Beagles need foster parents: Why you should foster a dog

Every once in a while, I get an email from someone who needs help. For one reason or another, they can't keep their beagle. They need a new home for him or her.

They're never easy emails to take, for all the depressing reasons, but also for one more: the beagle rescues in our area barely have any room to take in more.

Foster parents are essential to rescues. They save lives.

Courtesy Tampa Bay Beagle Rescue

We talked to Nate, who coordinates foster parents for Tampa Bay Beagle Rescue. He says the need for fosters is really serious.

"The number of dogs we can take in and make available for adoption is limited by the number of foster spots we have available," Nate said.

"In other words, we are forced to turn down potential intake because we do not have foster space available."

Tampa Bay Beagle Rescue is a 501(c)3 pet rescue that takes in beagles and beagle mixes, not just in the Tampa area, but all over Florida. They are the primary beagle rescue for Central Florida. The majority of dogs they take come from kill shelters. That means they need people to work with them all over the state. There are maybe three other beagle rescues throughout the state.

Why don't more people foster pets?

1. Worries about time
2. Worries about space
3. Worries about children/other pets
4. Worries about cost
5. Worries they will not be able to let the pet go.

Snoopy is a senior beagle girl looking for a home through Tampa Bay Beagle Rescue.

Nate said that last one is the biggest fear he hears from prospective foster parents.

"The first one (to say goodbye to) is often the worst one," Nate said. "If you go into fostering with a temporary mindset, it makes it SO much easier to see them adopted. Think of it like dog sitting for someone you haven't met yet.

"I can fully appreciate the importance companion animals play in our lives," Nate added. "However the need is very substantial.  I ask people to consider if doing nothing is really easier than a small amount of emotional turmoil."

So why should you foster?

1. You are saving two lives: The pet in the shelter, and the pet who will take that space. The fewer pets in the shelters, the slimmer the chance they will be put to sleep.
2. The pet gets to be in an environment where they can feel safe. Shelters are stressful places -- cold floors, loud noises, confined spaces. Pets are already very unhappy. And unhappy looking pet is less likely to be adopted.
3. You can help smooth out a pet's rougher edges, which will also make them more adoptable.
4. Want a dog but not sure you or your family are ready? Fostering gives you a way to sort of "test drive" different breeds, teach your children how to live with the pet, and see if you can handle caring for a four-legged friend. 

Chance is a beagle girl with Tampa Bay Beagle Rescue looking for a home.

How do you become a foster? Well, the first step is to find a rescue or shelter you want to work with. You can work with a breed-specific rescue, or find a rescue that takes in all kinds of dogs.

"The application process is similar to the review we go through for someone looking to adopt," Nate said of Tampa Bay Beagle Rescue. "We do a  phone screen and consult with the landlord, if applicable.  We do a vet check if there are existing animals in the home, and we ask for two references."

Think your home isn't right to bring in a foster pet? Let the rescue be the judge of that. I told Nate that I live in a one-bedroom apartment with a dog and a cat, and I was surprised by the answer.

"Absolutely," he said. "We do our best to meet these types of constraints. We would try to give you a dog we know at least a little bit about so we can try to give you a dog that is less vocal, ok with cats, and not in need of as much outside exercise."

Noah is a happy beagle boy looking for a home.

"The most important criteria in a prospective foster is a passion for animals and a desire to help," Nate said. "It is extremely helpful if they are willing and able to attend events regularly.

And how long will you have a foster pet? That all depends on the dog.

"There is no set recipe for how long it will take but the average for us is about two months," Nate said. 

However, if you don't want to do that, you could be a temporary foster -- a volunteer who helps out on weekends or during the holidays or times when volunteers are on vacation.

So -- think you want to help?

Here's what Nate says you need to do:

1. Fill out an application.
2. Go through the approval process.
3. Make sure you explain to the rescue exactly what you are able to do up front. This way they can match you with the best pet possible. 
4. Be prepared to pay for food and pet supplies. All of this is tax deductible though. The rescue will pay for all medical care.

