What Do I get from it?

The other day someone asked me that exact question and it was so hard to explain what it is I actually get from it as the person in question meant in a money/opportunity sort of way. So I thought I'd answer in detail on here and give you all an idea of what I get from fostering.

1. When I started fostering I had experience with terriers and poodles. All very different but all generally well behaved dogs. Since then my experience has grown so much. I've met over 20 different dogs in just over a year. The snappy ones, the nervous ones and the mad ones. The escape artists, the destroyers and the plain ignorant ones. In my opinion nobody will ever get so much hands on experience so quickly than when your a fosterer. I've learnt so much being a foster, different behavioural techniques including how different dogs learn. How to handle dogs, how to transport dogs, how to understand dogs etc. 

2. A whole new light behind rescues. How many dogs are abandoned per year etc. Yes we see it all on the tv but when you actually become involved with a rescue and see how many dogs come in for pathetic reasons and then obviously the poundies. And when you go into a pound for the first time and see so many sad eyes looking out of the bars at you, mainly staffies but many other breeds which you would never imagine would be abandoned. When you see how full a pound is and realise no matter what one of these dogs will be PTS because of lack of room. And when you see the man in his van coming to PTS a dog, right then and there and your heart sinks to the bottom of your stomach because you know why hes there. I get the pleasure knowing that when I save a dog from the pound that dog will not be PTS, not only that but a space has being made and another dogs life has been saved.

3. Confidence. Because of the rescue I have met so many people (mainly animal lovers) and it is so nice to talk with people who share the same interests. People who I would have never spoken to before. But now with the foster dogs and memories I have a whole bout of confidence to talk to people. 

4. An amazing reference. When you apply for a job you know they'll be looking for an outstanding reference and I know that Kathy will give me one because of all the work I do.

and finally 5. a sense of Pride! I never truly show it but I am so proud of what I do. I have saved so many dogs lives, I have changed so many dogs lives. And without the rescue some of these dogs would not stand a chance and would not be in the brilliant homes they are now.

The real question is why would I not do it? Yes they can cost a fortune in replacing things they have wrecked (normally remotes). And yes they do take up a lot of my home time. They tire me out, stress me out but then they make me smile, they give me something to do and work towards. Never ask me what do I get from fostering, instead give me 5 reasons why I shouldn't... I'd like to see you try ;)

Lucy, Tinks, Sally and Oscar. 

I am extremely busy this week and next with college, work and my friends 21st but please bare with me, I'll try post again at some point and tell you about Tolley the Collie :) x