One of our amazing fosterers wrote to tell us why she fosters greyhounds and loves doing it.
I had to have my GSD/Collie Cross put to sleep in February of this year. I really missed having him around and was feeling very sad. I applied as a volunteer at Dogwatch in Christchurch but never heard from them.
In April, I went to the Pet Expo, hoping just to see some lovely animals. On seeing the GAP stand I made a beeline as I had looked at adopting in the UK but my own boy was strictly an only dog! I met Desiree and got talking to the people on the stand - they asked straight out if I would like to adopt :-). However, I explained that living in a rental in Christchurch, my husband and I didn't want to go down that route as if we had to move, for whatever reason, rentals that allow dogs are almost impossible to find. To have to give up a dog, especially after losing one, would be too hard. Desiree immediately suggested fostering.
Fostering was something that never occurred to me - I'm not even sure I knew if it was possible. However, it sounded like a good solution. I would get my 'dog fix' but on a temporary basis. My husband wasn't sure as he thought I might find it hard when I had to return them. However, it was something I wanted to try. I decided that I would look on my foster dogs as on loan, that I was looking after them for a friend etc. just so I wouldn't get too attached.
Susan came round for a home check and brought Tokie with her. She told us that this would be our hound once all the paper work had been done. I was so excited and couldn't wait to pick her up. We were given her fleece jacket, rain jacket, muzzle, lead and food when we went to collect her in May. On the same day we took her to a GAP lead walk in Hagley Park - it was like getting ready to go out with a baby - 'do we need her fleece jacket, have you got her muzzle, what about water?'.
Tokie was a lovely first hound and I definitely fell in love with her. When Desiree told me she had found her forever home, I did cry and taking her back to handover was hard. However, I just kept telling myself that we had helped in her transition from racing hound to pet hound.
I am now on my number 3 and 4 hounds - Dolly is Tokie's daughter and very similar in her ways! I enjoy going out on daily walks and people always want to have a chat about the greys. They make me laugh, they make me mad. I am that crazy dog woman :-).
The gorgeous hounds in these photos are Dolly (Archie's Doll) and Po (Natalia Bale).
Thanks Karen for sending in your story and a huge thank you to you and everyone that fosters. You really do make a difference to each and every greyhound you take care of!