There is no shortage of heroes in society, and they come from a variety of different places, different occupations, and different backgrounds.
Today I’d like to highlight the people who volunteer their time towards animal rescue operations here and elsewhere. Locally, that would be the Ottawa Valley Rescue. Included in that are the people who take on the role of fosters for animals in the process of transitioning to what is hoped to be a permanent home.
Not every animal involved with this organization arrived there as a result of neglect or abuse. That said, it’s shockingly troubling to learn just how many of them are from a challenging background like this. Equally troubling is the total attitude of disregard that many people have for domestic animals, and it’s the Rescue that has taken on the responsibility for the rehabilitation of the animal where the goal is a permanent and loving home.
Owning and caring for a pet is a significant undertaking, and not one to be approached cavalierly. You become that animal’s life, the existential connection to life itself, the provider of food, shelter, and protection. It’s all any of them ever ask for, and yet a troubling number of them never get to know that level of security and comfort.
Many of the pets that come in to the Rescue’s care are are those who remain when their elderly masters pass on or take up residency in a retirement or nursing home. It’s something that happens quite a bit, actually. Being alone is a very real aspect of senior living, and a pet is often just the tonic for that. But it’s a bit of a risk, as given your age, there’s a real possibility that your pet may outlive you. And if you don’t have the family to swoop in and take over the pet, then guess what?
Fostering an animal, to me, is a selfless task taken on by some of us to provide a bridge between the former lives and the future lives of pets such as these who, through no fault of their own, suddenly find their fates in the hands of people other than their former master(s). Fostering is a rescue in and of itself, saving a frightened and displaced animal from the sudden and dramatic uncertainty of life after their owner moves on from them.
Fostering may be rewarding, and I’m sure it is, but it does come with certain responsibilities and expectations. It’s not like it’s acceptable to rescue an animal from one situation only to place them in another bad situation.
Pets must absolutely have certain things provided to them.
For one, a safe and secure environment free of abuse and/or violence. A place that provides the pet with safety and security, and one that’s free of any elements that may bring them danger or harm. Any potential dangers to animals will need to be identified and attended to by the foster parent, meaning poisonous plants, poison substances, choking hazards, and other potential harms.
Of course, providing basic needs is a given, basically consistent and clean food, water, and shelter. Often, the animal rescue organization will provide dietary advice for the animal based upon their own assessments. This is just like a child. Pets, too, come with a record.
Your responsibilities include monitoring the pet’s health, administering any medications as needed, make vet appointments and take the animal to these appointments. Being aware of vaccinations and needed check-ups is part of it too.
It would be terrifically helpful if you were to help the pet adjust to new realities, different human interactions, helping an anxious or fearful pet. Maybe the animal is in need of instruction regarding the basics, like walking, commands, housebreaking, leash-training, stuff like that.
Help them interact with other animals as well. Remember, as the foster, you’re preparing them for a permanent home. Potential permanent homes may have a lot of different factors at play, so socialization of the pet is a big responsibility.
Love, patience, and reassurance would, I think, be at the top of most lists when it comes to what it takes to be a foster to an animal in transition.
In fairness to the animal, potential fosters require a time commitment, as in you have to be able to commit to being part of the animal’s daily needs and environment. Among all the things a pet in these circumstances needs, the biggest and most important is you.
Your presence, your attention, and the trust that can develop when you reach out a hand to help someone, or something, is the most precious of gifts you have to offer. All else is connected to that.
For the pet, your’e throwing them a lifeline.
And they’ll love you for it.
COVER PHOTO: Photo by Muhammad Irfan on Unsplash
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