Foster Application Sent!!!

[mudEpawz]

Well... I had my telephone interview today. I think the call could have been better...

They seemed to like me but they did have some concerns:

They didnt like the fact that I am young (27 years) and that I live by myself. So I would 2 dogs to deal with on my own.

They didn't like the fact that I sometimes have to leave my dog longer then 4 hours (sometimes I work 6-8 hours but I always come home on my lunch to let her out).

They thought my older cat might be an issue (truthfully so am I)

They didnt like that my fence is older and only 4 foot.

So, I dont know if I will be a good candadite to foster. My fingers are crossed.

[CAROLINA MOM]

I'm really surprised at some of things you have mentioned that you feel the Group didn't like.

I was approved for adoption through a GR Rescue and I also use to help them. I have a 4ft. fence, my group required either a 4ft or 6 ft fence.

Many of the volunteers and Fosters we had worked full time, some were College Students several years younger than you.

[FeatherRiverSam]

I can see where a rescue would be concerned about a 4 ft fence particularly with a younger dog. It wouldn't take much for a young dog to go over a fence that height. And a young dog around a senior cat might present problems as well.

The amount of time you would be home with the dogs would also be a question with some concern. And finally how your dog would get along with the foster would be pretty high on the list.

The age question I don't understand at all?

One way you might look at this is what questions would you ask of somebody you were considering to adopt your dog out to? Of course I know you'd never, ever consider doing something like that, adopting your dog out, but looking at it from this perspective might give you a better insight.

I would think working at the rescue facility, prior to fostering, would make a huge difference. This way they get a chance to know you and develop some trust in you. You might also refer them to this board to see what a loving, responsible, caring person you are.

I would also think you'd be the perfect home for a senior dog. They'd be crazy not to take advantage of your offer in some way.

I hope this works out for you.

Pete

[mudEpawz]

Originally Posted by CAROLINA MOM

I'm really surprised at some of things you have mentioned that you feel the Group didn't like.

I was approved for adoption through a GR Rescue and I also use to help them. I have a 4ft. fence, my group required either a 4ft or 6 ft fence.

Many of the volunteers and Fosters we had worked full time, some were College Students several years younger than you.

To be honest, I was shocked by their comments as well. I thought my biggest obstacle was having an elderly cat. I applied through a local general rescue program. I will also apply to GR rescue and maybe another rescue in a close by town.

From what I understand, their concern with me being so young is that they assumed I like to socialize, which I tried to explain that I am homebody and enjoy hiking and being active vs. bars and partying.

They said that its their philosophy that no dog be left longer then 4 hours a day. I told them that I am close to work and I do come home to let Chloe out to pee. They weren't happy with that answer. They told me that the 20-30 mins I have at home is not enough time.

I think the Rescue is doing the best they can to find suitable homes for their foster doggies. So my comments are not a reflection on their rescue just expressing my disappointment.

Originally Posted by FeatherRiverSam

I can see where a rescue would be concerned about a 4 ft fence particularly with a younger dog. It wouldn't take much for a young dog to go over a fence that height. And a young dog around a senior cat might present problems as well.

The amount of time you would be home with the dogs would also be a question with some concern. And finally how your dog would get along with the foster would be pretty high on the list.

The age question I don't understand at all?

One way you might look at this is what questions would you ask of somebody you were considering to adopt your dog out to? Of course I know you'd never, ever consider doing something like that, adopting your dog out, but looking at it from this perspective might give you a better insight.

I would think working at the rescue facility, prior to fostering, would make a huge difference. This way they get a chance to know you and develop some trust in you. You might also refer them to this board to see what a loving, responsible, caring person you are.

I would also think you'd be the perfect home for a senior dog. They'd be crazy not to take advantage of your offer in some way.

I hope this works out for you.

Pete

Thanks Pete. I think they are doing the best they can do... and every organization is different. So if it doesnt work out with this one, I will try another one.

I was surprised that my 4 foot fence was a concern. I guess it makes sense if I foster a jumper. Chloe is very mellow and just like to lounge outside and has never expressed any interest in jumping or trying to escape. It is older and the small holes from erosian have been patched up.

My biggest concern was my poor old, fat cat and of course that the foster get along with Chloe.

From what I understand, their concern with me being so young is that they assumed I like to be young and go out and party. They want to make sure I wouldnt leave the dogs or have parties at my house. I like to be active, not hung over and I tried to explain that.

