Save a Life - Become a Foster Parent!

Today we have a special feature on our blog- a video! It provides insight about the experience of becoming a foster parent for a rescued animal. 

One of our volunteers and foster parents, Courtney Bernard, put this together. Enjoy! 

As 2013 winds down to a close, we ask that you look forward into 2014 and ask yourself what you can do to give back to the community. If the results of your brainstorming lead you to "I want to help animals," please consider TAGS as your avenue to do just that!

We are currently looking for volunteers to help us with many areas, and we are always in need of new foster homes. The more foster homes, the more lives we can save!

For more information on how you can help TAGS, or to become a foster parent, visit our website.

What Blossom's "Gotcha Day" Showed Me

Woof!

I'm Snoopy and I am new to TAGS -- so new that I just got sprung from the pound on the weekend! At first I just thought I was going out for a walk, but then I got to go on a car ride! After my car ride I had a check-up, a bath, and got to go pick out a new toy at PetSmart. Along the way I got to sniff and lick so many great people. I really was expecting to go back to my cage after all of the excitement, but instead I got the best surprise of all...

...I have a foster home! No more pound life for me! This means that I get to run, play and hang out with other dogs and cuddle up with nice people. It's all been very exciting!

Just chillin' at my new foster home. 

Oops. Just had a bath and already dirty again.
At least I look more like my Dalmation side this way! 

That's me with my new toy in the car on the way "home."
I was pooped after all of the excitement!

At my foster home I live with two dogs named Chappie and Blossom. They tell me I am not the first "foster" brother they've had, and by now they know a bit about how things go. Apparently I will live here for a bit and then one day I will get my own family! I asked them how they know this for sure, and they told me that they went through it too, just last year.

Chappie telling me about being a foster dog. 

Chappie and Blossom are siblings who were rescued from a place called Kentucky in September of 2012. Their sister Azriel came with them too. They said life in Kentucky was no fun at all, but then they moved to Canada where they lived in a home with a few other dogs, like what I am doing now. As part of a foster dog's job, they had to go and hang out at pet stores every so often to try and meet their new family. Chappie got adopted first, and about a month later his new parents decided they just had to reunite the dynamic duo, so Blossom got adopted too and the rest is history. 

Now, I didn't want to be rude, but their story seemed a bit far-fetched.  From my experience so far in life, a dog doesn't stay in one place for too long. And they definitely don't get to be part of a family.

However, I was proved wrong last night! My new foster family threw a party just for Blossom! They called it her "Gotcha Day." I learned that humans who own rescue dogs celebrate the day they adopted their new furry friend because they don't know when their real birthday is.

Happy 1st Gotcha Day to Blossom!
(that's me in the bottom left)

Hearing them all talk about how happy they were to have Blossom in their lives for a whole year now really gave me hope. I can't wait to get adopted so I can have my very own Gotcha Day.

Wish me luck!

- Snoopy 

Why I Volunteer: Emilee

This post has been contributed by one of our long-time volunteers, Emilee Gassien. She was the first TAGS volunteer to reach the 10-year milestone mark and is the unofficial Mrs. Clause for TAGS. In this piece, she tells us how she became involved with TAGS and how her roles have changed over the years. 

I met Kathy Asling, the founder of TAGS, at PetSmart about 13 years ago. At the time, I had a little Schnauzer named Gracie. I had just retired and was looking for something to do to make myself feel useful again, and TAGS seemed like a great place to do just that. I gave Kathy my phone number and told her to contact me when she had a chance.

A few weeks later she called, but the timing was no longer good for me. Unfortunately, I had just lost my beautiful Gracie. She was hit by a car and I was devastated. I told Kathy I would call her again when I was feeling better. A few months later, I was ready, and my journey with TAGS began.

Over the years, I have helped TAGS in a variety of different areas. I have volunteered at many a PetSmart shift, I've assisted with home visits, and I do a lot of fundraising for the organization. I set up booths at our events to sell baked goods and products, and I am often at the booth again when we have our TAGS display showcased at places around the community, such as the Oshawa Centre. Every year I host a yard sale for TAGS in Port Perry, which has become quite the "yard sale town" over the past few years.

