Foster
Interested in fostering a Bernese Mountain Dog? Apply Here.
Foster Overview
Our primary focus is on fostering these dogs with committed volunteers who open their hearts and homes, giving each canine companion the opportunity to heal, thrive, and rediscover trust in humanity. Through individualized care and attention, we strive to address their physical, emotional, and behavioral needs, preparing them for their forever homes. Read this article to better understand mill behaviors.
Foster Goals
To provide a safe transition home where the foster can gain physical care and mental confidence before heading to their forever home.
To learn the personality of each individual dog to help ensure that they are placed in the best suited environment for them.
To offer unconditional patience and praise. Administer medication and care if they need to receive medical treatment.
Commitment
Financial Commitment: Fosters can count on the rescue to cover the costs of rescue approved vet care, food, and supplies (leash, harness, collar, clip to secure when traveling in the car). What you offer is your time, patience, love and home.
Time Commitment: On average, fosters commit to 3-4 weeks of hosting a dog in their home. It takes time for a dog to blossom out of it’s shell and learn to love. Below is a brief sample timeline. Please note every dog is different.
Week One: Decompression - Dogs need time to decompress and shouldn’t do too much too soon. They’ve typically come from traumatic experiences and can be shy and fearful during this time. They may refrain from eating, hide, use the bathroom sparingly, and be scared to walk on a leash. If you have any concerns or questions, your dedicated volunteer caseworker is just a text or call away.
Week Two: Adjusting - Your foster should have gained some confidence and be eating well and going potty outside regularly. They may start to be cuddly, laying belly side up, coming when called, and wagging those fluffy tales.
Week Three: Thriving - Your foster is starting to become a member of the family. They’re confident and happy. It’s now time to connect with your caseworker about either adopting the dog yourself, or providing the information necessary for the dog to get adopted. Once that information is recieved, the dog goes live on the website and our social media accounts. Applications come in fast and are first vetted by your caseworker.
Week Four: Adoption! - By now your caseworker will have vetted 2-3 fantastic families for your foster. Caseworkers share information with you to decide upon who may be the best fit for your foster. Appointments are scheduled during mutually agreed upon times with potential adopters. Adopters are expected to travel to YOU. You’ve already done enough! You are welcome to host a meet and greet with a potential adopter in your backyard or in a safe and enclosed public space. Once a family has been chosen, an adoption date is scheduled.
Want to Learn More? - Read this article to better understand Specific Issues with Adopted Puppy Mill Dogs.