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GAL Website -> GAL Forum -> Fostering Information and Appeals -> WHY FOSTER APPEALS?
Post Info TOPIC: WHY FOSTER APPEALS?
Dave


Enlightened One

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WHY FOSTER APPEALS?
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Hi Folks, I thought I'd explain what I intend to use this particular part of the forum for. GAL operates in the following way, we have a large number of kennels and permanent foster homes spread all over the country, due to the large numbers of dogs we have to cope with we're usually somewhere in the region of about 120% full (!)


As trainers and owners call asking GAL to rehome their dog the new dog will be put on our 'waiting' list and from there when a foster home or kennel space becomes available the dog either at the top of the list or one from a bit further down which is suitable for that particular space will be moved in.


We try our best to prioritise our waiting list, dogs from trainers are given more priority than dogs from homes. Obviously dogs that are in 'danger' are treated with the upmost urgency.


Occasionally the inevitable happens and I'll receive a call about a dog in urgent need, I'm often given only a few days (or even hours) to commit to taking a dog, in fact on the odd occasion I'm given only a few minutes to commit to taking a dog before it's destroyed. It's these dogs that I intend to 'advertise' here, the ones that need to be brought in urgently. In these cases we usually only need a space for a week or even less whilst I can do a bit of 're-shuffling' amongst our own kennels and foster homes to get a more permanent space for the dog.


Also from time to time we take a dog into our own kennels and they just don't settle, often an older dog may become a bit depressed, we do try to avoid this situation occuring by not placing a dog in a kennel if we think it would'nt work out but sometimes the inevitable happens and we need to move a dog from our kennels to a foster home, again if we do come accross this situation I intend to use these pages to 'advertise' that dog.


OK, hope all that makes sense! On a personal note I was a bit reluctant to actually put a 'fostering appeals' section on the forum, I hate to think we're upsetting anyone and I do know some of the stories posted here might upset people, it's not our intention to do this. I also know that ALL of you work so hard for GAL and put in long hours over and above the call of duty. I do understand that if many of you did have the time and space for a foster dog you would all be doing it right now, we appreciate this and don't expect huge response to our appeals, we do know that you all in your own way do as much as you can to help GAL and for that we're more gratefull that I can ever express in words.


cheers


Dave



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Suzanne


Guru

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and similarily Dave, we all love you guys for the work you do for both the dogs & those of us in need of support...I cant imagine a world without GAL now & Im sure the 1000 plus dogs you have homed over the 8 or so years you have been up & running would re-iterate that in waggy tails!!

DONT feel guilty (I know you are wracked with it over this foster site) - it is a vitally important ingredient to the whole success of GAL. People need to understand the level of pressure you are put under (tip of the iceberg I think you said...) & we care deeply about this cause...dont underestimate that fact!!!

Loads of Love.....

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FAJ


Enlightened One

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We all know the old saying: if you don't ask, you won't get.

If placing an appeal for a foster home gets a dog either out of danger or into a place that is better for his/her mental and physical well-being, you go ahead and do it. Okay, so it is upsetting to hear some of these stories. But, for me, the upset comes from not being able to do anything more than I do already. Working full-time and fostering don't mix, sad to say.

I think this is an excellent section of the forum. I love to hear about everyone's dogs, fosters or otherwise, and I think the forum has really brought people together. I've met people that otherwise I might not have if you and Glenda hadn't set it up.

So ask away, Dave, ask away. The worst you can get is a barrage of "no", but there may well be a "yes" in there somewhere too.

Fiona

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greyluvver


GAL Membership Co-Ordinator

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quote:
Originally posted by: Dave
 we do know that you all in your own way do as much as you can to help GAL and for that we're more gratefull that I can ever express in words. cheers Dave"
 And I am certain that everyone that helps in the way they can, sure enjoy what they do!!!

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Lita
mel


Old Hand

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here here...


We all appreciate the hard work that you all do for the pooches,and the back up support that comes with it would be lost without yas......many thanks n may the force be with yas


mel n the crazy crew xxSanna



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Amber


Master

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In the case of emergency foster, where the dog is in danger and presumably needs moved immediately without time for a proper assessment, would a (heated) outdoor kennel in the garden be acceptable for a short period?


I don't have such a set up (yet) but we have finally succeeded in purchasing a house with land and plenty of space for a kennel or two (though it will be some months before we can even move in due to a lot of work needing done). Just wondered if this is something that would be useful, on a short term basis. I would be hesitant about having a completely unassessed emergency dog in the house, with regards to dogs not getting on, especially as my male can be very nervous and not too good with other males and my bitch tends to get bullied by more dominant bitches within the home. 


This is something I've been mulling over, as I would like to be able to foster again, but only with the right dog that fits in with mine, whereas outdoor kennels would mean more flexibility.



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Dave


Enlightened One

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Amber wrote:

In the case of emergency foster, where the dog is in danger and presumably needs moved immediately without time for a proper assessment, would a (heated) outdoor kennel in the garden be acceptable for a short period?

certainly would be very useful!!..

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Harrythecat


Graduate

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This is something we are interested in.  I do not think that we would like a dog in a shed.  We think we could learn about the dogs and let Harry get used to a dog.
Caryn

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