Emilee at the TAGS booth during the Furry Friends 5K last June.

While volunteering with TAGS I have also fostered several dogs; my first foster dog was a giant Schnauzer, and I instantly found fostering to be very rewarding. It is so nice to see a dog you have cared for go to their forever home.

The last rescue I fostered was Eddie, formerly known as Vedder. Eddie is a Havanesse and since I already have two Havanesse of my own, the foster coordinator at TAGS thought my place would be the best place for him. Well, they were right...and they were also wrong. We fell in love with him, and as his adoption papers were signed, I'm afraid my days as a foster parent ended. That was two years ago.

Over the years, I have seen so many great dogs find forever homes. Really, there are too many to count at this point. It is so rewarding to know that I had a small part in making that happen.

* * * * * 

Emilee has clearly helped TAGS immensely over her years of being a volunteer.
We would never be as successful at fundraising without her dedication and effort.
Click here to find out how you can help, too!

October Adoptions!

Congratulations to all five dogs who were adopted this month! 

Please click on the image to see a larger version.

Buffalo came to TAGS from a shelter in Kentucky on August 10. This 9 pound Chihuahua mix has a lot of love to give - if you let him come to you.

Bailey was surrendered to TAGS when her family decided that they weren't being fair to her by leaving her home alone so often. Now this happy dog is in a new home where she gets lots of attention!

Hope, still a puppy, was found locked in an abandoned out house on a farm. Luckily, the person who found this Collie/Shepherd/Husky (who knows, really) mix brought her straight to TAGS so she was able to get a second chance.

Dexter was sprung from the pound a few months ago. Once out of there, he turned into a completely different dog - happy, carefree, and playful.

Diamond, like Bailey, was an owner surrender. Her family said she didn't fit in with them and they wanted to find her a new home as a result. This adorable, funny little dog quickly, and easily, won over the hearts of her new family, and now fits in just fine!

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As you can see, the dogs adopted in October came to us through a variety of different ways. TAGS is constantly getting requests to take on more animals. Unfortunately, we need more foster homes in order to be able to accommodate these requests. If you or someone you know is interested in being a foster parent, please apply on our website. We look forward to hearing from you! 

New Foster Program Coming Soon!

For many years, TAGS has received calls from women who are victims of domestic violence. Why would they call an animal rescue? Because while they know they can find safety if they leave their abusive households, they are hesitant to do so when it means leaving behind their animal companion(s).

Many women who are victims of domestic violence have reported that their partners have threatened the safety and well-being of the family pet in order to coerce them into staying in the home. When we have been able to, TAGS has stepped up to provide a foster placement until the family pet could be returned to the woman and her children, if applicable. 

Nevertheless, this was not a formal plan or program that TAGS was able to offer the Durham Region community, and sometimes we did not have the resources to assist these women. Therefore, it has always been a goal to see this structured as a specific program that TAGS can provide to women in Durham Region. 

The Domestic Violence Foster Program

Coverage of the meeting was featured
in Oshawa This Week.
For the full story, click here.

Recently, representatives from TAGS were invited by local women's shelters to attend a meeting to discuss a future program that would bridge the organizations, creating a partnership. The overall goal and bottom line of the collaboration is to help women, children, and pets find safety after experiencing domestic violence. 

The program specifics are still being worked out, as there are many logistics and factors for the organizations to consider: the process of getting the family pet from the home and into foster care; what happens if the abusive partner claims ownership over the pet; if the animal will ever be returned to the women or if it will have to be re-homed; how to make sure women know about the program before deciding to leave their homes; etc. TAGS and the local women's shelters expect the details to take several months to iron out, but they have made a commitment to see it be followed through.

For now though, the main course of action is to recruit foster families who are interested in helping out with this program specifically. If you or someone you know would like to help out with this fantastic and worthwhile initiative, please fill out a Foster Application form on our website and specify that you would like to be part of the Domestic Violence Foster Program.

Chelsea is in urgent need of a foster home. 

Happy Tail: Jill

Interview with Julie White - Jill's Happy New Mom

Why did you choose Jill?