[FeatherRiverSam]

I went to look at a golden rescue the other day...she was seven years old and because she had just been treated for heart worm I was unable to see her.

I was told by the director that she was a wonderful dog that got along with other dogs, people and kids wonderfully. They found her tied to a post in the middle of a field.

He went on to say that this old girl was a jumper. They had her out in one of their yards enclosed with a ten foot cyclone fence. Someone was walking their dog outside the enclosure and she went right over the fence to play with this other dog.

Like you I've got a 4 ft fence around the front of my property and 5 ft on the back side. There's no way I could have taken this dog...I'm she she'd gone right over the fence with Woody right behind her.

With your approach I'm sure you'll get your foster...but I think you're going to have very tough time giving it up. We need more people like you...again good luck.

Pete

[mudEpawz]

Originally Posted by FeatherRiverSam

I went to look at a golden rescue the other day...she was seven years old and because she had just been treated for heart worm I was unable to see her.

I was told by the director that she was a wonderful dog that got along with other dogs, people and kids wonderfully. They found her tied to a post in the middle of a field.

He went on to say that this old girl was a jumper. They had her out in one of their yards enclosed with a ten foot cyclone fence. Someone was walking their dog outside the enclosure and she went right over the fence to play with this other dog.

Like you I've got a 4 ft fence around the front of my property and 5 ft on the back side. There's no way I could have taken this dog...I'm she she'd gone right over the fence with Woody right behind her.

With your approach I'm sure you'll get your foster...but I think you're going to have very tough time giving it up. We need more people like you...again good luck.

Pete

Thanks Pete. Are you looking for a buddy for Woody?

[FeatherRiverSam]

I wish I could answer yes to that question, I'd love to have two goldens. But with my current set up and what I do a second dog just wouldn't work.

This rescue is an all breed rescue...it's where I got Woody. They very rarely have goldens available, Woody never even made it to their website. When I saw her picture I just wanted to go down and see her and give her a comforting scratch behind the ears. They had already had several calls from interested people...she won't be there long.

Pete

[OutWest]

Originally Posted by mudEpawz

Well... I had my telephone interview today. I think the call could have been better...

They seemed to like me but they did have some concerns:

They didnt like the fact that I am young (27 years) and that I live by myself. So I would 2 dogs to deal with on my own.

They didn't like the fact that I sometimes have to leave my dog longer then 4 hours (sometimes I work 6-8 hours but I always come home on my lunch to let her out).

They thought my older cat might be an issue (truthfully so am I)

They didnt like that my fence is older and only 4 foot.

So, I dont know if I will be a good candadite to foster. My fingers are crossed.

If they're concerned about a fence, I can understand. But saying you're too young? Seriously? You'd be eligible to adopt a human baby--no one would say you're too young! Oh well. I'm glad you're trying, and I hope it all works out. It does sound like an older dog, non-jumper might be best.

[mudEpawz]

Originally Posted by FeatherRiverSam

I wish I could answer yes to that question, I'd love to have two goldens. But with my current set up and what I do a second dog just wouldn't work.

This rescue is an all breed rescue...it's where I got Woody. They very rarely have goldens available, Woody never even made it to their website. When I saw her picture I just wanted to go down and see her and give her a comforting scratch behind the ears. They had already had several calls from interested people...she won't be there long.

Pete

Im glad she will find a forever home

Originally Posted by OutWest

If they're concerned about a fence, I can understand. But saying you're too young? Seriously? You'd be eligible to adopt a human baby--no one would say you're too young! Oh well. I'm glad you're trying, and I hope it all works out. It does sound like an older dog, non-jumper might be best.

Thanks! I applied to two other rescues and waiting for them to call me for a phone/visit. Hopefully those interviews go better!

[Karen519]

MudE

I have all the respect in the world for rescues and the life saving and selfless work they do and I have great respect for anyone who volunteers to foster! I can see that rescues have their reasons for wanting certain things, but I think it is very rare indeed, that someone only is gone 4 hrs a day and has a fence, much less one that is over 4 ft. My fence is 4 ft. and our dogs have never tried to go over it-I know that there are dogs that do. The way I would solve this is tell them that when the dogs are out there I am ALWAYS out there with them, wqtching them, which is true.

I must say you are probably the exception to the rule for your age, and they should not paint everyone with the same brush. I think it's admirable you are more of a homebody.