What is a permanent foster?

Every one in a while a dog will come into rescue and upon evaluation, we find a serious medical condition. If you follow our site, you know we will do anything to help a dog. That said, some things are not "fixable"-in these rare situations, The Officers of BDHPI evaluate the dog for adaptability. In very few instances do we ever find an adopting family that will knowingly adopt a dog that they know does not have a lot of time. But we also realize that while the dog may be not be an candidate for adoption, it also doesn't mean their time is immediately up.

This is where our incredible foster families come into play. We have a few foster families who will take on these dogs. They will welcome these dogs into their home, show them love, treat them as their own..all the time knowing that the end is near. It is a very selfless act.

Speaking from personal experience, it isn't easy. It is always sad. But more than anything, it will fill your heart and soul with love. Knowing that you are giving the gift of family and love to an ill dog is incredibly fulfilling.

Over the last 6 years, my husband and I have taken in 5 permanent fosters. We have shed tears for each one, but they always ended up giving us more than we gave them. Their collars still hang in our laundry room, and as we hung our ornaments with their pictures on our tree last weekend, smiled and laughed at the memories they gave us. There was a lot of...

"Remember how Ozzie's tongue would fall out of his mouth when he slept?"

"Remember Blue's old man raspy bark that always made us laugh?"

I smiled all day (and maybe choked back a tear or two!). I was so thankful we were given the opportunity to make such great memories.

We are always looking for foster families who might be willing to be part of our permanent foster program. Maybe you don't have the time or resources to be part of our regular foster program, but could open your home up once in a while? We like to have families who can be called upon in times of need, knowing that they will be taking on a dog for how ever long they have left...it could be weeks...it could be months.

If you are interested in learning more about our permanent foster program, please email bree@bigdogshugepaws.com