Not wanting to work with beagles? There are rescues for every type of dog out there. My suggestion? Head to sites like Adoptapet.com or Petfinder and see what rescues are in your area. Also, consider going to your local shelter to ask about their foster program if they have one.

Beagle of the Week PLUS senior beagles who need adopting

It's adopt-a-senior dog month!

There are lots of beagles who need help, but for senior beagles, it's a bit tougher. People don't realize though that older beagles are awesome. I have a friend who raises beagles, and she once said to me that beagles are best at 2 or 3 years old because their "brains get mailed to them and they become model citizens."

I know that's true for Lulu. She gets better with age. And I'm sure that's true about senior beagles.

So here are some senior beagles who need good homes.

This is Cinnamon.

Cinnamon is a senior beagle/dachshund mix. She's in Clermont, Lake County at the South Lake Animal League. She's spayed and up to date on shots.

Adoption fee for senior dogs is $100. 

There is a special adoption process at the league. If you are a right fit, you can adopt her.

Find out all the information here.

Tampa Bay Beagle Rescue has several senior beagles. They are also overcapacity and need to find homes so they can help more beagles.

The adoption fee for senior beagles has been cut in half all this month. Here are some of their seniors.

Barney is about 8 years old. Here's what the rescue says about him:

"Barney is a very laid back and very lovable guy.  Barney was adopted out about 5 years ago and has returned to TBBR due to an illness in his family. When Barney returned he was overweight and was put on a diet. We also found out that he needed to be put on thyroid medication. Since being on his meds he is losing weight and has become more active and playful. He is housebroken, loves his bed and taking walks. This guy is a true jewel and is an easy guy to love."

You can go to Barney's website to find more info.

This is Bayou the beagle.

Bayou is 11 and was found as a stray in Sarasota. Here's more on Bayou from the rescue.

"Bayou was found as a stray in Sarasota. He is estimated to be about 10 years old. 
Bayou is excellent with other dogs and cats. He is being fostered in a home with a large number of animals and he is very genial to everyone. He is sweet and easygoing which makes him a wonderful addition to any family.
He may be hard of hearing or even deaf.  This doesn't stop him from being a very happy boy.
He would be even happier if you would take him home and love on him. Won't you make him yours?"

Check out Bayou's page here.

And here's Liza.

Lizza is around 9 years old. Here's what the rescue said about her.

"Poor Lizza has had several disappointments in her life.  Lizza first came to us after animal services took her from her home where they had left her in a wire cage in the front yard with no food, no water and no shelter.  This level of neglect left her with some permanent hair loss on her rump and tail.

"She then was adopted from us in 2010, but that family decided to move into a home where they could not take pets so Lizza has come back to us.

"Despite this, she has maintained a positive attitude and a great personality.  She likes chew toys and LOVES soft places to take a nap.  She can often be found curled up in the basket that stores all the toys.  She is house broken, crate trained, and well behaved."We are committed to finding her a home where she will be treated like a princess and loved and cared for all the rest of her days.  Lizza is a very special girl and we are looking for a very special home for this sweetie!"

 Here's where you can find more info about Lizza.

Now it's time for our beagle of the week!

Kendra Starnes follows along on my Life With Beagle Facebook page. She has a beagle named Lucy who is only a year old. Here's what Kendra says about her Lucy.

1) Who are your dogs and how old are they?
Lucy (1 year old on 9/20/13)
2) Where did you get them?
We got her when she was 6 weeks old from a couple that breeds Beagles for hunting dogs. She is fortunately a very spoiled indoor dog.
3) What's their favorite food?
Dog Food.....Simply Nourish and People Food....Beef Jerky
4) What's their favorite thing to do?
She loves going to the dog park to be with her friends. Her best friend is a Great Dane named Carter.
5) Favorite toys?
She loves anything that squeaks...but what dog doesn't.
6) Do they take part in any special activities (i.e. therapy dog, service dog, spokes dog, etc.)
She doesn't take part in any special activities all though that would be a good idea to look into.
7) What's the best part of owning a beagle?
Her bark/howl is unlike anything in this world. Everyone loves it, even our neighbors.
8) What's the worst?
She tries to hide her bones and digs up our carpet. We have had to get her a special blanket to hide her bones in. She is getting better with not digging the carpet so much.
9) Anything else you would like to add?
I will never own any other breed of dog besides a Beagle. They are definitely one of a kind and I couldn't ask for a better companion.


