Fostering a senior sheltie can be a rewarding experience for your family.
Fostering a dog up for adoption takes a special person, one who is willing to love and teach--and eventually let go--so that the foster dog can go to its "forever home." When that dog is a senior Shetland sheepdog (or sheltie), a breed known for being shy, fostering can mean helping the dog to trust and feel comfortable around people and other animals. Caring for an older sheltie may also include dealing with the health issues inherent in some senior dogs.
Instructions
1. Contact your local sheltie rescue and ask about any senior dogs that need fostering. If there is not a sheltie rescue in your area, go online to find one that is close enough for you to drive to pick up a dog or who is willing to bring a dog to you. The American Shetland Sheepdog Association (the ASSA) posts a map on its website locating sheltie rescues in most states.
2. Fill out the shelter's application detailing how you plan on caring for your foster sheltie. You may be asked about other people and animals in your household, specifics about your house and yard, your work hours and previous experience in fostering or adopting rescue dogs. You will probably need to provide inoculation records from your veterinarian if you have other dogs in the house.
3. Prepare yourself and your house for a home visit from shelter personnel. Required by some sheltie rescues, rescue volunteers check for adequate housing and safe and secure fencing if you have a yard. You may also be interviewed as to your expectations of fostering and your ability to train and socialize your senior sheltie if necessary.
4. Set up a crate with appropriate bedding, toys and food and water bowls for your foster dog. Although some rescues provide crates and bowls for foster families, you may need to purchase these articles prior to fostering.
5. Show your senior sheltie his crate, toys and bowls once he moves into your home. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), shelties can be reserved around strangers and some show timidity or nervousness. Allow your senior foster dog time alone in his crate if he initially retreats, until he becomes comfortable and his timidity lessens.
6. Schedule an appointment for the sheltie with a veterinarian. Having a vet do a complete examination of your foster dog brings up any pertinent heath issues that need veterinary care now or in the future.
7. Administer any medications prescribed by your veterinarian or provided by the rescue group or shelter.
8. Begin working with your senior sheltie to socialize him to other people and animals. House training your foster dog and getting him used to walking on a leash may be necessary depending his previous owners and/or background. Preparing your foster dog for his "forever family" makes him more adoptable.
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