The Road to Fostering—Week 1: Growing Pains
Allegra Pickett has worked for Cesar Millan for four years. As the Production Manager and Editorial Consultant for Cesar’s Way Magazine she travels with him and his pack of dogs all around the world. But, ironically, she has never owned a dog…not even a family pet growing up. While doing research on how Cesar’s readers can help shelters over the holidays we discovered no one at our office has ever fostered a dog before. We wanted to change that, and Allegra was the perfect person. Like most people Allegra was a little nervous about fostering a dog. Would she be a strong pack leader? Would she be able to give the dog back after a few weeks? If you’re feeling the same way then follow her story week by week while she lives this unique experience.
Week 1: Growing Pains
When I first brought Bella home I wasn’t sure what to do with her. The shelter gave me special food for her because she was recovering from a urinary tract infection, but otherwise I was on my own. I borrowed a bed from work and picked up some toys and treats for her on our way home. I learned quickly that she wasn’t your stereotypical dog. She wasn’t interested in gnawing on bones or running around after a ball, but that was okay with me. I tried different things and found out she loved when I would dance around her and she’d join in…so that become our way to play and I was feeling confident I could make her happy!
On the first night I had a less than pleasant smell wake me at 4:30 a.m. and found an accident waiting for me in the corner. Maybe I fed her too late? Did I not take her out enough? My insecurities starting creeping back and I called the shelter first thing in the morning. My favorite part about fostering so far has been the support of Bella’s shelter. They really are there to answer any question I have and encourage me to keep trying. They explained that it was normal for dogs to have accidents when going to new places. Bella was used to a certain schedule, and it was changing, so understandably the first few days would have missteps.
The following nights I would take her out more often and also had her sleep in a crate instead of loose in my room and we only had one more accident. She was acclimating to my schedule and I was learning her likes and dislikes. I was also getting attached…and my biggest fear showed its face: Could I give her back??? I honestly didn’t know anymore. Luckily I had another week to figure it out.
How to Get Started Fostering a Dog
To get started fostering a dog, call your local shelter to find out their process because every shelter has a different process. Some shelters require certification, while others just have you fill out an application with general questions about your lifestyle and living arrangements so they can match you up with the best dog. Once you select a dog, you have to sign a contract saying you are fostering this dog and will not get rid of her while in your care and will immediately return her to the shelter if you are no longer able to foster.
Be sure to check back next week to find out how Allegra and Bella’s journey ends!
