Fostering
As a foster-based rescue, having available foster homes is an ABSOLUTE must! We rely on our foster families to create a safe, secure and loving home, to help our rescues decompress and start to relax in their new surroundings. Many of them have never been in a house, let alone socialized indoors, so it can be extremely overwhelming and need the right people to show them its safe.
Fostering is an extremely rewarding experience for most families, as you get to watch a dog come in sometimes at their lowest and worst point, and like a butterfly the transform finding their unique personalities. Fosters also allow us to get to know the dog, so we can properly match them to a suitable home!
Without our fosters, we would not be able to operate!
Meet our Foster Specialist
I have fostered over 30 dogs. I have had puppies, seniors, and in
between dogs. All of them had one thing in common, they were looking for a furever home.
Each one came with their own story and sometimes behaviours like Tank who was afraid of most people so was aggressive towards them but loved us. Then there was Leo who had been abused so badly he would lean in for attention and cower at the same time as if to say love me but don’t hurt me. Then there was Sandy who her owners wanted to put her down because she was old and had accidents in the house; she was a
great tv watcher she would sit up like us on the couch and watch tv forhours with us.
When Candy came to us she was so scared she would hide
in the corner so we gave her space and eventually she trusted us and was the cuddliest and loving chihuahua ever.
Each time I learned more about dogs and sometimes about myself.
Patience, space and love is what is needed to start. Some of these dogs went through situations or experiences that I’m not sure I would survive but they did. With love, compassion and patience they can be shown to love
and be loved, trust and be treated as they should be, as part of the family.
I get asked all the time “How do you give them up?” and I answer “Because if I keep this one I can’t help the next one” I see my job as a foster as a healer of hearts and souls, the in between mother and the one that loved them until they found their furever family. It is one of the most rewarding experiences I have had in my life.
Shauna, Foster Specialist &Foster Mom
FAQ's about Fostering
Where do the foster dogs come from?
Pawsitively Furever dogs come from two different situations: Local Surrenders, Puerto Rico or another one of our rescue partners.
What do foster families need to provide?
Foster families are responsible for providing a healthy and safe environment, providing ample exercise, socialization, mental stimulation and open communication with PF regarding the dog. OH and LOVE!
What does PF provide for Foster Families?
We will provide all food, crates, collars and leashes. We cover all veterinary costs associated with the dogs wellness check. PF also provides a Foster Manual for all Foster families to answer all questions related to their time with the dog. If you have other items or resources you need, please reach out to the Foster Coordinator.
Do I need to attend events and veterinary visits?
It is extremely helpful if you can attend events with your foster dog as it allows them to get to be seen by potential adopters, if you can not, arrangements can be made with enough notice to have a volunteer bring the dog.
For vet visits, it is preferred you attend so the dog feel safe as they will build trust with you! Additionally it allows you to get the first hand information about the dog's health.
Hear it from some of our fosters!
Fostering Duke gave me the ability to open up my home to help a dog in need. I am able to prepare Duke to be more adoptable in his furever home; fostering gives the pups another chance to be saved, and essentially learn what a family is all about. It’s never a goodbye it’s a see you later.
~Jayde & Family
I LOVE how invested they are at Pawsitively Furever! They were always quick to respond to my questions and concerns. To see how many hands volunteer to rescue even just a couple of these animals is just crazy to me!.... like... you can see that every animal truly matters to them. Being a volunteer foster for them has truly surprised me on how much they spend on each dog vs asking... the work that goes into each dog? Countless unpaid, selfless volunteer hours to save each dog.... it blows me away! Helps me feel like im with the right kind of people... a community of people who operate with their hearts instead of their wallets. AND to see the dog I was watching go from scared and timid... not understanding even how to play??... To a happy and playful pup that OOZES love?! Truly makes me feel at peace to support such a great team and understand how crucial this work is. Would recommend them for sure!!!
~Shirley-Anne & Family
This has been such a great experience for me and my family! It's been so rewarding watch Peca grow into her personality and can't wait to see her find her furever home. She has brought a fun spark to our family. We have enjoyed being apart of this rescue; they have been so helpful and quick to respond with any questions we have.
~Jess & Family