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Most dogs rescued are not puppies. Rescued Collies are most likely 1.5 to 5 year old dogs that got "too big," "too rambunctious," or "stubborn." Some of these dogs have not had effective obedience training as puppies - so as they grew, they did not know their place in the "pack order", or they if they are a stray they may need some time to regain their health. Some are older dogs that are wonderful animals, but not as perky as they were when they are younger and their owners can’t/won’t deal with the issues and financial demands of an aging pet. Some rescued Collies are wonderful dogs and merely the victims of divorce or financial hardship. Foster care is the most effective way to fully evaluate the rescued Collie, to bring the dog back to health and to teach some basic house manners and obedience. In the ideal cases, foster care should extend only as long as several weeks - remember, Collies bond very tightly to their families (especially families that have given them their first taste of a good dog-person relationship). After several weeks another move can be very hard on them. Our premise here is that Collies, as a breed, do not make many big family changes well. Our job is to minimize the disruption in their family lives. Foster families should know about Collies and herding. Maybe they already have a Collie in residence. In addition, they should understand some of the special behavior problems that will come with a newly rescued Collie and be able to attend to its health needs with a veterinarian (these costs are paid by MWCR). Some unique situations may occur and our other volunteers may be able to offer advice to the foster family. Our Foster Home Application sets out a clear understanding of the foster arrangement. Foster homes do not have ownership of the dog - the rescuer or rescue organization does, although we ask them to treat the dog like one of their own pets. MWCR asks the foster home to be a complete evaluator and suggest an environment for placement. Very often, the foster home ends up being the adoptive home. Nice, happy ending for the dog – but maybe the loss of a good foster home for the organization! The Collie must remain in foster care for AT LEAST 7 days. After a week in foster care, it is the foster family's responsibility to fully evaluate the dog to the best of their ability for placement (if it is appropriate at that time). It is possible that the Collie in foster care could need to be with the foster family for several weeks or even months, depending on the health of the Collie and the appropriateness of the families interested in adopting this collie. The dog's level of protectiveness, aggression, compatibility with other pets and children, socialization, and obedience training should be fully described so that the proper home can be found – or in some very unfortunate cases, recommend that the dog must be put down. Remember, there are both moral and legal implications behind placing a people-aggressive dog. It should be avoided. MWCR can provide a form to help you describe your foster dog and help others place the dog in the home that would best suit it's needs. Fostering a rescued Collie is a remarkably rewarding experience. Many of these gangly teenagers are fun and goofy and annoying as all get out at first - but several weeks of loving, safe family interactions and firm obedience guidance can transform them into attractive, responsive dogs. Sometimes an older, more sedate companion is the perfect fit for an adoptive family. It is wonderful to see a happy dog in a "forever" home that is full of love and knowing that the Collie will have a better life because you were able to help them. The ideal
MWCR foster parent has . . . . The ideal
MWCR foster home has . . . If you think that you can open your heart and your home to the rewarding experience of becoming a foster home for a Collie, please contact us! Fostering a Collie for MWCR is on YOUR schedule. If there are certain times of the year that don’t work for you, then we will respect that. If you can foster one or two Collies in a year’s time, that is fine with us! In terms of condition of a dog when it arrives needing foster? Abandoned and neglected Collies are rarely in perfect condition - which is why they need us so much. Due the geographic nature of where we receive the dog - it sometimes needs "the works" - vetting and grooming- which MWCR pays for. Another volunteer may complete some that prior to the dog going into your home, but it may be up to you if the dog is at your local shelter. We've had dogs in the most horrific of conditions physically who are the most wonderful dogs, but really need medical attention like Persy. (Read Persy’s story. You couldn't find a more gentle natured dog anywhere. He is really the epitome of why we do what we do.) What we do ask foster homes to pay for is dog food.... we require foster homes to feed the rescued Collies a premium dog food. We also require the family to become a member of MWCR ($25 for single and $40 for a family) membership fee dues and you will be covered by our insurance - you should check into your insurance provider as well regarding your homeowner's liability for fostering a Collie. We would ask that you complete an application (very similar to what we do for adoption) and submit to a home visit from a volunteer. We will check personal and vet references as well. Please contact us if you would like to foster a Collie! |
Patience
Experience raising dogs, Collies in particular (remember we said “ideal”, not
required to have raised Collies)