Got a special pup you'd like to be beagle of the week? Drop me a line on the Life With Beagle Facebook page! 
 Check out our previous Beagles of the Week:

• Beagle of the Week: Tommy Trojan
• Beagles of the Week: Santi of the Beagle Freedom Project
• Beagles of the Week: The Tillmans
• Beagles of the Week: The Beaglebratz
• Beagle of the Week: Luna of Beagles and Bargains
• Beagle of the Week: Maggie of Wag the Dog UK
• Beagle of the Week: Bailey of Beagle Photo of the Day

Adopt a senior pet PLUS Beagle Freedom Project saves 3 seniors

November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month.

Have you ever considered a senior dog or cat? So many get dumped after a certain age, because people tire of them, or can't deal with them growing old, or do not want to deal with their illnesses of age.

And sometimes people will pass over an older cat or dog, thinking they would prefer a younger pet, especially a puppy.

But a senior dog or cat can bring joy, even in the short time they have.

Here are 10 reasons, created by Winnipeg Animal Services:

All this month, you'll find promotions to get senior dogs and pets adopted. Here's some Orlando-area promotions this month.

Tampa Bay Beagle Rescue -- All beagles 8 years and older are only $50. Head to their website for pictures, events and more.

Orange County Animal Services -- All this month, no adoption fee for pets 6 years and older. See all the adoptable pets on their website.

As we hear of more, we'll post them here.

And in honor of Adopt a Senior Pet Month, we once again salute Beagle Freedom Project. 

BFP rescued three senior beagles from a laboratory last week: Arthas, Bernie and Hobbes.

Here's Bernie with foster Kya.

 

Arthas learning to love run on grass.

Here's what Beagle Freedom Project said about the dogs:

"Bernie the beagle is now living with a foster family that already adopted another former research beagle (Kya). Bernie and Kya have hit it off, with Kya clearly excited to have a new beagle buddy in the house. She excitedly tries to get Bernie to play and, not surprisingly, he is unsure on how to respond as he has never played with another dog before in his life. While slowing learning normal dog behavior he has taken to his toys and loves to chew his Nylabone and of course sleeping on plush comfy beds and couches with Kya and his foster mom!

"Athras is a boy’s boy. Since his first entry into his foster home he bonded immediately with the 20 year old son that lives at home. He follows him about the house and sleeps through the night with him, all cuddled up. He loves the son’s friends that comes to visit and greets each new friend with a wagging tail. Athras is still a little overwhelmed by the size of his new home and nervously paces and makes circles in the large spaces. He is also slowly adjusting to the sounds of outside and learning that they don’t mean him harm. Athras lives with two other dogs, a pug and a bichon and he watches their silly play behavior with a confused interest. His foster family is taking slow steps with him, patiently teaching him how to be a dog and that he is finally safe now.

"Hobbes is the resilient little member of this trio. Hobbes is acclimating to a home life with quickness. He has made tremendous progress with potty-training, has already mastered the stairs (and loves going up and down), and is bravely navigating boundaries and doggie etiquette with a more senior male dog in the house. Hobbes is also lucky to have another beagle in the house who has assumed the responsibility of being the tour-guide and life coach to his new foster brother. Hobbes is interested in the family kitty-cat, but learned not to get to close. He is also bravely going to dog parks and enjoys meeting the new doggie friends. Hobbes is not wasting time starting his new life!"

Congratulations to Beagle Freedom Project for another successful rescue! 

To help BFP by volunteering, fostering, adopting or donating money, head to the group's website.