An educator for more than a decade, Margaret Ann Dimond is an advocate of basset hound rescues. Margaret Ann Dimond served on the board for the Basset Rescue of Michigan and has fostered more than 45 dogs, through the Mi Basset Hound Rescue, MI Golden Retriever Rescue League, and various other no kill foster organizations for canines.
Among the growing issues of animal rescues and shelters is the lack of resources to provide a safe haven for abandoned pets. Overpopulation, the primary culprit for more than 2.4 million healthy animals put down each year in the United States, makes it even more essential to have a network of people willing to open their homes for foster care.
Foster care offers a means to protect animals while a rescue or shelter seeks out an appropriate and safe home for the pet. The individual or family volunteering their home cares for the animal for as little as a few days or as long as several months, until the animal is adopted.
Before volunteering for foster care of any pet, a person should take into consideration the effort and amount of time necessary for creating a safe environment for the pet. Depending on past experiences, In the instance of a dog, it may need assistance learning how to use a dog door, ascending and descending stairs, and acclimating to staying at home on their own. The foster caregiver must also provide ample opportunities for exercise and play. As the pet undergoes placement, the foster parent plays a valuable role in meeting potential adopters and evaluating whether or not the person and family is the best fit for the animal.
Among the growing issues of animal rescues and shelters is the lack of resources to provide a safe haven for abandoned pets. Overpopulation, the primary culprit for more than 2.4 million healthy animals put down each year in the United States, makes it even more essential to have a network of people willing to open their homes for foster care.
Foster care offers a means to protect animals while a rescue or shelter seeks out an appropriate and safe home for the pet. The individual or family volunteering their home cares for the animal for as little as a few days or as long as several months, until the animal is adopted.
Before volunteering for foster care of any pet, a person should take into consideration the effort and amount of time necessary for creating a safe environment for the pet. Depending on past experiences, In the instance of a dog, it may need assistance learning how to use a dog door, ascending and descending stairs, and acclimating to staying at home on their own. The foster caregiver must also provide ample opportunities for exercise and play. As the pet undergoes placement, the foster parent plays a valuable role in meeting potential adopters and evaluating whether or not the person and family is the best fit for the animal.