We saw Jill at Pet Valu at the end of her shift. Her foster mom Gayle was picking her up. My husband spotted Jill and said "Hey did you see the dog over by the cash?" I said no and he brought me over to look at her. We fell in love with her right away. She stole our hearts, kissing us and giving us a look that said "please take me home!" 

Jill waited for a longtime to find her forever home.  She came in as a stray in the Bedford County Animal Control at 8 months old and was rescued in May the following year by TAGS.  She had an amazing foster mom Gayle and we adopted her in August.  

What did you think about our adoption process?

We think the adoption process is excellent. You don't just pay for a dog and that's it. You invest interest and time to see if this dog will fit with your family. TAGS makes sure the dog is going to a good home by insisting on the home visit and then the extended visit to insure everything works out nicely. Following the adoption there is some training which I think is great to begin a great bond with your new dog!

How was Jill's first few days with you and your family?

Our first day on the  extended visit my husband and I spent all day shopping with Jill. We looked for the perfect bowls on a stand, toys, treats, etc. It took twice as long cause Jill is a social butterfly, everyone stopped to look at her and want to pet her. Many stores later we had found everything to make her feel like home! 

How is she fitting in?

Jill on her Extended Visit

She has settled in with our family very well and we are so happy to have her in our lives. Jill's favourite place in the house would have to be in our cozy bed sleeping and chewing her bones!

She does very well on a leash and has no problems walking with our other dogs Turbo and Cheyenne. They all walk together very nicely. 

Jill also has many TAGS friends as we go to the park often. Her foster mom Gayle is still in her life as we have become great friends. I am just amazed with the work, connections and the difference TAGS makes in many ways for adoption, education, volunteering, and rescuing.

The Triumvirate!

Did Jill pick up any funny habits?

Jill likes to stash toilet paper cardboard rolls on our bed. She doesn't chew them, she just places them on our bed. No idea why!

In the morning she has more energy than my two JRTs, running around and getting the other two playing. She will take my one JRT back leg bite it and make his leg go up in the air to get him to play, it's funny to watch!

She loves to give kisses and have her belly rubbed.

P.S. she is spoiled!!!

Jill - probably dreaming about toilet paper

 Julie White did not only adopt Jill but she is now volunteering for TAGS. Thank you Julie and welcome to the TAGS team!

Are YOU thinking about volunteering, too? We are always looking for foster homes or general volunteers. Click here to apply.

Wordless Wednesday: Foster Home Needed!

Cali's foster mom moved away, so this purr machine
 needs a new foster home to live in while she waits to be adopted.

Check out our website if interested and please spread the word!

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This is a blog hop.
Check out the other participating blogs by clicking on the image below.

One Furry Reason to Foster Dogs

Here is a touching story from one of our foster volunteers, Chris Stones. It's amazing how the smallest things can mean the world to some of our rescue dogs.

Suzy Q is up for adoption! Photo: Heather

Last night Sheila and I were in bed watching TV as we normally do when Suzy Q suddenly decided to jump up on the bed and join us. That is a normal occurrence with Fred and Mia, our other two dogs, but for Suzy it was huge. She has suffered a tremendous trauma at some time in her life that has left her timid, scared and very wary of just about anything that walks on two legs, especially men. As foster parents, we are responsible for reintroducing Suzy Q to the real world and helping her forget the past and change her behaviour so she can once again enjoy the company of other dogs and people.

When we first got her, she took 15 minutes just to come out of her crate. She now roams freely about our home and plays with Fred and Mia constantly, and her trust factor with people improves every day.

Her jumping on the bed last night was like having your own child take their first step. It was like that moment when you are introduced to a small baby and they hang on to your finger for dear life. It was at that moment both Sheila and I realized that while we had seen small improvements every day, Suzy Q, while still timid and shy, trusts us and others. Now the task of rehabilitation can really start.

Suzy Q

I believe most of us would like to belong to something bigger—to give back to the universe even if just in a small way. This is our first foster, and while we will be very sad when Suzy Q is adopted, we will also be so proud of the strides she has made toward  being a balanced little dog. Her confidence, her trust factor, her personality, her playfulness get stronger every day, and we know it is partly because we have taken the time to care, taken the time to share our home and taken the time to share our own little pack of humans and animals with another animal that needed help to realize her full potential. When we uplift anything, another person, a child, an animal, or when we help anything that shares this planet with us, we give back to the universe around us, and what we get back is immeasurable.

