South Africa faces a significant challenge with stray, abandoned, and neglected dogs. Animal shelters across the country are overwhelmed, and fostering has become a critical lifeline for these vulnerable animals. By opening your home to a foster dog, you not only save a life but also contribute to a more compassionate society. Here’s why fostering is essential and how it can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.
The Need for Fostering in South Africa
South Africa’s animal welfare crisis is driven by several factors, including overpopulation, poverty, and lack of access to affordable veterinary care. Shelters are often filled beyond capacity, leaving many dogs at risk of euthanasia simply due to lack of space. Fostering provides a temporary home for these dogs, freeing up shelter resources and giving the animals a better chance of finding permanent homes. Without foster families, many of these dogs would face grim futures.
This is a grim reality that my wife and I have faced many time. We have received a few requests for support being told if that dog does not get out of the shelter today they are being put down! We have dropped everything and whether we have one or five fosters, it always works out!
Dogs Can’t Protect Themselves
Dogs are loyal, loving creatures, but they are also vulnerable. They can’t fend for themselves in harsh environments, nor can they advocate for their own needs. Stray dogs are often subjected to hunger, disease, and abuse. Fostering offers these animals safety, nourishment, and the chance to heal—both physically and emotionally. It’s a reminder that, while they may not be able to protect themselves, we can step in to provide the care they deserve.
The Emotional Challenge of Letting Go
One of the most common concerns about fostering is the heartbreak of saying goodbye when the dog is adopted. It’s true that fostering can be emotionally challenging, especially when you’ve formed a deep bond with the animal. However, the joy of seeing a foster dog thrive in their new home far outweighs the sadness of parting ways. Knowing you played a vital role in their journey to a loving family is immensely fulfilling. For every dog you foster and let go, you create space to help another in need.
We are also often saddened when a potential forever home opportunity comes along just for them to say the dog is not the right fit. And that’s ok! It’s better for us to hold onto them a bit longer and find them a home where they will stay, and not just fall back into the system and need to go through all that heartache again. If someone doesn’t walk in and immediately fall in love with them, then you don’t want them to have them anyway.
The Three-Day, Three-Week, Three-Month Rule
When a dog enters a new home, whether as a foster or an adoptee, they often follow the “Three-Day, Three-Week, Three-Month” adjustment period. So it is critical for people to know this because if you can work through these three phases then the chances of putting the dog up for adoption again, or not wanting to foster them are minimised. The below is relevant to adoption and longer fostering alike:
- Three Days: The dog may feel overwhelmed, scared, or unsure of their new environment. They may not eat, sleep well, or interact much.
- Three Weeks: The dog begins to settle in, understand the routine, and feel more comfortable. Their true personality starts to emerge.
- Three Months: The dog feels fully at home, bonded with their caregivers, and integrated into the family.
Dogs Attach to New Owners
A common misconception is that dogs will pine for their previous owners indefinitely. While dogs may remember their foster families fondly, they are incredibly adaptable and capable of forming strong bonds with new owners. Their loyalty and affection transfer to those who provide love, care, and stability. By fostering, you’re helping a dog build the confidence and trust they need to thrive in their forever home.
Conclusion
Fostering dogs is not just about saving lives; it’s about transforming them. In South Africa, where the need is so great, every foster family makes a profound difference. While fostering requires effort and emotional resilience, the rewards are immeasurable. You’ll witness the incredible resilience of these animals, celebrate their milestones, and experience the unmatched joy of knowing you helped them find a loving home.
If you’ve ever considered fostering, now is the time. Open your heart and home to a dog in need—you’ll not only change their life but also enrich your own in ways you never imagined.
Photo by Karsten Winegeart on Unsplash (Main), and the others are our own dogs and some fosters 😊
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