We want to give a huge shout out to our foster carers – those who supported us for years and our newcomers – who have taken our hounds into their homes and hearts to give them the best start to pet life. Loads of people answered our ad a few months ago and lots of them currently have a hound in their home.
We are again looking for more foster carers, mainly throughout the North Island, especially in the Manawatu and Wellington regions. We’ve had lots of people with cats interested in fostering, but with a current shortage of cat trainable dogs, these go in and out the door really quickly. So, if you are keen to help, know a thing or two about dogs (it is absolutely fine if you already have one) and don’t have a cat, then we would love to hear from you!
Check out our current opportunities here. If you live in other parts of the countries, but are keen to help, don’t hesitate and fill out the application form on our website anyway.
If you are tempted, but not yet sure, here is what three of our foster carers who recently joined our team have to say:
Anna in Gisborne, fostered Kelly, Alaska & Ziggy
The joys of fostering.
This year we started fostering, three hounds to date, after adopting our own in February 2018. Hubby and I get as much , if not more pleasure out of the experience than the dogs do, I am sure I smile and laugh a lot more, which must be good for my health!
It is so rewarding seeing their milestones…1st kiss of the cat, 1st leap into car ,. 1st play with a toy, 1st play interaction with your own hound, 1st roach or dream. The list goes on and each moment can bring tears to your eyes as they embrace this new life as a pet.
Each foster dog comes with a comprehensive guide full of helpful tips and advice. So good in fact hubby is now telling me (the main foster carer) all the things we should be doing!!
Can’t wait to meet our next one. Greyhound cuddles are the best.
Amy in Gisborne is fostering JT
We have had our first foster greyhound for just over 3 weeks now and have loved every second of it. I admit I was nervous that first day or two, worried if I told him off too much he would start to panic about his new world and his new life off the track. But I didn't have to worry. Once I realised he had no interest in escaping our backyard, and that he loved to play with anything ball shaped, and also enjoyed playing with our two kids, he was very content.
Fostering a fresh off the track greyhound has been so much fun, and has had us thinking on our toes a lot. JT was the biggest dog we have ever fostered (and he is small for a greyhound!) so we very quickly learnt that we couldn't leave food or anything tasty looking on the bench because he could counter surf! Our 7 year old daughter learnt quickly that she should keep her bedroom door closed when JT was around because her thousands of soft toys were too tempting for him and we found a few slobbery toys outside, always well loved but not chewed thankfully.
Our cats have taken to living at the front of the house where JT can't get to, so it has been an adjustment for them too. Having a greyhound has made me exercise more too. Our dog (a dachshund cross) is quite content with a run at the beach once a week, but JT has more energy, but tires quickly, so 1 or 2 short walks every day suited him better, and a few ball throws in the backyard with the kids worked well before bedtime.
All in all, we have love the experience of fostering a greyhound, the snuggles they can give you with their head always right by your side, and their big brown eyes are so full of trust you can't help but stare into them and wonder what they truly think of their new life.
Monica in Auckland, fostered Elephant and Mick
We are new to fostering and in the past couple of months have looked after two gorgeous boys, Ele and Mick.
Fostering is like taking on a big puppy... you need time, patience and to understand that everything is new to them; from learning how to walk up and down stairs, to toilet train, and just being inside a house and getting used to a completely different environment.
It has been so amazing to spend time with both these boys and see their transition, becoming comfortable in the house and enjoying scratches, play and zoomies, cuddles and attention. The hardest part is definitely saying good bye when they are adopted! However, it is incredibly rewarding to be part of their journey, and both Ele and Mick have now found their loving forever homes.
Maree in Tauranga, fostered Texas
I travel a lot, so fostering suits me well as I can foster for a short time between trips and it’s company for my cheeky whippet.
I'm not special or worthy. To me, it's just the next best thing to full time ownership and it's cool to watch them go from race dog to pet.
You see them come out of their shell so much in that time. From being scared of many sights and sounds and uncertainty of life, to become the complete goofball a greyhound naturally is, and learning to play. That's the best bit.
It's also pretty easy to fit one extra into the routine. So if you’re undecided on fostering or getting a dog or a second, then give it a go. It's only for a short time.
When they've gone from hiding away, to the morning tail tag wagging bouncy dog, ready for a walk and ear scratch, you just know fostering helps for adoption options.
Try keeping them off the sofas though...