I almost cried a little when Suzy Q jumped on the bed last night. I was so proud of her. She overcame her fear, ignored her gut feeling and took a chance. Imagine if that is all any of us did, to help another to overcome fear and take a chance . . . what an amazing world this would be.

Oshawa Centre Community Contact Day

Are you still hesitating about volunteering? The Animal Guardian Society promotes its volunteer and foster programs every June at the Oshawa Centre. 

Our table

If you have any questions or concerns and don't want to write lengthy emails, come out and talk to some of our volunteers to get a better picture of what TAGS is about. We always need volunteers or foster homes, and you can apply online.

Some of the positions available:

-PetSmart volunteers
-Fosters
-Designated cameraman or -woman for our YouTube channel
-Graphic designer

 

We will also be selling various dog toys, dog jackets, magnets, stickers and much more in order to raise money for our dogs and cats in need.

Our big red dog has become an attraction of its own over the years. Come and take a photo with him!

Dates: June 22, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
            June 23, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Location: Oshawa Centre, 419 King Street West, Oshawa, ON L1J 2K5

Our big red dog

How to Start Fostering with TAGS: FAQ

Are you considering fostering but don't know where to start? TAGS volunteers and foster parents are ready to help you set up for your first experience saving a dog's (or cat's) life!

How do I know if I qualify to be a foster parent?

Do you love pets? Do you have a house or an apartment with enough space in it? Do you have enough time to walk your foster dog and spend quality time with him or her on a daily basis? If your answers are yes to these questions, then you probably qualify.

Finding a perfect foster match is an important part of the foster program. By getting to know foster families better, we can help to choose the foster dog or cat that best suits the family. Foster animals come from all walks of life, some with history, most without. As is our goal with our adoption process, we want to work with our foster families to ensure that their experience as a foster is one that proves to be rewarding. 

What do I need to do to apply?

First, fill out this application form. 

CC image courtesy of Maggie Brauer on Flickr

Is this considered a form of volunteering?

Yes! Many people are not able to make time for volunteering in the traditional way, but fostering is a great opportunity for you to help out without having to change your daily routine a whole lot.

What if I already have a dog?

That shouldn't be a problem. It often even helps to have another dog for your foster dog to socialize with. 

What if I have a cat that doesn't like dogs? 

You can either try to slowly allow your cat to get used to the presence of a dog or foster a suitable cat.

 

Can I foster only cats?

Yes! If you prefer, you can apply to be a foster home for cats. TAGS doesn't have many, but there is always a need to save some. 

How fast will I get a dog?

It depends. Almost daily, we get notifications about dogs that are available to take from pounds, so it could happen as quickly as a couple of days after approval.

Are these dogs vetted/groomed before or after I get them?

We always try our best to have the new dogs checked out by a vet beforehand. However, sometimes there are emergency cases, in which we must place a dog somewhere before he or she gets a veterinary appointment.

How much of the expenses are covered by TAGS?

100% of the expenses are covered by TAGS, including medical care, food and treats, bedding, grooming and training.

 

What kind of dog food does TAGS use?

TAGS uses high-quality dog foods.

Some people foster lots of dogs! Quin & Rye (on the right&middle) 
are adoptable

How do I attain the dog food?

You can pick up your share from our dog park. Please ask for directions.

What other duties do I have as a foster parent?

Other than providing a loving foster home and doing some basic training (our training experts can help) with your foster dog, you are required to transport your pet to either the Whitby or Oshawa location of PetSmart for a dog showcase at least once a month. TAGS presents its adoptable pets at PetSmart every weekend so that people can get to know our organization and animals a little better.

There are also other events to which you may be required to bring your foster dog—for example, TV promotions or a puppy room event for university students, if your schedule allows.

Can I rename my foster dog?

Yes. Actually, our foster parents made up a Scrabble-like game to give more creative names to the newcomer dogs. But if you want, you can keep his or her original name.

What if I want to adopt my foster dog?

