ANDY Andy is a rock. He is always happy to meet dogs for us at SILLY o clock in the morning and transport them for us. He also does homechecks for us, aswell as having the honour of fostering many more dogs for IRR than anyone else. Andy and his mum, Val, started fostering for the IRR in May 2005, expecting to foster 3, maybe 4 dogs a year, Ben and Zena were numbers 33 and 34. At the beginning they were more than a little apprehensive, and have had to learn as they went along. Some of their guests presented them with a challenge, but they were the ones who gave them the greatest sense of satisfaction, when the dogs learnt to fully trust them, or returned to full health. They admit to still learning now, as each dog has different needs and their own unique personality. Fortunately for all the IRR fosterers, there is a great support network available, to deal with any problems that may arise, answer questions and give advice. ANDY says The question we are always asked is......how can you give them up? and on many occasions it has been incredibly sad parting with them. Not having dogs of our own means we are in a good position to accommodate most types of dog. It is this that allows us to wave goodbye to our wonderful furry friends, knowing that they are going to a great home, and there will always be another dog arriving soon in need of our help. It is an experience we would not have missed for the world, and we hope to carry on as long as the IRR will have us. We have met lots of lovely people, many of them keeping us updated on how our dogs are, some even bringing them back to visit. Andy is very ably assisted by his Mum, Val, who gives her special brand of TLC to every foster dog. Even on holiday in Turkey, Val could not resist having cuddles with the local canines, bless her.
Andy says "I have given this a little thought and have decided on these 2 pictures, which for me illustrate what it is all about, and why we foster............a sort of before and after."
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TRANSPORTER and FOSTERER EXTRAORDINAIRE
