could possibly need, such as food, bedding, toys and treats and are on hand to provide 24-hour guidance and training advice. It is a fantastic way to help us do as much as we possibly can for dogs that have found themselves without a home to call their own.”

Home From Home foster homes must be within 45 minutes of the centre and will ideally have no other pets and no young children.

If you would like to offer a foster home, email Zena Tredell at hfhharefield@dogstrust.org.uk or call 01895 453 938.