Animal rescue sites depend on foster families

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals makes more than 1,000 foster placements a year, said Gail Buchwald, the ASPCA’s senior vice president of adoptions.

Fosters are an indispensable component for shelters, but there is a lot of turnover, she said, because of so-called foster failures — people who fall in love with their foster pets and adopt them.

When a foster becomes an adopter, no one minds, Buchwald said, but it does leave shelters on a constant lookout for new fosters.

There is no question that saying goodbye is the most difficult part of fostering, she said, and this list might help encourage people who are considering it:

• Remember you are saving lives. Without foster homes, more animals will have to be euthanised
• Remember the goal — to help foster pets find loving, forever homes
• Learn to celebrate successful adoptions
• Don’t feel guilty. Animals are resilient and adaptable
• Start or join a foster support network
• Take a break so you don’t burn out
• Cherish the memories

— via redwolf.newsvine.com