Message from a long time Foster mom:
Why do I love Fostering? Maybe it is because I am selfish. Fostering is one of the most rewarding, fun, and loving experiences of my life.
Our life with greyhounds began with being a foster, our plan. We were overcome by the charm, calm and WOW factor, but not sure, like most first timers, what it would be like having a greyhound in our house. We were quick to learn how easy and fun it is. We adopted her. We then took another foster greyhound.
Being the first human to relate to greyhounds off the track, showing them that life can be fun, humans can be trusted, and watch them respond touches my heart. These are the most remarkable and forgiving of dogs. Each day is a mutual gift for all of us. I think I am a hoarder - I want them all. Since that is not possible, fostering gives me a chance to have another and another.
Yes, it is bitter sweet when they leave for their forever homes. However, each one went to a wonderful home full of new life and the next step in evolving to their full potential.
Another bonus for us was meeting exciting adoptive families who have become our friends, fallen in love with their dogs and have changed their lives for the better.
Finally, these dogs have won the race. They raced for love and a forever home – and each greyhound will find one with the help of the foster family.
Gail Bond
To My Foster Mom
There I sat, alone and afraid,
You got a call and came right to my aid.
You bundled me up with blankets and love.
And when I needed it most, you gave me a hug.
I learned that the world was not all that scary and cold.
That sometimes there is someone to have and to hold.
You taught me what love is, you helped me to mend.
You loved me and healed me and became my first friend.
And just when I thought you'd done all you do,
There came along not one new lesson but two.
First you said, "Sweetheart you're ready to go.
I've done all I can, and you've learned all I know."
Then you bundled me up with a blanket and kiss.
Along came a new family, they even have kids!
They took me to their home, forever to stay.
At first I thought that you sent me away.
Then that second lesson became perfectly clear.
No matter how far you will always be near.
And so, Foster Mom, you know I've moved on.
I have a new home, with toys and a lawn.
But I'll never forget what I learned that first day.
You never really give your fosters away.
You gave me these thoughts to remember you by.
We may never meet again, and now I know why.
You'll remember I lived with you for a time.
I may not be yours but you'll always be mine.
Author unknown
Here in this house... I will never know
the loneliness I hear in the barks of the other dogs 'out there'.
I can sleep soundly, assured that when I
wake my world will not have changed.
I will never know hunger, or the fear of
not knowing if I'll eat.
I will not shiver in the cold, or grow
weary from the heat.
I will feel the sun's heat, and the rain's
coolness, and be allowed to smell all that can reach my nose.
My fur will shine, and never be dirty or
matted.
Here in this house... There will be an effort to communicate with me on my
level.
I will be talked to and, even if I don't
understand, I can enjoy the warmth of the words.
I will be given a name so that I may know
who I am among many.
My name will be used in joy, and I will
love the sound of it!
Here in this house... I will never be a substitute for anything I am not.
I will never be used to improve peoples'
images of themselves.
I will be loved because I am who I am, not
someone's idea of who I should be.
I will never suffer for someone's anger,
impatience, or stupidity.
I will be taught all the things I need to
know to be loved by all.
If I do not learn my lessons well, they
will look to my teacher for blame.
Here in this house... I can trust arms that hold, hands that touch...
knowing that, no matter what they do, they do it for the good of me.
If I am ill, I will be doctored. If
scared, I will be calmed. If sad, I will be cheered.
No matter what I look like, I will be
considered beautiful and known to be of value.
I will never be cast out because I am too old, too ill, too unruly, or not cute
enough.
My life is a responsibility, and not an
afterthought.
I will learn that humans can almost,
sometimes, be as kind and as fair as dogs.
Here in this house... I
will belong. I will be home.