You might wonder why we only have 4 dogs available for adoption right now. We are extremely short on foster homes and are looking for a few dedicated individuals to help us make more greyhounds available for adoption within our organization. Would you like to help our greyhounds on their journey to their forever home? Sign up to be a foster parent and make a lifetime of difference for greyhounds!
Fostering could be the most rewarding process you will ever experience. From the moment your new foster arrives, you are able to begin molding them into the perfect pet they were meant to be. You'll be present for all the fun transitions like learning what glass doors, stairs and tile floor are. You can teach them to walk on leash like a lady or gentleman, and take treats gently when they are being rewarded for good behavior.
Retired Racers are generally accustomed to being crated, making housebreaking an easy process. Your foster greyhound will adjust to the schedule your family is used to, it may only take a week or so for them to be in the swing of things and on their way to total adjustment. Imagine witnessing your foster greyhound pick up a squeaky toy for the first time: pure joy!
Many volunteers are afraid it will be too emotionally difficult to let a foster go once they have made a connection. It's true that it's a very emotional time, letting go of your foster but the pride and happiness you feel when they go on to be a member of a loving family is 100 times greater than any sadness you have once they leave. Plus, once they are adopted you get to look forward to your next temporary family member, as they travel on the same journey your previous foster just did. Once your foster greyhound has been adopted, you are welcome to follow up with their adoptive home and maybe you'll get lucky and get dogsitting rights for life! We love to connect our foster homes with adoptive families.
Families who already have one or two (or more) dogs make EXCELLENT foster homes because the foster greyhound learns to follow-the-leader and do as the others do. They also love playmates and naturally get along with other dogs as they have been raised with hundreds of others on the farm and track. You will enjoy the fun of taking your foster greyhound to adoption events, showing them off to the visitors and bragging about all the wonderful things you've taught them and experienced together.
Hounds of the Heartland covers 100% of the expenses you may incur as a foster home. From medical care
and carpet-cleaner to a crate, dog food and everything in between, we make it free for our volunteers to foster as an extra incentive to loan a loving spot in your home and heart for one of our sweet retired racers. Not only do we provide financial support, we also are available to answer any questions you may have and are here to help with any specific needs your foster may have. Chances are, if you are experiencing it, we have been through it before and can offer advice and help with anything needed.
If you are considering fostering,
let us know so we can answer any questions you may have. If you are not a previous adopter from Hounds of the Heartland,
Fill out an Adoption Application HERE and note that you are interested in fostering at this time. If you have previously adopted from us and would like to help by fostering,
Drop us a Line and we will work on getting you all the appropriate supplies.
Contact us Today to experience the joy of fostering and helping greyhounds on their journey home!
Remember: Fostering a greyhound may not make a big difference in the world, but it will make a world of difference for that one greyhound!
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