Why we always need new foster homes
by Cathy Kiburtz
Last year, we placed over 285 greyhounds; this year we are on target to place at least that number. Since GPA fosters all greyhounds as part of their transition from the track, we need over 300 foster homes every year. Past records show that an estimated 15 to 20 homes consistently open their homes to fosters. Some of these homes have fostered for many years and cared for as many as 50 - 60 greyhounds. However, despite their dedication, these homes alone can’t handle the number of greyhounds retired monthly from Caliente. If, on average, a greyhound is fostered for a month to five weeks, then these homes can foster only half to three quarters of our greyhounds. But history shows us that we somehow foster all the greyhounds! So how is this happening?
It is happening because there are other greyhound owners and lovers who will also foster when asked. Some open their homes intermittently as their schedule permits or as GPA needs surpass its available resources. Others are in search of a second or third greyhound and foster a dog to see if this is the right one. Others are new adopters who sign up for the Foster-to-Adopt Program that GPA has been publicizing through their adoption representatives. Each of these foster families temporarily adds to the pool of homes. In the past, we have had good luck with finding foster homes for all the greyhounds waiting in the Caliente Kennel.
So why doesn’t this solve GPA’s ongoing need for foster homes? In many ways, it is the success of the foster program that results in a continual need for new foster homes. For example, a couple recently took home a very sweet greyhound girl that came up in September with the Apple group. Their intention was just to foster. They already had a greyhound and an older non-grey, so they thought it would be safe to foster since their home was already full. But, after several weeks, they realized they were failing fostering. Although getting a new greyhound was neither convenient nor “in the plan,” they couldn’t resist the temptation. After many weeks of soul searching and discussions, they finally decided to not adopt and dropped her off to meet a potential adopter. However, within hours of getting back home, they decided they missed her greytly, called the adoption representative, and adopted her. We can’t say that this is a particularly unusual story either. It is probably more typical than atypical and can happen to anyone.
The scenario of thinking you are just fostering but then adopting is so common it has been given the name “failing fostering,” no one who has acquired their dog in this way considers it a failure at all! However, when this happens, GPA loses another foster home. That’s why we need (and will always need) new foster homes.
Since this is obviously a request for more foster homes, you could ask yourself “Why should I take the chance if I could end up falling in love and adopting another greyhound?” The answer is because the greyhounds need you.
The hardest part of fostering is letting them move on to their new Forever Homes. In general, fosters are pretty good house guests. They are fairly easy to potty train, sleep for long periods of time and generally don’t know about begging for food or sleeping on furniture. If you already have a greyhound who is a good citizen, they will do most of the training for you. If you’ve read this far and are somewhat interested but still concerned that you may not be right for the task, then talk to other foster home parents and/or get a copy of GPA’s Fostering Manual that outlines the role of a foster parent. If you think you might be one of those people who could help transition a beautiful, loving greyhound from the track to a Forever Home, e-mail Shelley Hall. Shelley is GPA’s Foster Home Coordinator and has significant experience both in fostering and working with foster homes. And, she is always there to answer any questions that you might have.
As a final thought, some of our more experienced foster homes go by this mantra: “First, I remind myself that it is my personal goal to help transition as many greyhounds as possible from the track to their Forever Homes. Next, I remind myself that if I adopt this foster, I have solved the Forever Home problem for that one greyhound. But if I foster and then pass him or her on to a loving home, I have solved the problem for that greyhound plus opened the door to a Forever Home for another of the 35 greyhounds patiently waiting in the Caliente Pet Kennel for their Retirement Day!"