Who’s a good boy? Pilot program finds foster homes for dogs
Salem wants to hug you. The affectionate 4-year-old, 58pound, formerly stray dog with velvety black fur (his caretakers don’t do breed labeling) is eager to snuggle up to visitors and hold out a paw to shake. He has lived at Memphis Animal Services for three weeks, and he’s now one of five dogs available to a good foster home under a new pilot program.
The program aims to place the shelter’s at-risk population of large adult dogs into foster homes for four to six weeks. Every Wednesday, the shelter will announce five dogs that are available on its Facebook page.
“We’re excited to expand our foster program into the pets at our shelter who have the most trouble getting adopted, and that’s large adult dogs,” said Memphis Animal Services Director Alexis Pugh. “If this pilot program is successful, we plan to expand it to include more dogs after the new year.”
In addition to Salem, four other dogs are currently available through the pilot.
❚ Perdita is about 1 year old, 53 pounds, female, brown and white
❚ Jada is about 2 years old, 40 pounds, female, black and white
❚ Yosemite is about 2 years old, 56 pounds, male, brindle and white
❚ Peony is about 7 months old, 35 pounds, female, tan and white
Individuals or families fostering a dog should become the animal’s “adoption ambassador,” providing videos, photos and stories and using their networks in an effort to help find adoptive homes, Pugh said.
“Be this dog’s biggest fan,” she said. “You are their hype man.”
Katie Pemberton, community engagement specialist at the shelter, said the foster dogs will be negative for heartworms, and they are also spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. The shelter will also try to supply collars, leashes, harnesses, food, and crates or kennels as available with donations.
The group says they have maintained an 88 percent save rate over the past year and are working toward finding homes for every adoptable, healthy pet.
People interested in the foster program can email mas@memphistn.gov or visit the shelter at 2350 Appling City Cove to complete an application and consultation.