Thanks to Pat Getz of Greyhound Protection League for sending this one.
FOSTERING A GREYHOUND – ONE WOMAN’S EXPERIENCE
When you’re a seasoned veteran and fostered as many greyhounds as I have, it’s easy to make mistakes. So, after conducting much research, I decided to compile a list of common pitfalls foster Mom’s and Dad’s make, so you’ll know what to avoid should you decide to make the leap into the world of fostering.
1) Do not get laid off from your job 2 days after you pick up your foster. This only leads to bonding, which we know is bad; and eventual ownership. Try to impress upon your company that letting you go will lead to your submitting an unemployment claim for the animal, in turn costing them money.
2) Do not consider the greyhound a family member. This is bad for you emotionally and, financially, the IRS frowns on listing pets as dependents.
3) Keep cuddle time to a minimum. Excessive pampering and hugging will lead to no good so remain aloof. Impress upon your greyhound that he stay on his own side of the bed with his head on his pillow. Cover hogging is just plain bad, bad, bad and should be discouraged. If necessary, and I know this is harsh, allow your spouse back in the bed and insist the foster greyhound sleep on the floor.
4) When writing his bio for the website to “sell” your foster, avoid phrases such as “explosive diarrhea,” “excessive chewer”and“eating me out of house and home.”
5) Get maximum exposure for your greyhound!!! Meet and Greets are the best avenue when trying to find a forever home for your hound. But beware, when someone expresses an interest in your foster, avoid sobbing, clutching the animal’s neck and screaming, “MINE! MINE! MINE!”
6) Do not feed your greyhound. This will only increase his dependency on you. Instead, encourage him to open the pantry door, dial for takeout and if those fail, leave the TV tuned to the Food Network and introduce him to the stove.
7) Do not foster a male. It has been recently published that male greyhounds possess the C and N genes: Clingy and Needy. This makes it tough to give them away.
8) Avoid fostering a greyhound that never raced. This means that they were either too slow or too neurotic. This also means that they are probably younger dogs who will attach themselves to you. See number 7.
9) Train the animal to be ready to leave your nest. Praising him for sobbing when you leave the room is sending the wrong message. He must be strong.
10) At all costs do not stare at your foster while he is sleeping, especially in dim light. You will begin to see the round ring around his head.
11) Most importantly: Avoid adopting a cute greyhound at all costs. Search long and hard. You must find an ugly one. Although even this is not 100% foolproof.
I fostered Don L Cyp Da Man in January of 2008 and adopted “Tiger” in March. God Bless those of you that can foster; for taking an animal into your home, for teaching him, nurturing him and for loving him enough to let him go. It ain’t easy!
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