When I first considered fostering a pet, one thing I wondered was whether I'd be able to let my foster go when a good adopter came along. I still struggle with that question. I've had my foster kitty, Kirby, for about 5 months now. Every day, it gets a little bit harder to think about giving him up. But, if I would keep Kirby, that takes away a save place for another cat in desperate need of rescue. That's why I know when the time comes, as difficult as it will be, I will give Kirby to his new adoptive family.
When I talk to people who are considering fostering, one of the comments they make time and time again is that they don't think they'd be able to give the pet up. I think one of the best ways to think about it is that by adopting your foster, that's one less safe place for an animal in need of rescue.
On the other hand, all fosters are bound to "fail" at some time and adopt their foster pets. Some pets are just meant to be with you.
I ran across this fantastic article about letting go of a foster pet on PetLuvr.com. If you are a foster or if you are considering fostering, I strongly recommend reading this article. Here's an excerpt:
As we discussed in my last post, “So You Want to be a Foster Home,” the hardest part of fostering is letting go. For every foster pet, there comes a time when she has gained all she can from foster care, and needs to find a permanent, adoptive home. It’s bittersweet, knowing that you’ve done a great thing by giving an animal a second chance, but having to allow a pet you’ve come to love to move on. It’s important to allow yourself time to grieve, and to celebrate your foster pet’s new home.
Read more here.
2 comments:
Your post about fostering is so open and honest and gives a great insight of what it is like. It is a special gift you give to the animals and the new adoptive parents. It takes very special people to foster animals. Thank you so much!
I might be able to give up a pet that has been in my care. My wife, on the other hand, no way. She loves animals so much that it actually makes it difficult for her to help in this way. We would end up with a zoo. Finding the right person to care after animals short term is difficult. It's takes a special person that can provide the love and care, while at the same time can give up the animal when necessary.
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