TAGS has a rule that you cannot adopt your first foster dog. But you can adopt your second (or any subsequent) one.

It's important to understand that by fostering, you are saving not just the fostered dog's life but potentially the life of another dog, too, who is still in a shelter waiting for a foster home to become available.

If you have any other questions, please let us know in the comments section!

Featured Volunteer: Nancy, the Amazing Foster Mom

Nancy has been a great addition to the TAGS foster team. Her very first foster dog was a husky mix who needed special treatment for a medical condition. But thanks to Nancy's great attendance and big heart, even this special dog found her forever home within a couple of months.

How long have you been volunteering?

I have been volunteering since July 2012. I love what I do, and it's so rewarding for me.

What made you decide to become a foster parent?

Busted! Starr and the cat do get along

There are so many reasons I volunteer. Most of all, it is very rewarding to see a dog go to its fur-ever home. I also love animals, and they love you back unconditionally. They are such a joy to have around, to play with, walk with and to love. There are so many animals out there that need homes that I thought this was a way in which I can give back to the community and not see so many animals put to sleep due to lack of room and no home to go to. 

What's the best and the worst things about being a foster mom?

The best part about being a foster parent is having a dog come into my home, not really knowing their background, and giving them the best life that they can have—by showing them how to learn new things and experience what it is truly like to be a dog. You ask if there is a worst part about being a foster parent, but there really isn't anything bad about it—just when the dog is being adopted, it's hard to see them go, but knowing that they are going to their fur-ever home makes it all worthwhile and definitely puts a smile on my face and makes me very happy.

When you have to, how do you choose a new name for your foster dog?

When a dog comes into my care, and I have to choose a name, I wait a few days before choosing one. I wait to see what type of personality they have. I look at how they interact and if they love attention, how they act with other animals in our household. Then I choose a name. I try to fit the personality with the name. 

How do you usually solve any differences that come up between your foster dog and your own pets?

When it comes to solving differences between my foster and the pets we have, I talk to some of the volunteers who also foster or to Kathy (founder of TAGS), and overall the advice they give works. If I still am having a bit of an issue between the animals, I try to teach them on my own or bring them to classes that TAGS offers. I don't treat my pets any different than my foster dog(s).

How did you deal with having to say goodbye to your first foster dog?

My first foster was Sasha, who has medical needs. It was very difficult to see her go to her new family. She was amazing, beautiful, and such a down-to-earth dog. The day before the adoption, I spent a lot of time with her, playing with her, walking with her outside and, yes, even talking to her. I told her she had to be a good girl and make me proud, which she has done. I gave her a lot of hugs and kisses and made her feel very special (something I do with all my fosters). The next day was the adoption, and I gave her a kiss and a big hug and passed her over to the family that was giving her a fur-ever home. It was a little difficult for me, for Sasha was my first foster and dealing with her medical condition, I had become very attached to her. But knowing that the family was going to give her a wonderful, loving home and lots of attention, I knew that this was the right family for her.

 Do you have any funny or cute stories about being a foster?

3 foster dogs - Harley, Starr and Layla

A really cute story that happened recently with my foster Starr was when I was sitting down for breakfast. Starr is normally at my feet waiting for a piece of toast even though she has already been outside and had her breakfast. Well, after about 10 minutes, I noticed she wasn't sitting and waiting for her toast. I decided to go look around the house for her to see if she was up to anything with the cats. I walked into my bedroom, and there she was asleep under the covers with her head on the pillow. I have never seen anything so cute as this, and she totally melted my heart. Starr probably stayed in bed till about 10, when I had to get her up finally to make my bed.  I just thought this was the cutest thing ever and had to take a picture.

Now, that you have been a foster mom for a while, what would your advice be to new foster parents (or to people who are considering fostering)?

My advice to anyone who is considering being a foster parent  or just recently became one is that not all animals are alike or are the perfect dog. Some will have medical issues, behaviour issues or training issues and may require a lot of attention. The dogs are not perfect, and sometimes the road for them may be a little long, but with patience, guidance, time and a lot of love, these dogs will overcome whatever issue they are dealing with. This is one of the most rewarding experiences I have had, and I definitely love what I do.