Bring Joy To Your Pandemic Days With a Foster Dog

Dog adoptions and fosters are up across the country and have been for the bulk of 2020. "Clear the Shelter"-type events have been met with tremendous public response, prompting record numbers of pet adoptions. the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic may have put a halt to many everyday activities and day-to-day normalcy for humans, but it has certainly cemented 2020 as the year of the dog.

With so many people adding canine companions to their families, you might believe the issue of homeless dogs is a thing of the past. Sadly, so long as uncontrolled breeding, puppy mills and animal abuse exist, the need persists for loving animal homes. There are still so many sweet pups in need of a new home or temporary place to rest until their perfect family is found.

Whether your household is a pro at taking care of pets or is new to the world of dog fostering and adoption, caring for a new furry friend could be just what you need to brighten your day and bring you a greater sense of purpose during these often trying times. No matter if you choose to take in a brand new pup or a sweet senior, there are a few things to consider and plan for before welcoming a new doggo into your home. Read on to help you plan for your exciting adventure in doggie fostering.

The Bright Side of Fostering a New Pet

Allowing a new pup to join your home, whether temporarily or permanently, brings along a slew of positive benefits, especially during the current pandemic. Perhaps during this time of social distancing and limited gatherings with family and friends, what you truly miss is the power of touch. The huggers, kissers and those craving close proximity to others are not okay right now. If you tend to show love and affection through touch, your mind and body may be suffering if you've had a lack of physical contact with others throughout this pandemic year. A cuddly pup that vies for your attention and love can help fill the void as you stroke her soft fur, cover her wet snout in kisses, spoil her with treats and give her a happy life that she may not have experienced previously.

Instill a warm, fuzzy feeling within yourself by setting up a cozy space for your foster pup to relax and enjoy her new and safe surroundings. Give your doggie a warm and comfortable place to nap and rest with a new dog bed . You'll find a wide selection of beds available perfect to meet the needs of the smallest to the largest of pups and to fit in a number of spaces. Stocking up on treats to bestow upon your new best friend ensures those sweet puppy kisses and energetic tail wags keep on coming.

Months of stay-at-home orders, social distancing and canceled plans may have taken a toll on your overall health. If your determination and motivation to get out and get moving have wavered during this life-altering year, a dog can sometimes turn out to be the perfect solution. Having a pup around to take on walks and adventures can get you out of the house and moving more than ever, improving both the health and spirits of both you and your new doggie. Be prepared for these treks by having supplies such as a leash and dog poo clean-up bags on hand.

The Easy-To-Overlook Downsides of Dog Fostering

There are so many positives to welcoming a pet into your home, but there are also some cons that are easy to overlook when you're so excited about a potential new furry family member. It is often recommended that a new dog greatly benefits from taking puppy or obedience classes with her new owner or foster. Depending on your area, such classes may be more difficult to come by during pandemic times or programs may be altered to be held in a different setting, with less interaction or maybe even in virtual formats. Less interaction in training settings, with fewer people and with fewer dogs can equal less-than-ideal socialization and a longer timeframe for pups to master their manners. This need not be an insurmountable issue. Stock up on smaller training treats and get started right away with helping your foster pup to learn some basic commands and tricks.

When you find yourself enamored with large, pleading eyes and a sweet, furry puppy face, you may not be thinking ahead to how that same adorable doggo might initially wreak havoc on your house. New environments can be stressful for dogs and some may arrive at your home without the knowledge of what constitutes an appropriate chew toy and what does not. Try to keep a patient attitude and accept the fact that you may need to sacrifice a throw pillow or occasional shoe while the new pup settles in and learns the rules of the house. It's always best to keep such temptations up and out of reach so as to not set dogs up for failure. Instead, prepare by selecting appropriate chew toys to leave around the house for your new houseguest.

There's no doubt there are definitely both pros and cons when it comes to welcoming a foster dog into your household, but the love, affection and distraction she can provide during the pandemic makes it all worth it. Fostering a pup until she finds her furever home is the perfect way to instill a sense of purpose and community into your life during these extremely weird, and sometimes gloomy, times. Knowing what to expect and planning appropriately set both you and your new pup up for success.