Fosterer's Page

COULD YOU BE A FOSTERER?

As part of our dog re-homing process we need fosterers. Fosterers can live in any part of the UK, in fact, the more we have across the entire country, the better!

If you are already a fosterer, or are thinking of becoming one, please read the guidance below.

Our fosterers do a wonderful job, welcoming these sometimes traumatised dogs into their human and doggy families, where they learn to trust once again and, sometimes to adapt to living in a house for the very first time.

We don't expect our fosterers to be expert dog trainers, but we do ask that they read the Rules for Humans below together with the article YOU AND YOUR NEW DOG By Gemma Wickenden on our training page.

1. Even with the nicest natured dogs, NEVER leave children alone with them.
2. NEVER allow children to take dogs for walks on their own.
3. NEVER allow dogs off the lead unless you are 100% sure it is safe to do so (see 'Letting Dogs off the Lead' below).
4. NEVER chastise a dog when it returns to you even if he/she has been "naughty".
5. NEVER throw sticks or stones.
6. NEVER leave strange dogs together unattended. .
7. NEVER leave dogs alone together with collars on.
8. NEVER give dogs chocolate, grapes, raisins, raw potatoes or onions.

If dogs are found to have any major behavioural problems, we will try to place them with a fosterer who is also a behaviourist and trainer if one is available, for as long as is required.

During the transition period of time spent in their foster home (ideally 2 to 3 weeks but may be longer) all dogs will be given appropriate flower essences and homeopathic remedies to help them settle.

Please remember that some of these dogs may have had a very poor start in life and it may take them some time to settle into their new environment. Fosterers need a great deal of patience and understanding when dealing with their foster dogs. Other family dogs can often be a very calming influence especially with those dogs who have been rescued from puppy farms.

If veterinary treatment is required, whether for an emergency (where the dog has been injured or is showing signs of serious illness), or a routine matter, Lorraine must be advised in all cases on 07956 686909. If she is not available, contact Jackie. For non-emergency cases, if you provide a brief description of the symptoms, alternative suggestions for treatment may be offered, such as homeopathic remedies.

IRR will cover all veterinary expenses on production of a receipt as long as we are asked in advance and consent is given.

The dogs need a good, healthy diet and as much fresh air and exercise as possible. This may have to be built up slowly in certain cases for example, where a dog is severely malnourished. Fosterers normally pay for food out of their own pockets but may contact IRR for assistance if this is difficult.

When exercising IRR rescue dogs, we ask that our fosterers keep the dog on the lead at all times when in public areas (unless you have a totally secure area in which to exercise them). The dog may not have received any proper training and might not respond immediately to recall commands. They may well be scared of their new environment and unfamiliar surroundings. When exercising near busy roads, there is an increased risk of them running into the road and being injured or worse still, causing a traffic accident.

There may be aspects of their temperament which are not fully known and the dog may exhibit unexpected behaviour when coming into contact with other dogs. Do do not allow your dog to run up to another dog that is on a lead. Many dogs are kept on leads because they may have behavioural problems. Small children and even some adults can be frightened of an unleashed dog running up to them no matter how friendly the dog might be.

NEVER use a flexi-lead, it only takes 1/4 sec for a dog and person to be pulled under the wheels of a vehicle. A long line can be attached to the dog when you get to a safe area instead. You will have more control and feel a lot safer.

Needless to say, all dogs should be wearing identity tags with fosterer's surname and contact telephone numbers, both land-line and mobile, clearly visible.

Finally, the fosterers have to be brave and let their charges go, which is often the hardest part of the job. It is also the most worthwhile, especially when they see their foster dog healthy and happy with their forever families at our Annual Reunion, details of which can be found under the Home Page Main Menu.

PLEASE NOTE that fostering for IRR is not a fast track to adopting one of our wonderful dogs and by-passing the normal waiting list unless, of course, because of special needs, there is nobody suitable wishing to adopt that particular dog.

Please read the following leaflets which are published on the Downloads page under Main Menu.

All Homeopathic remedies are charged to IRR for all IRR Foster dogs. There is also an Order Form for Homeopathic Remedies which all fosterers can complete and forward directly to Dr Sam by email.

HOW TO APPLY

If you think you could help us by being a Fosterer, please download, complete and return the application form via email. If you require more information, please contact Jackie at JackieIRR@talktalk.net or Tel: 01263 826383.

It can take lots of time, effort and hard work to improve a rescue dog's behaviour initially but it is worthwhile and very rewarding when you are able to see the change in them.